Let’s face it – securing funding as a female founder can feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. But it is possible. My co-founder Steph and I have raised £1.4 million in VC and angel funding, and trust me, if we can do it, so can you.
It’s wild that less than 2% of VC funding goes to women, especially when First Round Capital found female-founded firms performed 63% better than all-male teams. And globally, women-owned businesses are growing faster, creating more jobs, and generating more revenue. The stats don’t lie – the gap in funding isn’t about ability, it’s about access. So how do we start tipping the scales? Here are five things we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that helped us get funding and hopefully, these tips can help you too.
Know who your people are
Before you jump in, spend some time figuring out who your dream investors are. Not just anyone with money – the right kind of money. You want investors who back founders like you, believe in your mission, and feel like a good values match. We dug into who had invested in female founders we admired, and we interviewed other founders those investors backed. That’s right, due diligence works both ways. Honestly, that saved us from a few horror stories and helped us find the right fit. Think of it like dating, but with less awkwardness (hopefully) and more spreadsheets.
Don’t just network – nurture
From day one, Steph and I were out there building connections like our lives depended on it. Not in a transactional way, but by genuinely getting to know people. It wasn’t always comfortable (hello, imposter syndrome), but we pushed through, and we always followed up – short emails, newsletters every month or two, even the odd video update to keep people in the loop. Staying top of people’s mind made a massive difference. So be brave, show up, and remember – you never know who knows who.
Nail how you talk about your business
You have to get really good at explaining what you do, why it matters, and why it’s worth investing in, and quickly. You’ll probably only have a minute or two to grab someone’s attention. It took us a while (and lots of awkward ramblings) to craft something that landed, but once we did, everything changed. Keep it simple, powerful, and memorable. No jargon. No fluff. Just the heart of why you’re the one to build this business.
Find your people (the ones who’ve done it before)
We leaned hard on other women who’d walked this road before us – mentors, fellow founders, inspirational women who’d raised investment and lived to tell the tale. We asked questions, learned what to avoid, and soaked up their wisdom. If you don’t have a mentor yet, find one. Female founder groups, events, LinkedIn – it’s all out there, and don’t be afraid to ask. Most of us want to help lift others up too.
Be pitch perfect (and SEIS/EIS savvy)
You’ll likely get a shot to pitch – so make it count. Show that you know your stuff. What’s your USP? Your traction? Your growth plan? And crucially – if you’re in the UK, get super clear on SEIS/EIS. Once we could explain exactly how those schemes benefited our angel investors, it was a game changer. It gave us confidence and made it easier for them to say yes.
Speaking of confidence – this bit’s important. For too long, we felt like we were going around with a begging bowl, hoping someone would take a chance on us. But when we realised we had the business that could make them money? Everything shifted. We stopped asking for permission and started asking for investment.
There’s still work to do on gender equality in funding. But every time one of us secures investment, we crack the door open a bit more for the next founder.
So do your homework, believe in your business, and surround yourself with people who get it. You’re not just asking for money – you’re offering a seat on the rocket ship. Let’s back ourselves, and each other.
About Author
Louise Doyle is the co-founder and CEO of needi, the corporate gifting platform helping some of the world’s leading companies deliver truly personal gifts, experiences and branded merchandise. Powered by AI and rooted in psychology, needi connects businesses with meaningful, sustainable products from local, independent brands.
