Finalists will get access to a year-long mentorship programme and networking opportunities, as well as the chance to participate in Project Female Founder 2025, a global investor readiness programme sponsored by UBS, designed to help early-stage founders gain access to aligned capital. 

They will be introduced to key industry players, including leading venture capitalists, giving them a unique platform to scale their businesses. 

UBS’s 'The Funding Gap – Investors and Female entrepreneurs' report from 2021 showed that female entrepreneurs receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts, despite often outperforming them when they do secure investment. 

UBS said the report provided a "starting point to address this imbalance, offering a platform to recognise, support, and propel women entrepreneurs towards greater success while addressing the missed opportunities for investors”. 

For the first time in the award’s history, UBS is partnering with institutions from venture capital and the broader investment community, including Anthemis, Tenity, European Women in VC, Epic Angels, and AMAM Ventures. These investor teams will play a central role on the jury. 

Emma Wheeler, Head of Women’s Wealth at UBS Global Wealth Management, said: “We are committed to helping female founders break through the barriers that still exist in today’s entrepreneurial landscape.

“Through the Female Founder Award, we are not only recognising their incredible achievements but also offering them resources and opportunities to reach new heights.

“We believe that female founders represent a largely untapped source of innovation and investment potential.” 

Andrea Fritschi, Managing Partner at Tenity, added: “Supporting female entrepreneurs isn’t just about diversity – it’s about unlocking incredible potential.

“We’re thrilled to be part of this initiative, offering guidance and resources to help these women scale their businesses globally.” 

The nomination and application period is open until 20 October.

The award ceremony, where the winner and the 'Rising Star' will be announced, will take place on 13 December. 

Click HERE to learn more about the UBS Female Founder Award 2024.