Standard Chartered is teaming up with WomHub to roll out the second edition of their Women in Tech (WiT) Incubator Programme. This programme is designed to support female entrepreneurs by offering them education, mentoring, and funding opportunities.
The new programme is set to start in September and will provide $10,000 in non-dilutive seed funding to each of the five startups that make it to the final stage. Following the success of last year’s launch, this year’s programme aims to offer even more support to women in the tech industry.
First introduced in the Americas in 2014, the WiT Incubator Programme has expanded its reach over the past decade, now benefiting female entrepreneurs across Africa and supporting women in various STEM fields. According to Standard Chartered’s press release, the programme’s main aim is to promote gender equality and foster innovation through a blend of mentoring, education, networking, and funding.
The 12-week programme will start in September 2024, welcoming 15 selected startups. Over the course of the programme, participants will receive hands-on training, guidance from industry experts, and chances to connect with investors. At the end of the programme, five finalists will each receive $10,000 to help push their businesses forward.
Chris Egberink, CEO of Standard Chartered in South Africa, commented, “Our Women in Tech Incubator Programme is not just a commitment—it’s a real effort to empower women entrepreneurs with the resources, support and opportunities they need to thrive. Since 2014, we have witnessed the remarkable impact this programme has had on thousands of businesses, and we’re committed to continuing this legacy.”
Naadiya Moosajee, co-founder of WomHub, highlighted the importance of their collaboration, saying, “The intentionality behind this partnership is crucial — together, we address the specific challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in technical fields, where the lack of capital and belief in their capabilities is a significant barrier. Programmes like this not only provide essential funding but also create opportunities for these women to transform their ideas into thriving businesses that positively impact their communities and society.”
For those interested in finding out more about this year’s programme or how to apply for future rounds, you can get in touch via email at senamile[at]womhub[dot]com.