More women start-ups than ever but less than half going for awards compared to men

Women founded businesses

In the last few years, the number of women-founded businesses has risen considerably. Starting a business became more accessible as well as cheaper during the growth of remote working.

However, this rise has not come with an increase in women being shortlisted for industry awards, they continue to be dominated by men. Between 2021 and 2023 there was only a 3% increase in women applying to be featured in the Top 100 Index.

Startups.co.uk are calling it ‘The Ego Gap’ where women founders are less likely to put their businesses forward for awards than their male counterparts.

The Startups 100 Index

The Startups 100 is the longest-running UK list of new and disruptive businesses. Startups such as Deliveroo and Monzo to name only a few, are previous listees.
This year 2023, Startups.co.uk is calling more women-owned businesses to apply for the Index so the list better reflects the actual landscape of innovative new businesses in the UK.

The lead writer at Startups.co.uk said, Helena Young: “With more and more women-founded businesses being established every year, this data suggests that it is perhaps a lack of self-belief, not lack of existing businesses, preventing women from applying to business awards.

“However, from our results, their fears are unjustified. In fact, despite just 25% of women-led firms applying to the Startups 100 Index this year, a considerably higher proportion (33%) made it into the top 100 thanks to their impressive business ideas and growth stories.”

She continues: “We’ve seen amazing success from previous female-founded businesses in the list and, ironically, applying to business awards could be the best way for women entrepreneurs to boost their credibility and confidence within the market.

“The growth in women-founded businesses in the UK is hugely exciting. Now, we want more women entrepreneurs to put themselves forward for the Index so we can help to bolster and grow their brand.”

The aim for Startups.co.uk this year is to celebrate business owners with the most growth and not just the biggest turnover. The judging process is more inclusive than before and will continue to be free to enter.

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