About the report
Our Women in Tech 2026 report shows signs of progress in South Yorkshire, but it’s clear there’s still a long way to go. We revisit the data on Women in Tech and Investment in South Yorkshire, a year after we launched our first report and held a roundtable with British Business Bank and local leaders.
Women remain underrepresented across tech roles, boards and investment, and funding gaps continue to limit growth. Only around 18% of tech roles locally are held by women, and since 2014 just 10% of announced investment has gone to female founded companies.
Yet the data tells us that female founded businesses outperform, generating twice the revenue per £1 invested, showing stronger valuations and faster growth. In 6 years, the estimated valuation of female-led companies has increased to £198m. Female founders tell us that community, visibility and connection remain central to their journey — but barriers like funding access and systemic inequity persist.
The talent is here, the ambition is here, and the region is building real momentum. Now we need sustained support, allyship and investment to match it.
Download our report here
