Invest in Women Taskforce's Hannah Bernard: The missed investment opportunity in underfunding female founders

Backing women 'is just good business'

If capital flows to where the best returns are, why are female-led businesses still missing out?

Investors pride themselves on being rational actors, yet the numbers suggest otherwise. In 2023, female founders secured just 2.5% of UK equity investment. In 2024, that measly figure dropped to 2%. Meanwhile, male founders continue to attract over 80% of capital, despite evidence suggesting they are not necessarily the best bet.   Women-led businesses deliver an estimated 35% higher return on investment, according to research by Kauffman Fellows.  Friday Briefing: The role of individuals in 'accelerating action' And a report by European Women in Venture Capital (VC) found ve...