Angel Investment Network (AIN), the platform connecting angel investors with startups, has launched a new platform connecting female founders and investors.
The new ‘Female Founders’ platform was set up to address the under-representation of women in the industry both as investors and founders.
The investor community on 14-year-old AIN in the UK consists of around 17,000 angel investors, but fewer than 10% of these are women. The new platform will showcase women-led businesses and help them find investment and mentoring from female investors.
AIN said it is the first step in a wider mission to develop female representation within the industry through community events and meetups as well as a digital network.
The selection of women-led businesses on the platform for launch include:
- Tumelo, a sustainable investment platform that helps you invest in the stock market with portfolios that align with your values;
- Ebisu, a digital healthcare service with advanced telecommunication video technology and Bluetooth diagnostic equipment to give same-day access to GPs, Advanced Practitioners and Counsellors for public use; and
- 28 Well Hung, a fast-casual “Climate Beneficial” dining concept, serving 100% pasture-fed, 28 day dry-aged British heritage meat, grazed to sequester carbon and regenerate soil. Described as the ‘Go-to casual dining experience for conscious consumers’.
According to Olivia Sibony, head of impact investment at Angel Investment Network, said: “We believe that promoting female entrepreneurship is central to economic growth and meaningful innovation, yet women are woefully unrepresented both as investors and business founders.
“This really impacts onto the whole business eco-system, with women more likely to support other women and impact-conscious businesses that can bring about positive and lasting solutions to the world’s most serious problems.”
She continued: “Supporting both the brilliant women-led businesses already on the platform and investors who choose to follow it is the first step in our journey to bring together a community interested in growing female representation in the industry.
“The ultimate mission is to give women a louder and larger support network, to transform business, answer consumer needs and solve problems facing humanity.”