Since 2019, AmCham Germany has presented the Female Founders Award, supporting female founders with innovative and forward-looking business models. Female founders are still a minority in Germany's startup ecosystem – according to the German Startup Monitor, the proportion of women among founders is at only 17.7 percent. Therefore, AmCham Germany aims to give them greater visibility with this award and at the same time offer them a network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors.
Female founders in the fields of technology and engineering are particularly encouraged to apply. However, having a company in these fields is not a prerequisite for applying. Female founders can apply themselves or be nominated by companies or individuals. The application deadline is 13 February 2022An independent jury will then select the award winners, who will be announced in early March.
Prizes and conditions of participation for the Female Founders Award 2022
The prize includes free basic membership in AmCham Germany's nationwide and international network. This grants the winners free tickets to chapter events, the Annual Membership Meeting, and the Transatlantic Business Conference. It also includes an email introduction to three high-ranking representatives from different companies in the network. Furthermore, the winners will become part of AmCham Germany's Female Leadership Platform, which allows them to connect with other high-ranking female leaders and founders.
The following selection criteria apply to the Female Founders Award:
- The applicant must be a (co-)founder of a company or startup.
- The company has been successfully positioned on the market for 2 to 5 years and is no older than 10 years.
- Healthy growth and a solid and growing customer base are proven.
- The company's turnover in the last financial year was at least 100,000 euros or a corresponding turnover-relevant commitment (e.g. paid pilot project).
- The startup serves a clearly defined market.
- The team consists of at least 5 people.
- Leading media outlets have already reported on the company.
- The startup is currently well financed and has a clear vision for the future and growth over the next 5 years.
All information about the competition and the application and nomination forms can be found here.
