AI innovation should be shaped by diverse voices, bringing a range of perspectives to the technology that’s shaping our future. 

Whether you're an AI founder, researcher, or aspiring leader, the right networks, funding, and learning opportunities can make all the difference. These resources are designed to help you break barriers, build connections, and accelerate your journey in AI.

Funding & Grants 💰 

Funding can make or break a business, but female founders still face an uphill battle securing it. 

Between 2012 and 2022, UK AI companies founded by women accounted for only 2.1% of AI startup deals and raised just 0.3% of the total capital invested by venture capitalists. What’s more, female-founded AI startups received six times less funding per deal on average, compared to their male-founded counterparts.

Momentum is building to change this. More initiatives are tackling these barriers, pushing for fairer access to funding. If you're looking for support, check out these women-only business funding, grants, and awards for 2025:

Innovate UK 

Innovate UK holds several awards, with some cash prizes being reserved specifically for female founders to help accelerate their business and bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship. 

The Women Innovation Award offers at least 20 government-backed funding awards for female entrepreneurs across the UK each year. Entries are not currently open but other opportunities can be found on the Innovate UK website.

However, women-led businesses in the tech industry can apply for the Women TechEU Award right now. 160 winners will receive a €75,000 (around £63,000) prize and a personalised development programme. 

Applications for the Women TechEU Award are open until March 17th, 2025.

Astia

Astia is a global pioneer dedicated to investing in women-led, diverse businesses. Open for applications year-round, it supports high-growth companies where at least one woman holds significant equity on par with her male counterparts.

Its funding process takes around 4-6 weeks. Along the way, businesses receive valuable feedback on their market opportunity, as well as access to expert connections and advice.

Astia funding is a suitable fit for startups that have already gained traction or market validation. This is generally identified as Series A or B, but applications are also welcomed from Seed companies with demonstrated traction.

Apply via Astia’s online portal.

Female Founders Fund

Female Founders Fund was created in 2014 with the simple belief that women will build the companies of tomorrow. Since then, they have become the leading source of institutional capital for female founders raising seed capital with over $3B in enterprise value.

They offer early-stage venture capital for women-led startups.

Hatch

Hatch is a community dedicated to helping founders launch, grow, and scale their business since 2014. Their programmes are designed by founders, for founders, to break down entrepreneurship barriers and empower founders with the skills, confidence, and network needed to succeed. 

The Hatch Accelerator Programme is designed to help female-led businesses grow 10x over 10 years with mentoring and training. Plus, their Launchpad Programme helps to develop skills in business modelling, finance, communications and marketing.

Once you’ve completed a programme, you may become eligible to apply for a business grant through the Hatch Grant Fund.

Google’s Women Techmakers 

Women Techmakers, an initiative by Google, aims to empower women in tech by providing visibility, community, and resources. Since 2013, the community has grown to over 82,000 members.

It offers funding, mentorship programmes, and events that support women in their tech careers, with a focus on education, mentorship, and networking opportunities. 

Mentorship & Leadership Programmes 👩‍🏫 

Breaking into the business world is tough, and having the right guidance can make all the difference. 

Thankfully, more programmes are stepping up to bridge the gap - offering mentorship, leadership training, and industry connections designed to help women and underrepresented groups thrive. 

Women in AI (WAI) 

WAI is a global network dedicated to supporting and advancing women in AI. It offers mentorship opportunities, training programmes, and events designed to help women develop their skills, connect with peers and mentors, and progress in their AI careers.

AI4ALL 

AI4ALL provides leadership training and mentorship opportunities designed to support underrepresented groups in AI. Their aim is to inspire and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in AI by offering access to high-quality resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences.

Female Founders Alliance 

Female Founders Alliance is dedicated to supporting female entrepreneurs in tech and AI by providing access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Founded in 2017, their programmes focus on helping women build and scale impactful tech businesses.

Rewriting the Code 

Rewriting the Code offers mentorship specifically for women in AI and engineering, focusing on guiding them through their technical careers. The initiative helps participants build professional skills, connect with mentors, and overcome barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. 

Zebra’s Unite 

Zebra’s Unite is a global community that supports diverse and ethical startups by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. It is focused on fostering inclusive, socially responsible businesses, with a strong emphasis on creating positive social and environmental impact.

AI Networks & Communities 📢 

Like most industries, success in the AI world isn’t just about technical skills - it’s also about who you know. But for women in the field, AI spaces can often feel like a boys’ club, and finding supportive and uplifting professional communities can be a challenge.

Luckily, more spaces are emerging to connect, support, and amplify women in AI. Whether you're looking for mentorship, collaboration, or a platform to share your expertise, these networks and communities are worth exploring:

Women in Machine Learning (WiML) 

A supportive community, dedicated to shining a spotlight on women’s excellence in machine learning and inspiring the next generation of innovators. WiML runs yearlong mentorship programmes to help women working in AI research and machine learning give and receive advice, gain knowledge, and make connections.

Women Who Code - AI Chapter 

Women Who Code started as a community group in 2011 by a small team of engineers, seeking connection and support in the tech industry. More than a decade later, the community consists of over 360,000 technologists across 145 countries who deeply care about building a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable industry. They provide events, mentorship, and networking for women in AI.

Black Women in AI 

A global professional membership association dedicated to the advancement of black women in artificial intelligence. Since August 2020, they have offered networking & professional development for Black women in AI.

AI Ethics Lab 

AI Ethics Lab became active in 2017 and offers a unique approach to integrate ethics solutions into the innovation process. This includes discussion, workshops, and collaboration on ethical AI development.

Learning & Development 📚 

Staying ahead in business means constantly learning, but access to the right resources isn’t always equal. Thankfully, more initiatives are making high-quality education and training accessible. 

From workshops to online courses, here are some top learning and development opportunities:

Fast.ai Practical Deep Learning Course

Free AI education for all skill levels - learn how to apply deep learning and machine learning to real-world problems.

DeepLearning.AI

DeepLearning.AI offers a comprehensive suite of courses designed to cater to various levels of expertise in AI, machine learning, deep learning, LLMs, and more

Their courses range from short certifications to full specialisation courses.

MIT OpenCourseWare: AI & Ethics 

This course offers a comprehensive (and free) exploration of the ethical challenges in AI development and deployment. It covers topics such as fairness, privacy, and accountability, providing an in-depth understanding of the ethical dilemmas facing AI professionals today. 

AI First Accelerator 

Google’s AI First Accelerator is a programme aimed at supporting startups that are building AI-driven solutions. It offers tailored resources, mentorship, and technical assistance to early-stage AI companies to help them develop and scale their AI technologies.

You can register your interest for future events via the website.

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The future of AI should be built by everyone, not just a select few. 

By supporting diverse founders, fostering inclusive communities, and expanding access to funding, mentorship, and education, we can create an AI industry that truly reflects the world it serves.

Whether you're launching a startup, advancing your career, or looking to make an impact, these resources are here to help you break barriers and shape the future of AI.

Looking for your next opportunity in data and AI? Let’s talk: https://www.generativegroup.ai/contact-us/