FEMALE FOUNDER INITIATIVE

Of all Swiss startups, only about 20% are founded by women*. In scientific and technological fields, the figure is only 10%. However, various studies clearly show that gender diversity in companies, especially at management level, has a positive effect on their performance. Consequently, the existing gender gap in the startup sector is not only a missed opportunity for the potential female founders themselves, but also for a more sustainable society and economy.

Besides deep-seated systemic problems (family image and support, schooling, etc.) that contribute to the aforementioned status quo, stereotyping and distorted perceptions, more female founders and leaders are needed as role models. This is what Impact Hub Switzerland aims at with a variety of activities:

Female Founder Map: Through portraits of Swiss female founders from various fields, the Female Founder Map is intended to inspire and encourage young women to take the step into self-employment. In addition, the map aims to create transparency about the Swiss landscape of female founders. It portrays over 230 female founders and thus also serves as an ideal research tool to find female speakers, board members, presenters and so on. The excuse “I can only find men for this job/event/etc.” is simply no longer valid. The Female Founder Map has been initiated by Impact Hub Zürich and the ZHAW.

Female Founder Podcast: The Female Founder Podcast features women entrepreneurs in Switzerland who share their journey as entrepreneurs, where they are today, their tips & tricks, and what they wish they had known earlier. This podcast will take you behind the scenes of entrepreneurship and inspire women to adventure into entrepreneurship by making great role models visible. The episodes vary from talking about the female startup landscape to the circular economy in fashion over to investing in female businesses – and there are many more to come. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and Amazon Music.

Elle Impact: A new initiative by Impact Hub Switzerland, Alliance f and Business and Professional Women, which aims to create special and personal experiences for high-key female decision makers of our Swiss corporates, politics, and society in the form of dinner events – the first event has successfully taken place Mid-September in Bern and was very well received. We thank our supporters Standortförderung Bern, The Swiss Post, and furrerhugi.

Girls Getting Started: Since 2021, Girls Getting Started by Impact Hub Bern has offered an event series for young and motivated women and individuals who identify as women covering networking, tech trends, superpowers, and more. The participants have discovered how to create more impact with some original methods. The program promotes entrepreneurship, is free of charge, and is aimed at female vocational school students, high school students, and college students, among others.

Additional initiatives will be added soon!