Deadline: September 30, 2025
Are you a woman founder in the technology space with a vision to scale your business globally? The Women Advancing Venture and Entrepreneurship Competition 2025 is now open for applications. This prestigious competition offers a unique platform for women entrepreneurs in the UK to connect with investors, secure mentorship, and gain visibility across the venture capital ecosystem.
About the Competition
The Women Advancing Venture and Entrepreneurship Competition 2025 (WAVE) is designed to highlight and support women who are breaking barriers in technology entrepreneurship. It provides them with unparalleled opportunities to access funding networks, strengthen their business models, and showcase their innovations to top-tier investors.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the Women Advancing Venture and Entrepreneurship Competition 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a woman founder (sole or joint) of a UK-based technology business.
- Be raising at least £5 million over the next financial year.
- Demonstrate market traction, such as:
- Early revenues
- Customer trials
- Intellectual property (IP)
This ensures that the competition spotlights businesses ready for significant investment and growth.
Benefits of Participation
Winners of the Women Advancing Venture and Entrepreneurship Competition 2025 will gain exclusive access to resources and networks, including:
- Visibility to investors: Featured in a digital lookbook circulated to venture capital (VC) and corporate venture capital investors worldwide.
- Pitching opportunities: Present at a breakfast session with leading investors.
- Mentorship: One-on-one meetings with senior VC and corporate mentors.
- Networking access: Invitations to government and industry events to connect with collaborators, investors, and stakeholders.
These benefits are designed to help founders secure capital, accelerate growth, and expand their industry presence.
Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Review Process: Applications will be reviewed by the Venture Capital Unit (VCU).
- Cohort Announcement: October 2025
Why Apply?
The Women Advancing Venture and Entrepreneurship Competition 2025 is more than just a competition — it is a platform for women founders to break through funding barriers and connect directly with decision-makers in the venture capital ecosystem. If you are ready to raise significant capital and scale globally, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
How to Apply
Need help with your application?
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review to strengthen your submission and increase your chances of success.
