The Tech FoundHER Challenge, launched by one of the world’s largest tech investors, is offering $50,000 in equity-free funding to women-led startups in India. The initiative aims to close the gender funding gap in the country’s technology sector. Launched in partnership with Encubay, a global network focused on equity in entrepreneurship, and VAIA Climate, an investment advisory firm, the challenge will help female founders scale, secure funding, and access international networks.
Encubay was built to bridge the equity gap for women entrepreneurs,” said Deeksha Ahuja, Founder of Encubay. “This challenge aligns perfectly with our mission of empowering female founders with capital, networks, and mentorship.”
The investor, which has invested nearly $9 billion in India across fintech, e-commerce, and food delivery, sees the challenge as a strategic move to fuel innovation with a more inclusive investment approach. Women in tech don’t need more barriers—they need opportunities,” said Prajna Khanna, Global Head of Sustainability at the tech investment group.
The FoundHER Challenge is about taking action and backing women-led startups to scale, innovate, and lead.
Despite 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.
Funding support for women entrepreneurs
The challenge invites women-led tech startups to apply by April 4, 2025. Thirty startups will be shortlisted, and six finalists will pitch in person on May 25, 2025, in Bangalore. Three winners will be awarded $50,000 in non-dilutive capital to accelerate their businesses.
Beyond 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, Prosus Ventures), and Priyanka Chopra (CFO, Prosus Ventures). Encubay, spearheading the challenge alongside the tech investment group, 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.
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,” added Avneet Kohli, Founder of Encubay.
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
