Latest news with #FemaleFounders
BBC News
07-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Bedfordshire business group 'puts women in the spotlight'
Business group 'puts women in the spotlight' 19 minutes ago Share Save Alex Pope BBC News, Bedfordshire Reporting from Bedford Share Save Emily Bateman Photography Lauren Troiano set up the Female Founders group so she did not "feel as lonely" A woman who set up a networking group connecting female entrepreneurs said she wanted to "put women in the spotlight" who "don't shout about what we do and our achievements". Lauren Troiano, 32, started the Female Founders Club in Bedfordshire six months ago to highlight local businesses and boost collaboration. She said the free group, which has gained about 52 members, offered a place for women to meet, communicate, network and support each other. Monika Czuj, one of its members, said: "It's unfolded so many opportunities in the business world that would not have been possible without this network." Emily Bateman Photography The Female Founders group has about 52 members including shop owners, yoga instructors, beauty therapists and dance teachers Ms Troiano, from Bedford, started The Little Marketing Company last year after having her son. She said she became a "female founder" because she wanted to "highlight and put women in the spotlight who own their own business - and too many times are quiet and don't shout about what we do and our achievements". During her maternity leave she made new connections, met other mums and "came across so many wonderful women with their own businesses". It led her to start the group, to provide "a free community coming together occasionally to support each other, network and form collaboration". "It's collaboration over competition every day of the week," she said. Emily Bateman Photography Monika Czuj said being part of the group meant you could listen to and help other members, and it "works both ways" Member, Ms Czuj, 38, started her business Veggie Crush in 2020, which has transitioned to a meal preparation company. "I joined the network to get support and be part of the community - that is something women are so good at," she said. "It was a massive help for building my business that has now gone nationwide. "It's like a trampoline - you meet one person, then you meet someone else. It's unfolded so many opportunities in the business that would not have been possible without this network." Emily Bateman Photography Lulu Cato-Olude said the group "shows we're in the same space, that we can support and champion each other" Lulu Cato-Olude, 36, runs the Bedford franchise of the Mum Club - a group that supports mothers - and works full-time in events, alongside caring for her 18-month-old. She moved to Bedford from London three years ago and initially "didn't know anyone". "The business world is heavily dominated by men, but in the group about 50% are mums - they've found a new work-life balance that works for them," she said. "I'm in awe of how many amazing women there are. Their energy is electric. "It's bringing women together, it's just put an amazing spotlight on everyone's business. "Now I'm part of a community, not just the ex-Londoner." Emily Bateman Photography Danielle Cox said she felt "empowered", adding "we all bounce off each other" Danielle Cox, 29, runs her own wellbeing business at Cox Hair Holistic and Beauty Therapies, in Bedford. "I realised how important it is to lean on one another. It's allowed me to gain my own confidence in holding group workshops and different events," she said. "It's to break the stigma that it's not about competition, it's about collaboration. All of us members can offer something different, we're learning from each other. "It's lovely to connect with like-minded women who understand others' struggles and come up with resolutions." The Little Marketing Company Photos of the "female founders" were shown at a special exhibition in Milton Ernest to mark International Women's Day Since its launch, the group has been "phenomenal", said Ms Troiano. "It's been so lovely to see people willing to work together. "People often think you are competing against each other, but if you have an open conversation, nine times out of 10 people are open, want to support each other and then that can lead to collaboration." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Prince Harry's security row is ‘all about the money' – he wants to ‘cut his own costs & try to win back status'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SOURCES claim Prince Harry's long-running battle over security is "all about the money" as he wants to cut down on bodyguard costs. The 40-year-old yesterday lost a three-year, multimillion-pound fight after his round-the-clock royal protection was axed in the wake of Megxit. 