How can female founders find capital in a world where investors are not looking for them?
- In 2024, women-founded startups in Africa received just 1% of total VC funding, marking a five-year low.
- Investment experts discussed systemic biases in venture capital that sideline female founders at a roundtable organized by Spurt! and the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub.
- Bias in due diligence processes was highlighted, with women facing absurd questions during investment meetings.
The systemic biases and structural issues in venture capital funding for female founders are deeply entrenched and require comprehensive changes in both investor training and funding practices. While initiatives like the LSETF provide some support, the onus is also on female entrepreneurs to actively engage with the investment community to overcome these barriers. A multifaceted approach that includes policy changes, investor education, and enhanced support for women is essential to create a more equitable funding landscape.
