Women Founders Face VC Decline, Spur Global Reform

Women now own nearly 40% of businesses and are reshaping both the business landscape and household roles, with partners increasingly supporting their ventures. Despite their expanding influence, women founders face major funding obstacles, as their share of U.S. venture capital fell to 2%, with only 1% of VC funds in 2024 going to women-led startups. Many are pursuing self-funding, community support, and alternative financing to sustain resilient businesses amid economic uncertainty. Globally, leaders are advocating for fintech reforms and gender-responsive investments, with remittances and philanthropy identified as key tools to empower rural women. In Europe, the gender gap is stark in deeptech and fintech, though some women have founded the fastest-growing companies in these sectors. Nonetheless, female founders remain optimistic, leveraging AI and supportive communities to drive continued growth.