9 Prince Harry lost his appeal over the downgrading of his personal security Credit: AFP 9 The royal is reportedly splashing out millions on bodyguards Credit: Getty 9 Sources claimed the row is "all about the money" for the royal couple Credit: AFP The Duke of Sussex had declared "my life is at stake", bizarrely claiming to be the victim of an establishment stitch-up and said he 'can't see a world' in which he would bring his wife and kids here. However The Sun understands that Harry wished he could win the case to cut his security costs and try and get back his status as an International Protected Person. He spends millions on bodyguards and a source said: 'It's all about the money'. Harry claimed stripping him of his security was a plot to force him and his wife Meghan back to Britain. Earlier this month, the prince returned to the UK for his two-day hearing at the Court of Appeal in London. But Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lord Justice Bean and Lord Justice Edis yesterday ruled against him in a humiliating blow. The loss - his second unsuccessful appeal against the decision - could be the final nail in the coffin for his security row, although Harry could still take his fight to the Supreme Court. It also means he faces paying the legal costs for both sides, which is estimated to amount to more than £1.5million. Prince Harry's biggest bombshells: Harry and Meghan were stripped of their round-the-clock protection when they stepped back from royal duties in 2020. He was allowed security when he stayed at royal residences or attended royal events but had to fend for himself if he wanted to see friends in a bespoke arrangement. Harry wanted to fund his own Met Police armed bodyguards but officials refused - with insiders insisting cops are not "guns for hire". The Met said in its 2023 statement: 'To allow an individual to pay for protective security would create a precedent in which other wealthy individuals could argue that they too should be permitted to pay for such services.' Page Six reported in 2023 that Meghan and Harry pay two million dollars a year on security. Since Megxit, Meghan and Harry have unfurled a number of podcasts and TV deals. These include the recent productions With Love, Meghan and Polo - part of a $100m Netflix deal. Meghan also recently launched a new podcast called Female Founders after her Archetypes series on Spotify. But their $20m podcast partnership with the music giant ended in 2023. A Palace spokesman said of the long-running security battle: 'All of these issues have been examined repeatedly and meticulously by the courts, with the same conclusion reached on each occasion.' It comes after Harry lashed out in a TV interview last night, despite claiming to want 'reconciliation' with his family. The father-of-two also revealed that King Charles refuses to speak to him "because of this security stuff". He said of yesterday's court decision: 'The other side have won in keeping me unsafe. 9 Prince Harry lashed out at the royal family in an interview after the loss Credit: BBC 9 rince Harry and Meghan Markle pictured promoting their Archewell podcasts Credit: pixel8000 9 Meghan and Harry have unfurled a wave of podcasts and productions Credit: Netflix 9 Prince Harry in a trailer for his first Netflix series without Meghan Markle Credit: Netflix 'I can't see a world in which I will be bringing my wife and children back at this point.' He told the BBC that verdict was 'a good old-fashioned establishment stitch up', and blamed the Royal Household for influencing the decision to reduce his security. Harry also chillingly suggested it would be the Firm's fault if anything happened to him or wife Meghan Markle. The Duke was asked why the taxpayer pay for police security. He answered: "First off, private security can only do so much, I can't go into details but most will be able to work that out. "One of the major things is that they don't have jurisdiction in a foreign country, they don't have any jurisdiction. "Police protection is effective protection, which is what my grandmother made very clear that we needed. "If you know that other people that are being protected, people that have made a choice for public office, then why would you be comfortable or happy with someone in my position that has given 30 to 35 years service to his country, two tours of Afghanistan and the threats and risks to my life… I was born into this position. I was born into those risks and they've only increased over time along with my marriage to Meghan." Referring to his incendiary memoir Spare published more than two years ago, he added: 'Of course some members of my family will never forgive me for writing a book. They will never forgive me for lots of things. 'There's no point in continuing to fight any more. Life is precious. I don't know how much longer my father has. He won't speak to me because of this security stuff. But it would be nice to reconcile.' 9 Meghan Markle seen on her Archetypes Spotify podcast Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk 9 Meghan has recently launched a new podcast called Female Founders Credit: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex/Instagram
Forbes
24-03-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why There's No Substitute For The Power Of In-Person Networking
