WHY IS THE PROGRAMME NEEDED?
Unlocking the potential of our female tech founders and co-founders in South Yorkshire is essential to unlocking the potential of the region’s economy. Our Spotlight on South Yorkshire's Women in Tech Report 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 PROGRAMME
The FoundHERy is a new pilot programme led by TECH SY, focused on female tech founders and co-founders at the startup to scaling level. The programme comprises an eight week intensive support period, a curated mission to London Tech Week, one-to-one support, group accountability calls, bespoke support to address a core challenge, connectivity with investors and a final pitch event with investors.
The FoundHERy marks an important first step in a broader commitment to strengthen support for women in tech and investment across the region, helping to build a more inclusive and investable ecosystem where talent from South Yorkshire can thrive. The FoundHERy has been funded by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, through the Tech Town status given to Barnsley Council, as well as funding through the British Business Bank and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
Applications are open from Monday 11th May 2026, closing at midnight on Sunday 31st May. There will be eight places available for the programme.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
1-2-1 support with a programme lead
Regular accountability sessions and workshops covering a range of topics co-designed by the cohort
Bespoke package of support responding to the specific needs of the founder
Curated mission to London Tech Week (attendance is encouraged but not obligatory)
End of programme showcase including connectivity with investors, partners and supply chain
Activity at the October Northern Tech Summit in Sheffield
The successful cohort has now been selected. The FoundHERy 2026 consists of:
Gabrielė Barteškaitė (Founder & COO, Future Greens)
Eleanor Tang-Smith (Co-founder & COO, OLO Robotics)
Luisa Carvalho (Co-founder & CEO, Nasalyzer)
Agnethe Seim Olsen (Founder & Managing Director, RobQuant)
Dr. Patience Amos, MD, MPH (Founder & CEO, MyLurah)
Nicola Towse (Founder & CEO, Risqly)
Saffron Howdle (Co-founder & CEO, Bobbi)
Sirinda Bhandal (Founder, Simply Connect)
Mercedes Moxon Greenfield (Co-founder & CTO, Community Stack)
See our Application Guidance here
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