Belong Secures £2.95 Million: A Landmark Achievement for Female Founders in Europe

Shattering barriers and redefining the funding landscape for women in tech.

Hello, and welcome to this exciting edition of our newsletter! We are thrilled to celebrate remarkable milestones in the world of female entrepreneurship, spotlighting Belong’s groundbreaking achievement of securing £2.95 million in funding. This success not only exemplifies the potential of women-led initiatives but also invites all of us to reflect on the ongoing challenges and triumphs in the journey of female founders. How can we further support and uplift the next generation of women leaders in tech?

🚀 Startup of the Week: Belong

• Industry: Female-led Tech Startups
• Founder: Co-founded by Avion Gray and Samantha, both of whom possess extensive experience in building tech solutions that cater to community needs. Avion Gray brings a robust background in community engagement and leadership in tech-driven initiatives.
• Recent Achievement: Belong has recently made headlines by raising £2.95 million, marking it as the largest pre-seed funding round by a female founding team in Europe. This achievement is particularly significant given the current landscape where only 1.5% of venture capital investments in Europe were allocated to female-only startups in 2023[^1^].
• Location: Based in the UK, Belong is positioned at the forefront of female entrepreneurial breakthroughs in Europe.

This milestone not only emphasizes the growing prowess of female-led startups but also serves as an inspiration and a call to action for aspiring entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the often challenging funding terrain. As noted in recent coverage, successful fundraising strategies are essential for capturing investor interest, illustrating that preparation and storytelling are critical components of this journey[^1^].

[^1^]: Overcoming the odds: How we raised the largest ever European pre-seed round by two female founders

🌟 Why It Matters

Belong, co-founded by Avion Gray and Samantha, embodies a transformative mission within the tech startup landscape, addressing the unique needs of communities through innovative solutions. With the significant achievement of raising £2.95 million, which stands as the largest pre-seed funding round by a female founding team in Europe, they challenge the prevailing norms of the venture capital industry, where female-led initiatives often struggle for recognition and support.

The founders’ vision extends beyond financial success; it focuses on creating a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women in technology. By demonstrating resilience in a funding landscape marked by gender disparity—where female-only startups in Europe represented only 1.5% of venture capital investments in 2023—they not only set a benchmark for future female entrepreneurs but also highlight the essential role of diversity in driving innovation and economic growth.

Avion Gray’s leadership and commitment to community engagement position Belong as a beacon of hope for aspiring female founders navigating similar challenges. Her journey serves as a powerful narrative that underscores the importance of female representation in tech—a field where women are still significantly underrepresented. As they pave the way for more inclusive practices within the industry, Belong amplifies the message that diverse leadership is not just beneficial but essential for fostering innovation, furthering inclusivity, and achieving meaningful progress in entrepreneurship.

This is not just about raising funds; it's about opening doors and enabling a cultural shift that empowers more women to bring their ideas to life, thereby contributing to a vibrant and diverse startup ecosystem that can drive impactful change.

🏆 Key Milestones

• Record-breaking Fundraising: Belong has made headlines by raising £2.95 million, achieving the largest pre-seed funding round ever by a female founding team in Europe. This milestone is significant in a landscape where only 1.5% of venture capital investments in Europe were allocated to female-only startups in 2023, showcasing the growing potential of female-led enterprises[^1^].

• Community-Centric Innovations: Co-founders Avion Gray and Samantha have strategically aligned their tech solutions with community needs, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and addressing market gaps through innovative products—setting a benchmark for future female entrepreneurs in the tech sector.

• Raising Awareness for Female Founders: The success of Belong contributes to increased visibility and acknowledgment of female-led startups in the tech industry, inspiring a cultural shift that encourages greater investment and support for women entrepreneurs, ultimately aiming to change the current dynamics of venture capital.

[^1^]: Overcoming the odds: How we raised the largest ever European pre-seed round by two female founders

📈 Market Impact

Belong distinguishes itself in the European tech startup landscape by prioritizing community engagement and addressing specific needs through innovative solutions. Co-founded by Avion Gray and Samantha, this female-led startup leverages a unique understanding of community dynamics to create products that resonate deeply with their target audiences. The founders’ extensive backgrounds in building tech-driven initiatives empower them to design offerings that not only meet market demands but also foster inclusivity.

One of the key competitive advantages of Belong lies in its storytelling approach combined with a meticulous fundraising strategy. This was exemplified in their recent achievement of raising £2.95 million, the largest pre-seed funding round by a female founding team in Europe[^1^]. By employing techniques to engage potential investors effectively, such as personal narratives and data-driven pitches, Belong showcases the importance of preparation and authenticity in attracting vital capital.

Belong's target audience includes tech-savvy communities seeking solutions tailored to their needs as well as investors looking for innovative ventures led by diverse teams. The broader impact of their innovations extends beyond financial success; it aims to inspire a cultural shift in the tech industry that emphasizes the significance of female representation and leadership. As Belong continues to pave the way for future female founders, it not only breaks down barriers in the funding landscape but also cultivates a supportive ecosystem that encourages women to bring their ideas to life, driving significant economic and social progress.

[^1^]: Overcoming the odds: How we raised the largest ever European pre-seed round by two female founders

🤝 How You Can Support

• Follow Belong on Social Media: Stay updated with Belong's journey and initiatives by following their social media channels. Engaging with their content helps boost visibility and demonstrates your support for female-led startups in the tech industry.

• Share Their Story: Amplify the impact of Avion Gray and Samantha by sharing their remarkable achievements and the significance of their recent funding milestone. Use your platforms to inspire other aspiring female founders, showing that barriers can be broken and successes celebrated.

• Mentor or Support Female Entrepreneurs: Consider offering your time or resources to mentor women in tech, fostering an inclusive ecosystem that promotes diversity and innovation. Supporting initiatives like Belong contributes to a cultural shift, encouraging more women to enter the startup landscape and thrive.

By taking these actions, you help create a supportive environment for women in entrepreneurship, celebrating their contributions and paving the way for future successes. Let's work together to empower female founders like Avion and Samantha at Belong!