There's no denying that we live in an increasingly digital age. For many, this has had a direct influence on how they approach networking. One need only look at the growth of LinkedIn, which now claims over 1 billion members in over 200 countries and territories. Many professionals now use LinkedIn or other online resources as their primary networking method, whether they are joining industry groups, looking for jobs or reaching out to potential collaborators. While such resources have definitely opened up new opportunities and connections for many, they are still no substitute for in-person networking. Quite frankly, in-person networking has key advantages that can never be fully replicated in a virtual space. Online networking events have certainly come a long way, but they still tend to focus on efficiency rather than true opportunities for connection. As Aneta Pawlik, marketing communications manager at Female Founders, writes, 'Online events are organized to accommodate presentations and question time – and they tend to strip the social parts because, historically, it has been very difficult to connect with other people during webinars or live streams. And let's be honest; we have all been part of events where other attendees are happily not turning their cameras on and staying silent in the chat. This attitude makes it difficult to truly build relationships with other participants or speakers compared to in-person interaction.' As a result, online networking events often result in one-way communication rather than true connections. Networking through social media can take time due to delayed responses. On the other hand, in-person events allow for more spontaneous and natural conversation. Body language, tone and other factors enable more natural conversation that build rapport and make interactions more meaningful and memorable. Because of this, in-person networking lets you demonstrate your authentic personality and expertise. Your demeanor during these conversations can create a lasting impression that builds trust and connection much quicker than if you were to connect exclusively online. Even if you don't immediately start doing business with someone, that in-person connection will help you remain in their memory for when they need to consider business partners in the future. Another advantage of in-person networking events is that they often provide unexpected opportunities to connect with people you wouldn't have met otherwise. These unplanned interactions can sometimes lead to the most important partnerships and connections — whereas online, you are generally limited to connecting with the people you originally planned to connect with. For example, Caribbean event-planning agency Mystique highlighted the power of in-person events through its work on the Jamaican premiere of the Paramount Pictures film 'Bob Marley: One Love.' The event brought together 900 VIP guests, including the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. For the guests of this premiere, attending an in-person event provided the opportunity to meet actual royalty. While you probably won't encounter royalty at your next industry-specific event, in-person networking opportunities can still provide chances to meet with similarly important people in your niche. You might bump into a presenter and get the chance to ask more in-depth questions about their area of expertise. You might meet a manager for a different company who is looking to partner with someone with your own skill set. These spontaneous meetings can often be more worthwhile than planned activities and meet-ups, leading to lasting partnerships. On the other hand, simply attending an online webinar with little to no opportunity for interacting with other attendees will completely eliminate these kinds of opportunities. In that case, you aren't really networking at all, and potential partners may never even learn you exist. Perhaps the most powerful advantage of in-person networking is that it is generally more likely to serve as a breeding ground for collaborating with others. As you connect with other businesses and individuals in a natural, in-person setting, these conversations that build rapport can also help you and others recognize common goals and interests. Having time to talk together in-person can lead to more in-depth discussions where you share ideas and ways you can collaborate to make different projects a reality. And with in-person networking, it is much easier to find ways to continue the conversation even after the official portion of the event is over. This isn't to say that online networking can't help you discover these opportunities as well. However, the inefficiencies of online networking can make it much harder to get to this point. Case in point: A study from the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that making a request in person is 34 times more successful than making that same request via email — largely due to the emotions conveyed during in-person conversation. Better communication is foundational for stronger collaboration, and in-person networking can lay the groundwork for these partnerships. Digital networking opportunities are undeniably powerful, allowing collaborators who are geographically distant to work together effectively. But don't neglect in-person networking. Meeting and networking in-person can help you build rapport and trust, while also creating unexpected opportunities that wouldn't have been available through a digital event. By strategically using in-person networking, you can create new connections that lead to even more powerful collaborations.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Inc. Names Jane Mosbacher Morris to 2025 Female Founders 500 List
