Senate to strengthen Hamburg's female founders

24 August 2022

Agreement to set up scheme for female entrepreneurs

The senate has announced a scheme to lend even more support to female founders, a press release said Friday (August 19, 2022). Women accounted for a share of only 18 per cent in 2021 despite rising figures, according to the German Start-up Monitor (DSM). The new scheme will bundle and expand funding for potential female entrepreneurs, start-ups managed by women as well as business angels and investors.

Focus on financing

The senate will expand the "Female StartAperitivo" scheme initially as investments remain difficult for female founders. Launched in 2021 by the Hamburg Investors Network (HIN), the event brought all kinds of female entrepreneurs together with investors. This year's event features workshops and master classes on financing and legal issues. The master classes for business angels should expand their network in Hamburg. Start-ups can also discuss their business plans over dinner with investors and perhaps seal a deal.

Strengthen founders

"Women create jobs and keep the business centre innovative and dynamic. They are indispensable as entrepreneurs, scientists and founders," said Michael Westhageman, Senator for Economics. "Innovative strength and start-up dynamics are crucial to securing the viability of Hamburg's economy in future. Women founders play an important role therein. We want to lend them even more support," he added. The new scheme should give women even more knowledge and position them better towards investors. Business angels are to be approached to mobilise more private investment capital.
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