Empowering Women in Tech: Milestones from the APT Women Program and Beyond

Celebrating Innovation, Diversity, and the Transformative Power of Female Leadership

Welcome to this edition of our newsletter, where we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in tech and entrepreneurship. As we highlight pivotal milestones from the APT Women program and other inspiring initiatives, we ponder a vital question: How can the collective strength and innovative spirit of female leaders reshape our industries for a better tomorrow? Join us as we explore the transformative journeys of these trailblazers and discover the impact of their contributions on fostering an inclusive and empowering ecosystem.

🚀 Startup of the Week: Empower

• Industry: Community Interest and Women Empowerment
• Founder: Beckie Taylor, founder of Tech Returners, alongside Natalie Asprey, a marketing consultant with extensive experience in promoting diversity in tech.
• Recent Achievement: Empower has recently launched its flagship initiative, the Empower Women in Tech Conference, scheduled for September, which expects over 300 attendees to foster learning and networking within the tech community. This is a significant step towards supporting female founders by creating safe environments for learning and collaboration. The initiative also operates on a not-for-profit basis, ensuring accessibility with tickets priced at only £42 per person, and pledges to donate surplus funds to charity (source).
• Location: United Kingdom

🚀 Startup of the Week: APT Women

• Industry: Female Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• Founder: The APT Women program, celebrating its 9th cohort, features numerous female entrepreneurs from various sectors in Tokyo who are breaking barriers and making strides in their startups.
• Recent Achievement: APT Women recently held their "Results Reporting Meeting," showcasing the successful accomplishments of their latest cohort, including innovative product launches and significant funding rounds. This event highlights the importance of inclusive leadership in fostering innovation and growth among women-led startups (source).
• Location: Tokyo, Japan

🚀 Startup of the Week: Women in STEM

• Industry: Sustainable Construction
• Founders: Adelheid Moxon and her fellow female startup founders Leah Ellis, Laura Lammers, and Marta Sjögren are leading the way in sustainability and innovation within the construction industry.
• Recent Achievement: In celebration of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, these founders were profiled for their groundbreaking work, including developments in low-carbon cement and carbon-negative materials. Their partnerships with Holcim are set to aid the commercialization of these eco-friendly technologies, pushing the industry toward a more sustainable future (source).
• Location: Various, with significant activities linked to Holcim partnerships.

🌟 Why It Matters

The Empower community interest company is on a mission to dismantle barriers for women in business, through a not-for-profit initiative designed to uplift female founders and women in tech. Spearheaded by Beckie Taylor, the founder of Tech Returners, and marketing consultant Natalie Asprey, Empower aims to create safe environments for learning and networking, significantly enhancing opportunities for personal and professional growth.

In September, the launch of the Empower Women in Tech Conference expects to draw over 300 attendees, showcasing the vital role played by women in the tech industry. This initiative not only sets a precedent for other organizations by offering affordable ticket prices but also pledges to direct surplus funds towards charitable causes (source). This pivotal move promotes not only the inclusivity of women in entrepreneurship but also emphasizes a larger commitment to social responsibility.

Similarly, the APT Women program in Tokyo exemplifies inclusive leadership and innovation by celebrating the achievements of its female participants. With the recent "Results Reporting Meeting," the program highlighted diverse entrepreneurial achievements, showcasing successful funding rounds and innovative product launches in a traditionally male-dominated field. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the profound potential women have to drive growth and innovation in various industries (source).

Moreover, the significant contributions of female founders in the sustainable construction sector—such as Adelheid Moxon and her peers—underscore the importance of leadership diversity in STEM fields. By developing low-carbon technologies and carbon-negative materials, these innovators are not only challenging industry norms but are also paving the way for a more sustainable future. Their partnerships with Holcim to commercialize eco-friendly solutions reflect a significant shift towards productive collaboration in driving meaningful change (source).

The collective efforts of these female leaders serve as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring women entrepreneurs. By elevating the role of diversity and inclusion in business, they not only spotlight their individual achievements but also galvanize future generations to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, demonstrating just how impactful women-led ventures can be across various sectors.

