Discover how the collaboration between UN Women and EBAN is fostering a diverse and gender-inclusive investment ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in Europe.
Introduction
In a significant stride towards gender equality in the entrepreneurial landscape, UN Women and the European Business Angels Network (EBAN) have joined forces to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs across Europe. This strategic partnership aims to address the persistent gender imbalances in angel investing and entrepreneurship, paving the way for a more diverse and sustainable economic future.
The Importance of Business Angel Networks
Business angel networks play a crucial role in the startup ecosystem by providing not only the necessary funding but also invaluable mentorship and industry connections. However, despite women constituting over half of the European population, their representation in these networks remains disproportionately low. Only 10% of angel investors are women, and a mere 2% of venture capital is invested in female-only startups. This significant gap underscores the urgent need for targeted initiatives to empower women in the investment landscape.
UN Women and EBAN: A Strategic Partnership
Objectives of the Collaboration
The partnership between UN Women and EBAN is anchored in the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO platform and the EBAN Manifesto for Gender Balanced Investing. Their collaborative efforts focus on:
- Increasing Women Angel Investors: Aiming to triple women’s representation in angel networks by 2030.
- Boosting Investments in Female Entrepreneurs: Striving for 30% of capital investments to support female-led startups.
- Promoting Gender Diversity: Encouraging gender diversity within strategic committees and boards.
Initiatives and Programs
Together, UN Women and EBAN are committed to:
- Exchanging Best Practices: Sharing strategies to foster an inclusive investment environment.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills and knowledge of women entrepreneurs and investors.
- Raising Awareness: Highlighting the importance of gender lens investing through various campaigns and research initiatives.
“Investing in women and with women leads to stronger, more sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” – Eliza Fernandez Saenz, UN Women Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia a.i.
The Role of Oriel IPO in Supporting the Ecosystem
Oriel IPO (Oriel Services Limited) emerges as a pivotal player in this ecosystem, providing an innovative online investment marketplace that connects UK startups with investors. By leveraging SEIS/EIS tax incentives, Oriel IPO simplifies the investment process, making it more accessible and attractive for both entrepreneurs and angel investors.
Key Features of Oriel IPO
- Commission-Free Funding: Eliminating traditional commission fees to ensure more capital reaches startups.
- Curated Investment Opportunities: Offering a selection of tax-efficient investment options tailored to support female-led businesses.
- Educational Resources: Providing guides, calculators, and industry insights to empower users with informed decision-making capabilities.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Oriel IPO aligns with the objectives of the UN Women and EBAN partnership by fostering connections that specifically benefit women entrepreneurs. The platform’s focus on tax-efficient investment options and comprehensive educational tools ensures that women-led startups receive the necessary support to thrive in a competitive market.
Overcoming Challenges in the UK Startup Ecosystem
The UK startup ecosystem faces several challenges, particularly in accessing funding under government-supported SEIS/EIS schemes. Oriel IPO addresses these issues by:
- Simplifying the Investment Process: Facilitating direct connections between entrepreneurs and angel investors without the complexity of commission fees.
- Demystifying Tax Incentives: Offering educational tools that help both startups and investors navigate the SEIS/EIS landscape confidently.
- Democratizing Funding Access: Ensuring that investment opportunities are accessible to a broader range of entrepreneurs, fostering a more inclusive investment culture.
Future Directions and Impact
As the collaboration between UN Women and EBAN progresses, the focus will be on:
- Expanding Network Representation: Increasing the number of women in angel networks across Europe and Central Asia.
- Enhancing Research Initiatives: Conducting studies to provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders.
- Building Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with industry leaders to amplify the impact of gender-inclusive investing.
By addressing these areas, the partnership aims to create a more equitable playing field for women entrepreneurs and investors, ultimately contributing to women’s economic empowerment and sustainable growth.
Conclusion
The partnership between UN Women and EBAN marks a transformative moment in the landscape of angel investing and entrepreneurship in Europe. By fostering a gender-inclusive investment ecosystem, they are not only empowering women entrepreneurs but also driving positive economic change. Platforms like Oriel IPO play a crucial role in this journey, bridging the gap between startups and investors while championing diversity and inclusion.
Join the movement towards inclusive investing and explore the opportunities at Oriel IPO.
