Why Investors Should Be Backing Women-Led Businesses in Kenya

Why Investors Should Be Backing Women-Led Businesses in Kenya

Entrepreneurship, SC Women in Tech
If you have been following Kenya’s startup scene, you have likely noticed the remarkable strides women-led businesses are making. From innovative tech solutions to social enterprises driving change in underserved communities, women entrepreneurs are proving their value. Yet, they receive less than 3% of venture capital funding in Africa. The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that the financing gap for women entrepreneurs on the continent stands at $42 billion. So, what is holding investors back? The issue runs deeper than just lack of capital. Structural and systemic barriers continue to limit access to funding and resources for women entrepreneurs. Homophily bias in venture capital circles: Investors often fund individuals who mirror their own backgrounds, experiences, or networks. Since the majority of venture capitalists are male, this bias leads to an…
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Cradling Innovation: How Hayah is Rocking Maternal Care with AI

Cradling Innovation: How Hayah is Rocking Maternal Care with AI

SC Women in Tech
Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless questions—yet access to reliable maternal health information remains a struggle for many women. That is where Hayah Cradle to Bloom comes in. Founded by Jael Walukwe, this AI-powered health-tech startup is on a mission to make maternal care more accessible, informed, and empowering. As part of the Women in Tech Incubator Program at @iBizAfrica, Hayah Cradle to Bloom is leveraging technology to reshape maternal health in Kenya. We sat down with Jael to explore the inspiration behind the startup, their journey in the program, and what is next for them. Tell us more about your company and what inspired you to start it. Hayah Cradle to Bloom is a Fem Health Tech company focused on educating women and their support…
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Highlights from the Standard Chartered Group Board Visit

Highlights from the Standard Chartered Group Board Visit

SC Women in Tech
In Kenya’s fast-evolving entrepreneurial landscape, women are emerging as powerful drivers of change, building ventures that not only impact their communities but shape the nation’s economy. Yet, despite this progress, only 2.3% of African startup funding goes to solo or all-female founders, highlighting a persistent gap in resources and support. On November 4, 2024, @iBizAfrica Incubation Centre- Strathmore University, in collaboration with Standard Chartered, hosted the Standard Chartered Group Board Visit. This unique event aimed to bridge this gap by celebrating the strides of women entrepreneurs and fostering an environment of shared learning, bringing together alumnae from the Women in Tech (WiT) program and participants from the Access to Finance initiative, Somo Africa. Building a Future through Women-Led Enterprises Dr. Joseph Sevilla, Director of @iLabAfrica, opened the event by emphasizing…
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Breaking Barriers Together: Insights from the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Masterclass on Market Access

Breaking Barriers Together: Insights from the Standard Chartered Women in Tech Masterclass on Market Access

SC Women in Tech
For many African women entrepreneurs, the dream of going global can feel like staring at a door that just will not open. You have worked hard, built something amazing, but how do you take that next step and break into international markets? It is a question that so many of us struggle with—and we are not alone. The recent Standard Chartered Women in Tech Masterclass on Market Access tackled this very issue head-on, offering practical, relatable insights to help women-led startups overcome market access challenges.Read more about the unique challenges faced by African women entrepreneurs and how they are overcoming them here. The Struggle is Real Market access is tough. It is more than just having a brilliant product or service—it is about navigating a tangled web of trade barriers,…
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Mind Your Business: Navigating Mental Health in the Startup World

Mind Your Business: Navigating Mental Health in the Startup World

SC Women in Tech
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressures of running your startup? You are not alone. This is a common experience among entrepreneurs, and it was the focus of the first Cohort 7 #SCWomenInTech Masterclass: Mental Health for Startup Founders. Balancing the demands of running a startup with maintaining personal well-being is a challenge that many founders face. It is not just about managing a business; it is about managing yourself, too. According to Forbes Africa, at least 42% of African startup founders report experiencing mental health challenges, with stress, anxiety, and financial pressure being the primary culprits. These numbers highlight a growing concern in the entrepreneurial community, where the pressure to succeed often overshadows the need for self-care. Our Women in Tech Masterclasses are designed to support female entrepreneurs…
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