About Us
WE-RISE is a groundbreaking initiative designed to support and amplify the impact of women-led startups in GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech across Europe. Recognizing the significant barriers female entrepreneurs face, such as limited funding opportunities and lack of access to resources, WE-RISE aims to create a more inclusive and diverse innovation ecosystem.
​​The project brings together a consortium of experienced partners to provide tailored support, including mentorship, cross-border collaboration, and access to €1.2 million in non-equity funding. Through a dual-stage support program, WE-RISE will help 40 women-led startups scale their innovations, connect with investors, and overcome the unique challenges of emerging and moderate innovation regions.
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By fostering inclusivity, sustainability, and innovation, WE-RISE not only empowers women entrepreneurs but also accelerates the green transition and strengthens the European innovation landscape for a more equitable future.
Impact
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs | WE-RISE will provide direct support to 40 women-led startups through a tailored growth program, including mentorship, training, and investor matchmaking. By equipping these startups with the tools, skills, and connections they need, the project seeks to significantly enhance their market presence and long-term sustainability. This will amplify the role of women entrepreneurs in driving sustainable innovation across Europe.
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Bridging the Gender Investment Gap | Female entrepreneurs in cleantech often face significant barriers to securing funding, receiving only a fraction of venture capital compared to their male counterparts. WE-RISE addresses this gap by allocating €1.2 million in equity-free cascade funding to women-led startups, complemented by targeted investor matchmaking and readiness training. This financial support is expected to unlock further private and public investments, creating a pipeline for continued growth and scaling.
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Reducing Regional Disparities | By focusing on startups from moderate and emerging innovation regions, WE-RISE helps bridge the gap between less-developed areas and established innovation hubs. The project’s cross-border activities and ecosystem integration efforts aim to connect these startups to European-wide networks, investors, and resources, enabling them to overcome geographical barriers and access larger markets.
Fostering Collaboration and Ecosystem Growth | WE-RISE will establish the “WE-RISE Greenhouse,” a dynamic ecosystem community of over 300 stakeholders, including investors, corporates, public procurers, and support organizations. This community will facilitate knowledge exchange, cross-border partnerships, and matchmaking events, creating a supportive environment for startups to thrive in.
Championing Diversity and Inclusion | By prioritizing women-led startups and engaging gender-conscious investors, the project seeks to build a more inclusive European innovation ecosystem. WE-RISE also plans to advocate for systemic change through the publication of a policy white paper, highlighting best practices and recommendations to support female entrepreneurs and foster gender equality in the tech sector.
Accelerating Sustainable Innovation | The project’s focus on GreenTech, AgriTech, and ClimateTech ensures that supported startups are at the forefront of addressing global environmental challenges. By empowering these startups to develop and scale their solutions, WE-RISE contributes directly to Europe’s green transition and the broader objectives of the EU Green Deal.
Partnership
CONTACT
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.