Standard Chartered, in collaboration with AUC Venture Lab and Village Capital, has launched Egypt’s first Futuremakers Women in Tech accelerator, aiming to support female-led tech ventures across the country. The new programme is part of Standard Chartered’s global Futuremakers initiative and is funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation.
The three-month accelerator, introduced for the first time in Egypt, is designed specifically for women entrepreneurs working in tech-enabled sectors. Delivered in partnership with the American University in Cairo’s AUC Venture Lab and Village Capital, the programme seeks to back innovation and increase the visibility of women in the Egyptian technology landscape.
“Launching Futuremakers Women in Tech in Egypt is a proud and powerful moment for us. We believe women entrepreneurs are catalysts for innovation and inclusive growth. Through this programme, we’re opening doors for bold ideas and brighter futures—and we’re excited to see Egypt’s talent rise and lead,” said Mohammed Gad, CEO and Head of Banking & Coverage, Standard Chartered, Egypt.
Over the next three years, the accelerator will support women-led start-ups that aim to make an impact. Participants will benefit from a structured programme featuring masterclasses, investment readiness support, and one-on-one mentorship. By the end of each cycle, selected participants will have the chance to compete for equity-free grants of up to $10,000.
“Since 2013, we have been committed to championing Egyptian entrepreneurs and our newest program with Standard Chartered and Village Capital is another testament to that. Our programmes have helped more than 1,000 founders to date and this accelerator will help many other women build their tech-enabled ventures and connect them with investment opportunities,” said Ayman Ismail, Founding Director of AUC Venture Lab and Abdul Latif Jameel Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship at the American University in Cairo.
The launch event featured keynotes from Rola Abu Manneh, CEO for MENAP at Standard Chartered, and Sherif Kamel, Dean at AUC’s Onsi Sawiris School of Business. It also included a panel discussion on the future of women-led startups, with speakers such as Dr. Azza El Shinnawy, Farah Emara, and Village Capital’s Ahmed Fadl.
Globally, Futuremakers Women in Tech has already reached 4,000 women founders across 17 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and the UAE.
