Invest in Women Taskforce Secures £635 Million, Deploys £70 Million Across 15 Deals
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 17
Invest in Women Taskforce Secures £635 Million, Deploys £70 Million Across 15 Deals
1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 17
£635 million has been secured for women-led businesses by the Invest in Women Taskforce, with £70 million already invested in 15 deals in its first year, the government said.
That push comes as female founders still face a steep funding gap: MPs said last year that only 2% of venture capital went to women, while all-male teams received 80%.
In the North East, where just 15% of businesses are female-led, entrepreneurs told ministers at Downing Street that childcare pressures, weak support networks and low visibility still hold women back.
The Women and Equalities Committee had urged the government to widen investment routes, boost support beyond London and have the British Business Bank direct at least 30% of its finance to female-led firms.
Founders including Kylie Dixon, Claire Goodliff and Jamilah Hassan said stronger role models, local business spaces and investor access are starting to open rooms women were previously shut out of.
Why are investors ignoring a 35% higher return from female founders, leaving billions on the table?
The UK loses £38B annually to childcare gaps. What is blocking the proven economic solutions?