Despite accounting for over 50% of Africa’s population, women entrepreneurs receive less than 10% of startup funding—a disparity that HerStartup aims to address—and are frequently met with a disproportionate number of barriers. These impediments, which range from a lack of adequate funding to proper access to essential networks, demand an innovative response.
HerStartup, an initiative designed to rewrite this narrative, is co-led by KSH Foundation, Tomorrow Foundation, and eha Impact Ventures. It represents a holistic approach to addressing the gaps that women face in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is a deliberate intervention that provides tangible resources like funding and training and fosters a culture of empowerment, equity, and shared success. The three founding organizations have long been committed to driving societal development through technology and innovation, particularly among underrepresented groups. HerStartup is a direct extension of that mission — an initiative that calls for a reimagining of how we nurture talent and build inclusive, impactful solutions.
The cornerstone of Her Startup lies in its three-pronged strategy: training, funding, and mentorship. The 14-week intensive training program, facilitated by the renowned Founder Institute (FI), equips female entrepreneurs with the tools to turn their ideas into fundable startups and scalable businesses. Following the rigorous training, graduates had the opportunity to pitch their ventures to an investment committee, with three founders successfully securing convertible financing of $5,000 each — funding that will ignite their entrepreneurial journey. But funding alone is not enough. Further support includes months of mentorship and healthcare coverage for a year.
These resources ensure that women founders are well-equipped through their growth journey. Additionally, top-performing graduates have the opportunity for additional capital raises, fueling their potential to scale and achieve long-term success.
Why is a female-focused program so essential? The answer is simple: Investing in women strengthens our societies as a whole. Women-led businesses drive economic growth, create jobs, and address critical social issues. Such empowerment unlocks full potential, benefiting individuals, communities, and economies as well. The vision for Her Startup extends beyond the immediate success of its participants, as it aims to create an ecosystem where women founders can access global markets, scale their businesses, and mentor the next generation of female entrepreneurs. In this way, the program builds a network of role models who catalyze systemic change.
The combined efforts of KSH Foundation, Tomorrow Foundation, and eha Impact Ventures symbolize the power of collaboration. Together, these organizations are pioneering a path for female founders to access startup opportunities and achieve lasting success. However, to succeed beyond this, leaders invested in innovation and development, stakeholders, policymakers, and individuals must unite to champion initiatives like Her Startup.
