The Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge has been launched in association with Encubay, a global network committed to bridging equity in entrepreneurship and investing, and VAIA Climate, an investment advisory firm. This initiative aims to address the funding gap in the Indian tech ecosystem by providing a launchpad for women-led startups to scale, secure funding, and access global networks.
“Encubay was built to bridge the equity gap for women entrepreneurs. Partnering on initiatives like the Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge aligns with our commitment to empowering female founders with access to capital, networks, and mentorship,” said Deeksha Ahuja, Founder of Encubay.
Prosus, a global tech company and one of the world’s largest technology investors, has invested nearly $9 billion in India, backing successful startups like Swiggy, Meesho, Captain Fresh, and Pharmeasy across fintech, food delivery, and e-commerce. The company’s focus on driving innovation and supporting businesses with social impact aligns with the mission of the FoundHER Challenge.
“Women in tech don’t need more barriers—they need opportunities. Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge is about action, backing women-led startups to scale, innovate, and lead,” says Prajna Khanna, Global Head of Sustainability – Vice President at Prosus Group and Naspers Limited.
Despite significant progress, women remain underrepresented in tech, innovation, and funding. Studies reveal that women-led startups receive less than 5% of global venture capital funding, highlighting a critical gap. The FoundHER Challenge aims to change this by offering catalytic capital and opportunities to female-led startups in the Indian tech landscape.
“Encubay’s global network of founders, investors, and corporates will play a key role in supporting participating startups. We are committed to creating an inclusive ecosystem where women thrive as leaders in tech,” added Avneet Kohli, Founder of Encubay.
How the Challenge Works
- Application Phase: Women-led tech startups can apply before April 4, 2025.
- Shortlisting Process: 30 founders will be selected based on innovation, scalability, and impact by an esteemed jury.
- Pitch Event: The top six founders will pitch in an in-person session on May 25, 2025, in Bangalore.
- Winner Selection: Three winners will receive up to $50,000 in equity-free funding.
- More Information: Visit the Prosus FoundHER Challenge for application guidelines.
Meet the Jury
The finalists will present their startups to an esteemed panel of investors and industry leaders, including:
- Anjali Bansal – Founding Partner, Avaana Capital
- Archana Jahagirdar – Founder & Managing Partner, Rukam Capital
- Ronak Sandil – Director, Amazon Ventures
- Apurva Dixit – Investment Team, Blume Ventures
- Martin Tschopp – CEO, Prosus Ventures
- Priyanka Chopra – CFO, Prosus Ventures
Encubay encourages aspiring women founders to seize this opportunity to showcase their ventures, connect with investors, and accelerate their growth.
Encubay is a global business network with over 10,000 stakeholders, including founders, investors, corporates, and ecosystem partners. Actively driving impact through initiatives that address key challenges faced by early-stage founders, Encubay focuses on building knowledge networks, facilitating access to capital, and creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs.
Key Achievements:
- Accelerated growth for 7,500+ founders.
- Partnered with organizations like HSBC, Google, AWS, and more to enable sustainability, innovation, and impact.
- Strengthened the India-UAE trade corridor, providing founders with access to global networks.
The Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge represents a significant step toward fostering a more inclusive and equitable startup ecosystem in India, ensuring that women-led startups receive the recognition, resources, and funding they deserve.