Lexington, Kentucky--(Newsfile Corp. - March 11, 2025) - Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today announced its eighth annual Female Founders list, honoring a bold group of 500 women whose innovations and ideas are leading their industries forward. These resilient entrepreneurs expressed grit and drive to collectively attract approximately $9 billion in 2024 revenue and $10.6 billion in funding. To view the full announcement, including downloadable images, bios, and more, click here. Key Takeaways: Inc named TO THE MARKET founder and CEO, Jane Mosbacher Morris, to 2025 Female Founders 500 List as a top innovator. Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future Click image above to view full announcement. About TO THE MARKET TO THE MARKET delivers a suite of responsible sourcing solutions powered by TRACERA, our proprietary software. From supplier vetting and digitized workflows to real-time supply chain insights, we equip companies with the tools to make informed, strategic sourcing decisions. With a network of 200+ verified suppliers across 60 countries, we provide tailored solutions that enhance visibility, reduce risk, and streamline operations--redefining what it means to source responsibly in today's global market. Contacts: Cindy Jones-Nyland 972-467-7860 cindy@ Source: TO THE MARKET To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The decline in funding has hit male and female-led startups equally, but women out-raise men in DeepTech
Venture investment in startups run by women has always lagged behind the overall market. But the data tells a different tale for 2024 — at least according to a new report unveiled this week in London by European venture platform Female Foundry: Venture investment to startups founded by women in Europe declined 12% in 2024 from a year earlier, but that was nearly in line with the 11% decrease in overall venture investment. Notably, women who founded deep tech startups are raising more than men in that area. The report, dubbed Female Innovation Index 2025, found that the number of female founders in deep tech is increasing thanks to that sector's links to academia, where women tend to be more equally represented. About 33% of all venture capital raised by female entrepreneurs in Europe is going into deep tech startups — 2% more than gender-agnostic startups. Key areas of innovation include synthetic biology, generative AI, and drug development. For the report, Female Foundry surveyed more than 1,200 female founders, investors, and executives, and over 35 private equity firms, venture associations, and ecosystem players across 20 European countries. It's worth noting here that Female Founders counted startups that had at least one female co-founder, which greatly increases the sample size of startups considered in this report, compared to other reports that only refer to all-women founding teams when they say "female-founded startups." Several surveys last year generally agreed that women founders continued to be vastly outnumbered by men, with all-women founding teams raising only 2.2% of the venture capital allocated for 2024. "I started the index because I realized that the oft-quoted 2% figure about the number of female-founded startups is not detailed enough," Agata Nowicka, founder of Female Foundry and the author of the report, told TechCrunch. "I would not have been included in that stat, because as an entrepreneur, I had a male co-founder. We should be taking into account far more diverse metrics. That deep tech metric is heartening, but Nowicka thinks women in academic environments need to be encouraged more to take up entrepreneurship. 'There is still a little bit of stigma attached to entering a startup from academia,' she said. She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had helped create a more level playing field for women in tech because the wider industry had been forced to open up. 'As a founder in 2016, most VCs didn't even have a website or had just a landing page. Many events were held privately,' she said. 'The venture capital industry transformed during COVID because of the boom in investment during 2021-2022. VC became overall more accessible to women [...] because they needed deal-flow, and it became more competitive.' Here are a few interesting nuggets from the report: Female-founded businesses in Europe raised €5.76 billion in 2024, marking a 12% drop from the €6.56 billion these companies raised in 2023. The health, fintech, and food sectors see the most venture investment going to startups with female founders. The seed stage is where female founders see the most success, and on average, round sizes raised by women-founded startups increased 7% across stages compared to 2023. More than 80% of the 50 largest funding rounds raised by female-founded startups in 2024 went to those with scientific backgrounds in areas such as synthetic biology (€282.4 million), generative AI (€221.8 million), and drug development (€169.9 million). The U.K., France, and Germany top the charts for investment in female-founded companies, while Finland and Denmark have the highest proportion of venture capital allocated to such startups. Sign in to access your portfolio
