Time is running out to nominate candidates for the 2020 AccelerateHER Awards which recognise the efforts of female entrepreneurs in STEM-related sectors.
The deadline for entries is Friday, 20th December. Past participants have benefitted through practical support such as business boot camps, advice on pitching for investment and through access to international trade missions.Fourteen of the winners and finalists have raised nearly £24 million in investment to date.
This year’s programme is seeking businesswomen whose companies fit into one of four categories: MedTech and Science; FinTech and Cyber Security; CleanTech and Climate; or Disruptive Innovation.
AccelerateHER aims to increase the issue of female under-representation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related careers. It hopes mentors and role models such as Rachel Jones of SnapDragon, one of last year’s AccelerateHER Awards winners, and Dr Kate Cameron of Cytochroma, a past finalist will inspire others.
Jackie Waring, CEO at Investing Women, said: "Encouraging more established businesswomen to become investors is a key part of the STEM equation. The steady growth in US female business angels has been echoed by growth in women pitching high-growth companies for investment. In 2005, when only 8% of American angel investors were female, a corresponding 8% of entrepreneurs were female.
"The latest figures show large increases with the number of US women business angels growing to more than 25%, with 25% of angel backed companies being women-led."
