Funding gap holds back growth for UK’s 7,500 female-led businesses, report warns
The Female Founders report, developed by Charles Stanley in partnership with Beauhurst, found that the number of female-founded businesses has more than doubled over the past decade, yet growth opportunities remain constrained.
Female-founded businesses are a growing force in the UK economy, but continued barriers to funding and support are limiting their potential, according to research from Charles Stanley, part of Raymond James Wealth Management.
The Female Founders report, developed in partnership with Beauhurst, revealed that there are now 7,696 high-growth companies in the UK with at least one female founder, representing 13.7% of the country’s high-growth ecosystem.
The number of female-founded businesses has more than doubled over the past decade, yet growth opportunities remain constrained.
Female-led enterprises employ around 330,000 people nationwide and are an important driver of economic activity.
However, the report highlighted persistent challenges around access to capital and professional networks.
Just 25% of women surveyed believe it is easier to secure funding as a woman, and less than 2% of total equity investment goes to female-founded businesses.
In the first three quarters of 2024, female-founded companies raised £1.48bn in equity funding across 972 deals, compared with £9.28bn raised by male-led ventures.
The report called for greater collaboration between investors, mentors and business leaders to expand opportunities for female entrepreneurs.
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