Empowering Progress: Nigerian Female Founders Dominate 2025 Aurora Tech Award Nominations with 21 Out of 120 Finalists

Celebrating the Rise of Women Innovators Who Are Shaping the Future of Technology and Entrepreneurship.

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter! We are excited to explore the remarkable achievements of female entrepreneurs, particularly the inspiring Nigerian founders leading the charge at the 2025 Aurora Tech Awards. As we delve into this story, we invite you to consider: How can diverse leadership and inclusive practices revolutionize not just the tech industry, but also reshape our society for future generations? Join us on this journey of empowerment and innovation. Please note that while we share inspiring stories and opportunities, any investment decisions should be made with careful consideration and, if needed, consultation with a financial advisor.

🚀 Startup of the Week: Beauty by Jenna

• Industry: Beauty and Cosmetics
• Founder: Jenna Grabow, a recent beauty school graduate and co-founder of "Beauty by Jenna," has emerged as a role model for individuals within the autistic community. With the support of her co-founder, Anna Lundmark, Jenna has channeled her experiences into creating an inclusive beauty brand.
• Recent Achievement: The startup has garnered substantial attention, quickly expanding its reach across 47 states and gaining over 15,000 social media followers. Their commitment to quality is demonstrated by their USDA-certified organic product line, which promises safety and sustainability, highlighting the alarming need for autism-friendly work environments.
• Location: Based in the United States, Beauty by Jenna illustrates the potential for business models rooted in inclusivity and social responsibility to thrive, as detailed in their feature on the 'INVEST IN HER' podcast hosted by Catherine Gray (watch here).

Highlighting Inspiring Female Entrepreneurs

In addition to our spotlight on Beauty by Jenna, it's essential to recognize the growing momentum of female-led startups globally. Notably, Nigerian female founders have dominated nominations for the 2025 Aurora Tech Award, with 21 nominees out of 2,018 applications from 116 countries (read more). This trend underscores the increasing recognition and participation of women in technology-driven innovation.

Furthermore, as we look to the future, research indicates that women-led businesses using digital technology are 70% more likely to scale quickly than those relying on conventional methods (source). There is a clear shift towards purpose-driven branding, with women entrepreneurs making significant strides in traditionally male-dominated industries.

These stories not only inspire future generations of female leaders but also illuminate the vital role of diverse leadership in fostering innovation and positive change across industries. By celebrating these achievements, we reinforce our commitment to supporting the evolution of women-led entrepreneurship.

🌟 Why It Matters

The mission of Beauty by Jenna is not just about creating high-quality beauty products; it is profoundly rooted in inclusivity and empowerment. Founded by Jenna Grabow, who herself has autism, the brand seeks to provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Jenna's vision is a testament to the potential of accessible and supportive work environments, where diverse talents can flourish. This innovative approach not only challenges the status quo of the beauty industry, which often overlooks marginalized communities, but also sets a powerful example of how businesses can operate with a heart, effectively blending profitability with purpose.

As the startup expands across 47 states and garners a loyal following of over 15,000 on social media, it underscores the growing consumer demand for brands that prioritize ethical practices and community engagement. Jenna's leadership is pivotal, especially in an industry where female representation is burgeoning but still significantly below parity. By blurring the lines between beauty and social responsibility, Jenna and her co-founder Anna Lundmark demonstrate how female leaders can pave new pathways in traditional sectors.

Additionally, the rise of Nigerian female founders in the tech landscape, dominating nominations for the 2025 Aurora Tech Award, highlights an important trend: women are increasingly recognized for driving innovation and transformation across various industries (read more). This global narrative, alongside Jenna’s local impact, illustrates the vital role of diverse female entrepreneurs who are not only reshaping their industries but also inspiring future generations to embrace their ambitions and challenge existing barriers.

Supporting startups like Beauty by Jenna means championing a future where diversity and inclusive leadership are not just ideals but realities, ultimately creating a more equitable landscape that benefits everyone.

🏆 Key Milestones

• Rapid Expansion: Beauty by Jenna has expanded its reach across an impressive 47 states in just a few months, showcasing the demand for inclusive beauty products that cater to individuals with disabilities. This growth reflects the startup's commitment to creating autism-friendly working environments and aligns with the alarming need for employment solutions in this space (source).

• Social Media Engagement: The brand has successfully garnered over 15,000 social media followers, demonstrating authentic engagement and resonance with their mission. This robust online community not only supports their initiatives but also amplifies the conversation around inclusivity in the beauty industry (source).

• Recognition in Tech Awards: Nigerian female founders, also making significant strides in their respective sectors, have dominated nominations for the 2025 Aurora Tech Award, with 21 nominees out of 2,018 applications globally. This highlights the increasing acknowledgment of women's contributions to technology and innovation, paralleling the importance of female leadership seen with Jenna Grabow's success (read more).

📈 Market Impact

Beauty by Jenna positions itself uniquely within the beauty and cosmetics industry by emphasizing inclusivity and social responsibility—qualities that set it apart from traditional competitors. Founded by Jenna Grabow, who has autism, and co-founder Anna Lundmark, the startup not only offers high-quality USDA-certified organic beauty products but also integrates a strong mission of providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This approach directly addresses the alarming statistic that 80% of autistic adults remain unemployed, showcasing a commitment to creating autism-friendly working environments (source).

The startup's competitive edge lies in its dedication to quality and safety through organic formulations, which cater to health-conscious consumers seeking beauty products free from harmful chemicals. Beauty by Jenna’s rapidly growing presence across 47 states and its engagement of over 15,000 social media followers demonstrate its effective outreach and connection with a community that resonates with its mission. This positions the brand as a voice for change within the beauty industry, appealing to consumers who prioritize ethical practices and social impact in their purchasing decisions.

Targeting individuals who care about inclusivity, health, and sustainability, Beauty by Jenna's innovation not only enhances the beauty experience for its users but also sparks a larger conversation around employing individuals with special needs. This aligns with broader trends in female entrepreneurship, as seen with the significant representation of Nigerian female founders leading the nominations for the 2025 Aurora Tech Award, reinforcing the critical role of women in driving innovation forward (read more).

Furthermore, the insights from the 2022 McKinsey report highlight that diverse workplace leadership, such as that exemplified by Jenna and Anna, fosters a more welcoming and innovative environment. This elevates not only Beauty by Jenna within the beauty sector but also contributes to a growing momentum of purpose-driven brands redefining industry practices for future generations (source).

Through its integrated approach of quality products, social responsibility, and targeted community engagement, Beauty by Jenna is poised to not only thrive within the market but also inspire transformative change across the beauty industry and beyond.

🤝 How You Can Support

• Follow and Engage: Show your support for Beauty by Jenna by following them on their social media platforms. Join the community of over 15,000 followers who are advocating for inclusivity in the beauty industry. Your engagement helps amplify their mission and reach (watch their journey here).

• Share Their Story: Help inspire other female founders by sharing Jenna and Anna's journey of building a beauty brand that prioritizes inclusivity and empowerment. The significant strides made by Nigerian female founders, who dominated the 2025 Aurora Tech Award nominations with 21 nominees out of 2,018 applications (read more), further illustrates the impact of women leading change. By sharing these stories, you can motivate and encourage more women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

• Support Ethical Brands: Choose to purchase products from brands like Beauty by Jenna that are committed to sustainability and inclusivity. Their USDA-certified organic beauty products highlight the importance of health and safety in the beauty industry. Consider exploring their offerings and becoming a part of a movement that prioritizes purpose alongside profit, aligning with the growing trend of women-led businesses integrating values into their core operations (source).