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A stark gender imbalance exists in UK entrepreneurship. Not only is the allocation of investment to startup businesses imbalanced, the funding gap isn’t closing fast enough. Female-founded businesses receive just 2% of the total invested in UK startups, according to government research published in February 2024.
Though self-employment among women is on the rise, there are still fewer self-employed women than men, and those who are typically earn less.
Despite the challenges, more women are founding companies than ever before. In 2023, 164,000 companies were incorporated by women – 4% more than in 2022 and 26% more than in 2019.
Across the UK, work is underway to tip the scales in support of female founders. We spoke to two women about their experiences as entrepreneurs and asked them why – against the odds – 2025 is a great year for women to start a business.
Access to finance is improving
It has been estimated that the UK economy could benefit from an extra £250 billion if the share of female entrepreneurs can increase in line with male…
