According to a 2021 study by Startup Heatmap Europe, only 16.9% of founders or co-founders in Europe are women, and this trend is echoed in Switzerland, one of
the world’s most innovative countries. This underrepresentation not only discourages women from pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams, but it also creates significant hurdles for those who do.
One of the key barriers that female entrepreneurs face when developing their businesses is a lack of access to venture capital or funding. In 2022, only 3% of total
invested capital flowed to startups with female CEOs according to Startupticker 2023, which is a large underrepresentation of their entrepreneurial ventures.
Moreover, female CEOs get 38% less funding than their male counterparts who start under similar conditions according to Startup Heatmap’s survey ‘Women
Entrepreneurs in Europe’ conducted in 2020, showing a big funding gap. In this report, we aim to address these gaps and barriers that lead to women’s disadvantages in entrepreneurship in Switzerland. Our goal is to highlight successful Swiss female entrepreneurs while remaining critical of the challenges that many women still face in economic contexts. We want to celebrate women who have broken through the barriers and built thriving businesses, but also acknowledge that there’s a lot more to do to close the gender gap in entrepreneurship.
In exploring this issue further, we realize that women are held back by more than just funding problems. Gender biases and stereotypes are also perpetuated by societal norms. These cultural barriers can make it difficult for women to gain recognition and support at the same level as their male counterparts. Thus, it’s crucial to address these societal norms that can negatively impact women’s
ability to succeed in entrepreneurship. However, despite these challenges, we remain inspired and determined to champion female entrepreneurship.
We firmly believe that diverse perspectives and inclusivity are essential for a healthy and thriving economy. By taking action and providing support and equal opportunities for all individuals, no matter their gender, race, or socioeconomic background, we can create a more vibrant, equitable, and prosperous entrepreneurial ecosystem that benefits everyone.
Our mission is to empower women to overcome the barriers they face in entrepreneurship and create a more level playing field. We must strive to foster an environment that encourages women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, regardless of the challenges they may face. We invite you to join us in this important work and help us create a brighter future for all entrepreneurs
