Helping small businesses in the US to grow

GROW

We’re nurturing young female entrepreneurs as they explore their potential

Women continue to be underrepresented in technology. In the US, women make up less than 27 per cent of the industry⁹; a figure that has declined in recent years. Aside from gender stereotyping, a lack of role models, mentorship, and encouragement have been identified as key factors.

In response, we established Women in Tech in 2014. Aligned with Futuremakers’ focus on promoting female economic inclusion, Women in Tech became part of Futuremakers in 2019.

Implemented by The Zahn Innovation Centre, Women in Tech in the US supports female-led start-ups with business management training, mentoring, and funding. We provide female university students with the support and resources they need to transform start-ups into successful businesses.

Organovis has won the 2023 Women in Tech Incubator Competition. The student-led start-up received USD25,000 to support the development of its business plans to transform drug testing by making it more precise, ethical, and affordable.

Mentorship is a critical factor, with bank employees and local leaders in tech and government becoming vital role models for participants. Annual seed funding is also awarded to the winners of a pitch competition.

Success story

After receiving the Women in Tech training, mentorship, and advice, student-led start-up Carella won USD25,000 in seed funding.

This provided the knowledge and resources Carella needed to officially launch its car-diagnostic business idea.

There is much more behind the scenes in establishing a new start-up. We are incredibly grateful to the Zahn Center staff and Standard Chartered for the support, resources, and opportunities they have provided us.

Samira
CEO of Carella