Elizabeth Pirrie, chief executive of business incubator AccelerateHER, has taken full ownership of the company, marking a significant moment for the organisation’s leadership and future direction.
Ms Pirrie, who has served as CEO since 2022, confirmed the acquisition this week. While the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed, the move places full control of AccelerateHER in her hands as the organisation continues to support women-led businesses and founders.
Describing the step, Ms Pirrie said the acquisition represented “both a continuation and a new chapter”. She indicated that her focus would remain on leading the organisation’s team and founder network as it enters its next phase.
“I’ve been CEO since 2022, and I’ll continue to lead our brilliant team and growing founder community with the same energy and purpose,” she said. “Central to this is my belief in what’s possible when women back women.”
AccelerateHER operates as a business incubator, working with female founders and entrepreneurs through mentorship, investment readiness and community support. Since Ms Pirrie took on the chief executive role, the organisation has expanded its reach and profile within the startup ecosystem.
Ms Pirrie also reflected on the development of AccelerateHER as a community-led organisation, describing it as a “powerhouse community”. She attributed this progress to the commitment of its members and the original vision set by founder Jackie Waring.
“Jackie will remain part of the journey as a mentor and advisor, and I’m hugely grateful for everything we’ve built together,” Ms Pirrie said.
Ms Waring founded AccelerateHER with the aim of addressing gender imbalance in entrepreneurship by creating targeted support for women founders. Her continued involvement in an advisory capacity is expected to provide continuity as the organisation moves forward under Ms Pirrie’s ownership.
In her remarks, Ms Pirrie also acknowledged the wider network that supports AccelerateHER, including founders, partners, mentors and investors. She thanked those involved for their contribution to the organisation’s progress to date.
“To our founders, partners, mentors, investors and supporters, thank you. The future of AccelerateHER is bright, bold, and only just getting started,” she said.
The acquisition comes at a time when increased attention is being placed on access to funding, mentorship and leadership opportunities for women in business. With Ms Pirrie now holding full ownership, AccelerateHER is expected to continue its work supporting women entrepreneurs while shaping its strategy under a single leadership vision.
