Y Combinator-backed fintech Grey has announced the second edition of its initiative, offering €9,500 in equity-free grants to support women entrepreneurs. This year’s grant reflects a 19% increase from last year’s funding pool, underscoring Grey’s commitment to bridging the funding gap for women-led businesses.
Addressing the Global Funding Disparity:
The initiative comes at a critical time, addressing the persistent funding disparity highlighted in a Harvard Kennedy report, which reveals that women-founded startups receive only 2.4% of global venture capital. The report emphasizes that closing this gap could contribute between €2.5 trillion to €5 trillion to the global economy.
Strengthened Partnership with WIMBIZ
Following the success of the 2024 edition, Grey has expanded the program this year by partnering with Women in Management, Business & Public Service (WIMBIZ), offering mentorship and additional resources to the winners. Iheakachi Nwabueze, Head of Global Marketing and Growth at Grey, emphasized:
“International Women’s Day is not just another campaign for us—it’s a moment to take meaningful action. We are committed to creating more opportunities for women entrepreneurs and ensuring they have the financial backing to scale their businesses.”
Driving Ecosystem Growth for Female Founders:
Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, Executive Director of WIMBIZ, praised the partnership with Grey:
“The success of women in business is not just about individual accomplishments but about nurturing an ecosystem that sustains them. Our collaboration with Grey offers funding, mentorship, and resources that drive long-term success for female entrepreneurs.”
Funding Breakdown and Judging Panel:
This year, four female entrepreneurs will be selected by an all-female panel of industry leaders. The grant distribution is as follows:
- €4,000 for the winner
- €2,000 each for the two runners-up
- €1,500 for the third finalist
Success Stories: Inspiring Growth and Impact
Aminat Damilare Kazeem, last year’s grant recipient, expressed her gratitude for Grey’s support:
“Being a woman in this part of the world is tough, and being a female founder is even tougher. Thanks to Grey, we’ve moved into a bigger space and now export our products to the US and Canada.”
She encouraged this year’s applicants to “put their best foot forward, pitch confidently, and never doubt themselves.”
Aligning with International Women’s Day 2025 Theme: “Accelerate Action”
The initiative aligns with the International Women’s Day 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” following Grey’s successful 2024 program, which awarded €8,000 to three female entrepreneurs in male-dominated industries.
Application Details:
- Applications Open: March 8, 2025
- Deadline: April 8, 2025
- Apply at: https://grey.co/iwd25
Grey’s continued commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs through funding and mentorship is paving the way for greater gender equality in the startup ecosystem, inspiring future generations of female leaders.
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