Female founders are still a minority in the startup ecosystem in Germany – according to the Female Founders Monitor The proportion of female founders is only 20 percent. Therefore, AmCham Germany aims to increase their visibility with the Female Founders Award, which has been presented annually since 2019. The selected winners are also intended to serve as role models for other female founders.
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 12 February 2023An independent jury will then select the award winners, who will be announced in March. The awards ceremony will take place on April 26 in Berlin.
Prizes and conditions of participation for the Female Founders Award 2023
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 there is 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.