🏆 Key Milestones

• Successful Launch of Empower Women in Tech Conference: Empower, a newly established community interest company, is set to host its flagship event aimed at supporting female founders and women in tech this September. With expectations of over 300 attendees, the conference will serve as a crucial platform for learning and networking in the tech community (source).

• Celebration of the 9th APT Women Cohort: The APT Women program recently marked its 9th cohort with a "Results Reporting Meeting," where female entrepreneurs showcased their achievements, including successful funding rounds and innovative product launches. This event underscores the significance of inclusive leadership in driving growth in traditionally male-dominated industries (source).

• Innovations in Sustainable Construction by Female Founders: On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, female founders such as Adelheid Moxon, Leah Ellis, Laura Lammers, and Marta Sjögren were recognized for their groundbreaking innovations in sustainable construction. Their development of low-carbon cement and carbon-negative materials not only showcases their market relevance but also emphasizes their commitment to sustainability through partnerships with industry leaders like Holcim (source).

📈 Market Impact

The Empower initiative, spearheaded by Beckie Taylor and Natalie Asprey, distinctly positions itself within the community interest sector by addressing the specific needs of female founders and women in tech. Unlike traditional conferences which may prioritize profit over purpose, Empower operates as a not-for-profit organization, charging a modest fee of £42 per attendee and committing any surplus funds to charitable causes. This business model not only fosters inclusivity but also invites a diverse audience eager for accessible pathways to networking and professional growth.

Empower's flagship event, the Empower Women in Tech Conference, scheduled for September, showcases its innovative approach by expecting over 300 participants, all convened to enhance their skills through learning and community engagement. The conference features keynote speeches, panels, and workshops, setting a rich landscape for collaboration and mentorship, a marked advantage over competitors that often lack such comprehensive programming (source).

In a parallel yet complementary domain, the APT Women program in Tokyo underscores the growing necessity for inclusive leadership and innovative platforms for female entrepreneurs. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of its cohorts through initiatives like the "Results Reporting Meeting," APT Women effectively establishes itself as a pivotal player in supporting female-led startups. This program not only publicizes success stories of women who have secured funding and launched innovative products but also emphasizes the importance of diversity in leadership for stimulating growth and change within traditionally male-dominated sectors. The event illuminates the transformative power of women-led ventures, inspiring future entrepreneurs to embrace their potential (source).

Additionally, in the sustainable construction sector, female innovators like Adelheid Moxon, Leah Ellis, Laura Lammers, and Marta Sjögren are harnessing technology to drive significant change. Their pioneering solutions, such as low-carbon cement and carbon-negative materials, illustrate a decisive competitive edge in an industry increasingly focused on sustainability. By partnering with Holcim, these founders are not only advancing their technologies but also paving the way towards eco-friendly practices, setting benchmarks for sustainable business practices and demonstrating the transformative impact of women in STEM (source).

The collective initiatives from Empower, APT Women, and female-led tech ventures not only set them apart in their respective markets but also create a larger ripple effect across industries. By fostering an environment where women can thrive, these startups are reshaping industry norms and inspiring a new generation to pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations, ultimately driving societal change and economic growth.

🤝 How You Can Support

• Follow and Share: Stay updated on the impactful work of Empower, a community interest company aimed at supporting female founders and women in tech, by following them on social media. Amplify their initiatives and success stories to inspire others. Check out their latest updates here.

• Celebrate APT Women: Support the APT Women program by sharing the inspirational achievements of their recent cohort, who have successfully showcased their startups and fostered significant partnerships. Help spread the word about the power of diverse leadership in innovation by sharing about their "Results Reporting Meeting" and the impactful stories of these female entrepreneurs. Learn more about APT Women's achievements here.

• Encourage Innovations in STEM: Promote the stories of female founders like Adelheid Moxon, Leah Ellis, Laura Lammers, and Marta Sjögren, who are at the forefront of sustainable construction innovations. Highlight their journeys and the importance of supporting women in STEM by discussing their pioneering work and partnerships with industry leaders like Holcim. Discover their groundbreaking contributions here.

By engaging with these initiatives and sharing their stories, you can play a crucial role in elevating women-led ventures and fostering a more inclusive startup ecosystem.