Women Founders, Rejoice: Prosus Unveils $50K Funding Challenge Just for You!

Empowering women-led startups to unlock new opportunities and bridge the funding gap in tech.

Welcome to this edition, where we celebrate the incredible strides being made for women in tech! As initiatives like Prosus' Tech FoundHER Challenge emerge, one must ponder: How can these opportunities reshape the future of entrepreneurship for women? Join us as we explore transformative funding avenues designed to uplift and support female founders.

🚀 Major Moves in the Funding World

Heads up, founders! Check out these game-changing announcements:

• Women in tech, listen up! Prosus has rolled out the Tech FoundHER Challenge with $50K equity-free funding tailored for women-led startups. Aim: Close that gender funding gap! Read more here

• Aspire Ignite is hitting the scene, backing early-stage startups with over $200K in perks and $25K in funding for finalists. This initiative is focused on the Asia Pacific region! Learn more here

• The European VC landscape is buzzing! Multiple new funds have launched, including Soulmates Ventures raising €50M for sustainable startups and Cherry Ventures with a whopping $500M fund aimed at Series B+ companies. There's never been a better time to explore funding opportunities! See the full list here

• New player alert! 2am VC has launched Fund II specifically for 30 Indian startups, focusing on sectors like fintech and AI. They're ready to connect you with high-level opportunities! Discover more here

• Exclusive alert for HBS founders! A new venture capital fund, Twenty25 Ventures, has been formed by Harvard Business School's class of 2025, raising nearly $1M to exclusively invest in peer-founded startups. Contributions start as low as $3K, making venture investing more accessible! Check it out here

Why this matters: Opportunities like these can redefine your growth trajectory. Don't miss out!

⚡ Fast Facts

Beat the fundraiser blues:

• Tackling the funding gap: Prosus' Tech FoundHER Challenge is set up to address the alarming statistic that less than 5% of global VC funding goes to women-led startups. With $50,000 in equity-free funding on the line, this is your chance to step up and make your mark! Find out more here.

• Master the pitch: Struggling to get past the seed stage? Aspire Ignite offers expert-led masterclasses designed to give startups the upper hand. Plus, with $200,000 in partner perks available, you'll be well-equipped to attract potential investors! Learn how to elevate your fundraising game here.

• Network, network, network: The final pitch event for the Tech FoundHER Challenge is happening on May 25, 2025, in Bangalore. This could be your golden ticket to connect with leading investors, including those from Amazon Ventures and Blume Ventures. Mark your calendar!

• New funding opportunities: 2am VC has just launched Fund II to invest in 30 Indian startups across sectors like fintech, food and beverage, and AI. This is a prime time to explore potential partnerships and funding paths. Discover more about 2am VC's focus here.

Ready to seize your funding path? Opportunities like these can redefine your growth trajectory—don’t miss out!

🔍 VC Watchlist

What’s shaking in venture capital?

• 2am VC Fund II and more! New funds bolster startups across regions: from India's budding ideas to European tech giants. 2am VC has launched its second fund, specifically aimed at investing in 30 Indian startups, focusing on sectors like consumer tech, fintech, and AI. Their strategy allocates 60% for initial investments and 40% for follow-on support. This global scale approach enhances connections between Indian founders and investors, making it an exciting time for local innovators! Discover more here

• European VC landscape is buzzing! Multiple new funds have sprouted, such as Soulmates Ventures raising €50 million for sustainable startups and Cherry Ventures securing $500 million targeted at Series B+ companies. This influx of capital indicates a strong commitment to nurturing various sectors across Europe, providing ample opportunities for ambitious founders. See the full list here

• Women-led startups on the rise! Prosus has initiated the Tech FoundHER Challenge, promising $50,000 in equity-free funding aimed at closing the gender funding gap in tech. This initiative encourages applications from women-led startups and positions them for vital mentorship and connections in a historically underserved sector. Read more here

• Aspire Ignite is stepping up to support early-stage startups in the Asia Pacific region, offering resources valued at over $200,000 and $25,000 in funding for finalists. This initiative is particularly timely as it addresses the statistic that nearly 50% of startups fail to raise beyond the seed stage, providing essential opportunities for growth and learning. Learn more here

Founders, are you prepped to tap into these funds? With these new opportunities coming your way, now's the time to position yourself for success!