In the UK, women own nearly one in five businesses, yet they receive just 1.8% of equity investment: a statistic that’s not just startling, but economically unsustainable. According to the British Business Bank, all-female founder teams raised only £232 million across 162 deals in 2023. The gender funding gap isn’t just a matter of fairness, it’s a missed opportunity worth up to £250 billion in potential economic growth.

But change is underway. A new wave of funding initiatives, accelerators, and government-backed programmes are reshaping the landscape for female entrepreneurs.

The rise of targeted investment

One of the most ambitious efforts is the Invest in Women Taskforce, a government-backed initiative that has created a bespoke funding pool exceeding £250 million. Supported by major investors like Barclays, Aviva, and Morgan Stanley, the fund is designed to be deployed by female investment decision-makers, recognising that women are twice as likely to invest in female-led businesses.

Barclays’ own Eagle Labs Female Founder Accelerator is another standout. It offers mentorship, technical insight, and peer-to-peer support, helping women scale their ventures without demanding equity in return. As Eliza Twist, founder of Detach Tech, shared: “The accelerator offered both clarity and community just when I needed it most. I left with sharper tools and a stronger network”.

All-female founded companies receive less fundraising in the Growth and Established stages compared to mixed and all-male founded companies. Source: Equity Hub, 2024

Beyond venture capital: Alternative paths to funding

While venture capital remains elusive for many, alternative funding routes are gaining traction:

• Government-backed Start Up Loans offer up to £25,000 with fixed interest and business support.
• Innovate UK’s Women in Innovation Awards provide £75,000 grants to women tackling societal and environmental challenges.
• Debt finance and asset-based lending are increasingly tailored to female-led businesses, with platforms like Funding Options connecting founders to over 120 lenders.

Leading UK funding initiatives for women in business

The UK government, private investors, and social impact organisations are actively working to close the gender funding gap. Here are some standout programmes:

1. Invest in Women Taskforce

• Backed by Barclays, Aviva, and Morgan Stanley
• Established a £255 million fund targeting female-led startups
• Offers mentorship, financial support, and investor matchmaking

2. Innovate UK – Women in Innovation Awards

• Provides £75,000 grants
• Tailored for women tackling societal, environmental, and tech challenges
• Includes media exposure and business support

3. Female Founders Fund (FFF)

• Offers early-stage investments from £400k to £650k
• Focuses on B2B, fintech, and healthcare startups with scalable models

4. Revenge Capital

• A bold £50 million fund supporting underrepresented founders
• Based in London; includes funding and hands-on advisory services

5. Hatch Enterprise – Female Founders Accelerator

• Targeted support for growth-stage founders
• Up to £1,000 in funding, plus coaching and networking events

6. The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme

• Designed for young entrepreneurs aged 18–30
• Offers grants, mentorship, and business training for aspiring founders

Expert tips to secure funding as a female founder

Navigating the funding ecosystem requires strategy. Here’s what works:

• Craft a compelling pitch deck. Data shows only 5% of pitch decks come from female teams.
• Seek out female-focused investors and networks, such as Angel Academe or the Women Backing Women fund.
• Join accelerators and incubators that offer mentorship and visibility, not just capital.

A call to action

The UK’s entrepreneurial future depends on unlocking the full potential of its female founders. With structural change underway and funding pools expanding, now is the time to act. Whether you’re a startup founder, investor, or policymaker, supporting women in business isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart economics.

At 1Office, we’re proud to be part of the journey for many entrepreneurs, especially women breaking new ground in business. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling fast, we make the process of launching your company simple, secure, and compliant.

Our UK team is ready to support your vision, so you can focus on building the business that inspires you.

Thinking about your next move? Start your UK company with 1Office today.