Bridging the Gender Funding Gap: HearstLab’s Impact on Women Entrepreneurs
As many regular readers of Bazaar At Work are painfully aware, a staggering statistic looms over the entrepreneurial landscape: less than 2% of venture funding is allocated to female entrepreneurs. This glaring disparity highlights the urgent need for initiatives that empower women in business. Enter HearstLab, one of the world’s most proactive venture funds dedicated exclusively to investing in women-led startups. This October, Bazaar is thrilled to partner with HearstLab for its inaugural live event in the UK, marking a significant step toward closing the gender funding gap.
HearstLab: A Catalyst for Change
HearstLab is on a mission to transform the funding landscape for female founders. By focusing on sectors such as fintech, data analytics, health, transportation, enterprise technology, and media, HearstLab is not just investing in businesses; it’s investing in the future of women-led innovation. To date, the fund has committed over $100 million to more than 70 women-led technology companies across the globe, demonstrating a robust commitment to fostering sustainable and scalable business models.
Pitch HearstLab: A Platform for Emerging Talent
One of HearstLab’s standout initiatives is the Pitch HearstLab series, designed to discover and fund high-growth, women-led startups. Since its inception in 2015, this pitch event has channeled over $3 million into 14 early-stage companies, providing them with the financial backing and visibility they need to thrive. This October, the series is making its UK debut, promising to spotlight some of the most promising female entrepreneurs in the region.
The Exciting UK Event
After a rigorous selection process that sifted through hundreds of applications from early-stage women-led companies across the UK and Europe, six finalists have been chosen to present their innovative ideas live in London. On October 16, these entrepreneurs will vie for a £100,000 investment from HearstLab, a life-changing opportunity that could propel their businesses to new heights.
The event will take place at the iconic Ciné Lumière in South Kensington, a fitting venue for such a momentous occasion. Moderated by Bazaar At Work editor Marie-Claire Chappet, the event will also feature a fireside chat between Hannah Bernard, Head of Business Banking at Barclays UK and co-chair of the UK’s Invest in Women Taskforce, and Lydia Slater, Bazaar‘s editor-in-chief. This discussion will delve into the challenges and triumphs of women in business, setting the stage for an inspiring afternoon.
The Pitching Process
During the event, each finalist will present their business to a panel of esteemed judges, including:
- Eve Burton: Hearst EVP and HearstLab chairwoman
- Katie Vanneck-Smith: CEO of Hearst UK Magazines
- David Fogel: Founder of Alma Angels
- Maren Bannon: Co-founder and managing partner of January Ventures
The stakes are high, as one successful participant will also receive the inaugural Harper’s Bazaar award, which includes exclusive coverage in an upcoming issue of Bazaar and an invitation to the next Bazaar At Work Summit. This recognition not only provides invaluable exposure but also connects the winner with a network of influential industry leaders.
Celebrating Female Entrepreneurship
The event will culminate in a drinks reception at the stunning Art Deco cinema, offering attendees a chance to network and celebrate the achievements of women in entrepreneurship. As Eve Burton, founder of HearstLab, aptly puts it, “It’s time for the women of the world to be part of something that makes them as wealthy as their male counterparts.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of HearstLab’s mission: to empower women to break through barriers and achieve financial success.
Join the Movement
This October, join us in witnessing the incredible talent and innovation that women entrepreneurs bring to the market. The Pitch HearstLab event is not just a competition; it’s a celebration of female empowerment and a crucial step toward a more equitable future in business. To learn more about HearstLab and reserve your free ticket to this inspiring event, visit HearstLab.com and secure your spot here.
In a world where female entrepreneurs are often overlooked, HearstLab is leading the charge to ensure their voices are heard and their businesses are funded. This event is a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential that lies in investing in women-led ventures.