22% of Australian start-ups are led by female founders, but according to the latest Stats of Australian Start-Ups report, only 15% of total capital raised was granted to female founders in 2024.
This is something that Tech Ready Women is hoping to change. Since 2017, we have been training non-tech female founders everything from how to test the market, how to utilise tech, scale, develop a business structure, and of course, how to seek investment.
Raising capital comes down to preparation, confidence and resilience. As a female founder, you bring a unique strength to the table. Own that and don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. The more women who successfully raise capital, the more the investment landscape shifts for the better.
Here are my top tips for women seeking investment for their ventures:
Know your Numbers Inside and Out
Investors want to see that you have a strong grasp on your business financials including your revenue, margins, customer acquisition costs and growth projections. Be confident in presenting data- driven insights that demonstrate the viability and scalability of your business. Most people who are willing to invest in a business will be numbers driven, so make sure you are across them.
When I first started out, I didn’t have this skill set so I invested in courses to improve my financial literacy. My first investor was also a former CFO and rather than getting him to do my numbers, I made sure he taught me along the way. I’m someone who failed math at high school, so if I can learn how to build a robust financial model, anyone can.
Build relationships before you need funding
Fundraising is about trust, so start networking with investors early. Attend industry events, seek warm introductions, and establish rapport before you start actively raising. Many investors will back founders who they are already familiar with and who they believe in.
My tip is to seek out who your ideal investor is and ask them for advice. Don’t ask them for money straight away. You want to make sure that your first investors can help your business in some way besides money because the path to success has ups and downs. Therefore, having people invested beyond the money they can provide is helpful to any business looking to scale.
Craft a compelling narrative
Investors don’t just invest in businesses; they invest in founders with a vision. Tell a compelling story about why your business exists, the problem it solves and why you are the best person to lead it. Passion and conviction goes a long way.
I like to show investors WHY I’m the best person to build this business. What I have learnt about the problem, the industry and I make sure I demonstrate why I think out solution in competitive in the market
Target the right investors
Not all investors are the right fit for your business. Research those who have invested in similar industries or back female led start-ups. Aligning with investors who understand your market increases your chance of securing funding.
Get comfortable with talking about money
Many women hesitate to ask for what they need or they undervalue themselves and their business. Be direct and confident when discussing investment amounts, valuation, and growth potential. Investors respect founders who advocate for their worth. They also want to ensure that the person at the helm of the business has the confidence to take the business where it needs to go.
Show traction and milestones
Early-start investors look for momentum. They have clear milestones that demonstrate progress-user growth, partnerships, revenue traction or product development. Even small wins can help build credibility so make sure you are prepared to show them their milestones, explain them and what value they brought to the table
Surround yourself with expert
Build a strong advisory network of mentors, industry experts and successful entrepreneurs. Their guidance can help you refine your pitch, navigate negotiations and avoid common fundraising pitfalls.
Understanding term sheets and equity
Know what you’re signing. Many founders give away too much equity or agree to unfavourable terms early on. Consult a legal expert or mentor to ensure you’re making informed decisions. You hear too often about founders losing control of their business or getting booted by investors because they didn’t pay enough attention to the terms.
Leverage grants and non-dilutive funding
Before giving up equity, explore grants, accelerator programs and government funding options. These can provide capital without dilution, helping your business grown on better terms.
Believe in yourself and keep going.
Rejection is part of the journey. Learn from investor feedback, refine your pitch and persist. The right investor is out there, you just need to find them. I have always had coaches for both personal and professional development while on this entrepreneurial journey. Surround yourself with people who can lift you up or help you see another perspective. That will help you keep your head in the game when you feel you want to quit. I have been lucky enough to launch a few businesses over the past 15 years, so I have learned the ins and outs of scaling a business, seeking investment and even selling a business. In 2017, I launched Tech Ready Women to connect other female founders with experts, education and the tools they need to succeed.
Tech Ready Women and Scalere Partners will be investing $50, 000 into a female founded start-up off the back of our next National Investment Ready Program.
The program, which will be open to 20 female founders will run from April – October 2025. It is an inclusive, accessible and supportive program, equipping women with the skills, network and confidence to raise capital and take their innovative businesses to the next level.
The investment will consist of at least $25, 000 cash from Scalare Partners as well as equal value support services to help scale their business. The terms will be agreed upon with the selected founder and investment made within 60 days of the program completion.
ALSO READ: Founder Friday: Dev Chopra reveals the highs and lows of raising capital
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