Athena project launches to boost female founders

A scheme has been launched to help more female founders access funding.

Lifted Ventures has unveiled the Athena VC Elevate Programme.

Officials say the Leeds-based venture will provide mentorship, education and investment readiness coaching, to move female founders closer to “£4.5 billion in untapped growth opportunities”.

The free-to-access programme will run until March 31.

Featuring diagnostic sessions to identify tailored support, the endeavour includes one-to-one mentorship from Lifted Ventures’ co-founders Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham.

It also includes educational sessions on areas such as venture capital and leadership development, and mentoring from an investor network.

Jordan said: “This marks a significant step towards bridging the investment and education gap for female founders in the Leeds region.

“We are committed to creating a sustainable and thriving environment for female-led high-growth businesses.”

The project is funded by the Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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