International Women’s Day

“I firmly believe that it is essential for women to empower each other to take up space in the tech industry and one area we most need to see increased gender diversity is on the access to finance front. Investing in female-led tech isn’t just a step towards gender equality, it’s ensuring the opportunity be open to all.”

“Fintechs open the door for everyone to access wealth and success on a level playing field. Removing bias and curating the best blend of services allows for the democracy of opportunity. Women are renowned for maximizing opportunity!”

“Attitudes towards female entrepreneurship continue to improve, but you must be really organised and make sure you've done your research and planning. It is essential to have a business plan and the show you are 'finance ready'.”

“We as an industry hold the keys to achieving a better #BalanceforBetter in the business world when it comes to closing the financial inclusion gap. The time to start the conversation is long overdue.”

“The statistics show it's more challenging for female-led companies to access finance, not because they aren't as successful, or don't have as much potential, but because of gender bias. That needs to change because female-led businesses have a lot to offer.”

“These are not just companies that commercially outperform competitors, these are companies driving fresh perspective and positive change. It's important they have access to the finance they need to build successful businesses so others can take their lead.”

“It’s important that we push for technology products that cut out structural biases in society and that begins with ensuring more women in tech.”

“Fintech companies that make finance more accessible for female-led companies are absolutely essential to closing the financial inclusion gap that has, up until now, benefitted mainly male entrepreneurs.”

“I have bootstrapped my business - it's been very difficult to secure financing given my sector. Investors often don't understand the need to fund a podcasting network/initiative. Fintech gives us the opportunity to fund projects that wouldn't be funded by traditional media organizations.”

“I believe that SMEs play a critical role in the UK economy and it's important to create an environment where businesses have equal opportunities to grow and succeed. The finance industry should be more accessible and open to empowering success no matter the 'gender' of a company.”

“Fintech companies active in business lending do not actively or consciously make finance more accessible for female-led companies. That's the whole beauty of it. It's all about neutrality and that drives better balance in all aspects of business.”

“Imagine a future in which venture capital decisions will indeed be based on a strong set of data, patterns and algorithms. This will be a world in which successful women simply cannot hide their qualities and skills behind cautious modesty any longer. With automation, startup funding would be #BalancedforBetter.”

“It's important that fintech companies make finance more accessible because women make up an equal share of the population and there is so much untapped potential.”

“Access to finance shouldn’t be restricted by your gender nor by any other characteristic such as race or sexual orientation. Therefore it is important that young fintech companies take their share in fighting for a more equal world.”

“Fintech has the power to encourage women to pursue their empowerment through education and networking with other women to create stronger communities.”

“Women's economic empowerment is not just good for business. It has long-reaching implications for education, health and social progress. To that purpose, technology is a unique gender-neutral tool to tear the financial glass ceiling down.”

“Greater access to finance for women entrepreneurs might simply be an unintended outcome of the fintech and data revolution, but it is a good starting point that the industry ought to further embrace. While there is still much more work to be done, the financial industry is taking strides in the right direction.”

“Don't ignore the unique value of women-led business, particularly if your customers are largely women. We're a rare commodity and rareness brings value. Many customers enjoy supporting women-led businesses, so join the conversation, share who you are and what you stand for.”

“We must provide appropriate pathways and opportunities for these statistics to be equalised if possible. It's also important to note that the pace at which women are starting businesses is accelerating and we need to keep up with this momentum and support this shift with greater awareness of the financial support available.”

“If women-led companies cannot access finance, it is not just a human rights deficit, it’s a huge economic opportunity lost as well. Women are not a niche market. Investing in women-led companies reaches women’s needs in the way women need.”

“Often finance is the life blood of start-ups and young businesses. To think that finance is less accessible for women founded/led companies is extremely concerning - it means that we are potentially lacking in diversity of ideas and concepts that are making it to the consumer.”

“So often we see role models from everyday backgrounds breaking seemingly insurmountable barriers and if we live our lives with a ‘nothing is impossible’ attitude, we can be brave enough to achieve amazing things. Persistence, bravery and perseverance always pays.”

“Tragically, gender bias continues to inform poor decision making and there is no utility for these traditional views to pervade business funding decisions. In allowing this to prevail, we are at risk of missing out on up to 50% of the innovative potential around us.”

“Fintechs are closing the financial inclusion gap with tech that cuts out gender bias, but let's remember: women's empowerment is so much more than being empowered economically. Imagine a fintech sector that also finances social ventures that have a measurable impact on communities. That's empowerment.”