The Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge has launched in India, offering $50,000 in equity-free funding to women-led startups in the technology sector. The initiative aims to bridge the gender funding gap and empower female entrepreneurs to scale their ventures, secure investments, and access global networks. Prosus, a leading technology investor, has partnered with Encubay, a global network focused on equity in entrepreneurship, and VAIA Climate, an investment advisory firm, to drive this challenge forward.
Deeksha Ahuja, Founder of Encubay, emphasized their commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs, stating, “Encubay was built to bridge the equity gap for women entrepreneurs. Partnering on initiatives like the Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge aligns with our commitment to empowering female founders with access to capital, networks, and mentorship.”
Women-led startups currently receive less than 5% of global venture capital funding, a disparity the FoundHER Challenge aims to address. Prajna Khanna, Global Head of Sustainability at Prosus Group and Naspers Limited, highlighted the need for action, saying, “Women in tech don’t need more barriers—they need opportunities.
Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge is about action, backing women-led startups to scale, innovate, and lead.”
The challenge follows a structured format to identify and support high-potential women-led startups.
Bridging gender gaps in tech
Women-led tech startups can apply before April 4, 2025.
Thirty founders will be shortlisted based on innovation, scalability, and impact. The selected founders will pitch their startups on May 25, 2025, and three winners will receive up to $50,000 in equity-free funding. An esteemed panel of judges will evaluate the final pitches, including Anjali Bansal from Avaana Capital, Archana Jahagirdar from Rukam Capital, Ronak Sandil from Amazon Ventures, Apurva Dixit from Blume Ventures, and Martin Tschopp and Priyanka Chopra from Prosus Ventures.
Encubay’s global network of investors, founders, and corporates will play a vital role in supporting the participating startups. Avneet Kohli, Founder of Encubay, emphasized their dedication to fostering an inclusive ecosystem, stating, “We are dedicated to creating an inclusive ecosystem where women thrive as leaders in tech.”
The Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge presents a significant opportunity for aspiring women entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures, connect with investors, and accelerate their growth in the tech landscape. By providing catalytic capital and access to networks, the initiative aims to drive innovation and support businesses with a social impact, aligning with Prosus’ mission.
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