The Tech FoundHER Challenge, launched by one of the world’s leading tech investors, offers $50,000 in equity-free funding to women-led startups in India. The initiative aims to close the gender funding gap in the technology sector and help female founders scale their businesses, secure funding, and access international networks. Deeksha Ahuja, Founder of Encubay, a global network focused on equity in entrepreneurship, said, “Encubay was built to bridge the equity gap for women entrepreneurs.
This challenge aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering female founders with capital, networks, and mentorship.”
The tech investor, which has invested nearly $9 billion in India across various sectors, sees this challenge as a strategic move to fuel innovation with a more inclusive investment approach. Prajna Khanna, Global Head of Sustainability at the tech investment group, stated, “Women in tech don’t need more barriers—they need opportunities. The FoundHER Challenge is about taking action and backing women-led startups to scale, innovate, and lead.
Despite some progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in tech and venture capital funding.
Studies show that women-led startups receive less than 5% of global VC funding, a gap the FoundHER Challenge seeks to address.
Bridging tech’s gender funding gap
The challenge invites women-led tech startups to apply by April 4, 2025.
Thirty startups will be shortlisted, with six finalists pitching in person on May 25, 2025, in Bangalore. Three winners will be awarded $50,000 in non-dilutive capital to accelerate their businesses. In addition to funding, the challenge provides access to an elite jury of investors and industry leaders, including Anjali Bansal (Avaana Capital), Archana Jahagirdar (Rukam Capital), Ronak Sandil (Amazon Ventures), Apurva Dixit (Blume Ventures), Martin Tschopp (CEO, a leading tech investor), and Priyanka Chopra (CFO, the same tech investor).
Encubay, spearheading the challenge, has a network of over 10,000 founders, investors, and corporate partners. It claims to have helped over 7,500 startups scale through capital access, strategic partnerships, and global expansion programs. Avneet Kohli, Founder of Encubay, added, “Encubay’s global network of founders, investors, and corporates will play a key role in supporting participating startups.
We are committed to creating an inclusive ecosystem where women thrive as leaders in tech.”
The Tech FoundHER Challenge represents a significant step forward in addressing gender disparity in tech funding, offering hope for women entrepreneurs looking to carve a niche in the tech industry.
Photo by Chris Ried; Unsplash