UK launches WAVE 2025 to spotlight women tech founders and boost venture opportunities
This summer, the UK Government Office for Investment unveiled the Women Advancing Venture and Entrepreneurship (WAVE) 2025 competition. The initiative will elevate female tech founders by providing access to global visibility, capital connections, and high-calibre mentorship.
What is WAVE 2025?
WAVE 2025 is a flagship programme from the Office for Investment’s Venture Capital Unit (VCU), targeting the top 10 UK‑based women founders leading technology ventures with scale‑up potential .
Each selected founder will receive:
- Placement in a lookbook circulated to venture capital (VC) and corporate VC investors around the globe
- A slot to pitch at a breakfast session with prominent investors
- One‑to‑one sessions with senior VC or corporate mentors
- Invitations to join government and industry events alongside investors and collaborators Â
Who can apply?
Eligibility is straightforward:
- Applicants must be women, either sole or co‑founders of a British tech business
- The business must be raising at least £5 million in the next financial year
- Some traction is essential—such as early revenues, clinical or customer trials, or IP
- Candidates must be willing to engage with government initiatives Â
Timeline and logistics
Applications opened in mid-July and will remain open until 30 September 2025, with the final cohort announced in November 2025.
Why is WAVE important?
The initiative is positioned as part of the government’s wider strategy to correct the gender imbalance in UK tech and entrepreneurship. HM Treasury estimates the country could unlock up to £250 billion in new economic value if women founded and scaled businesses at rates equal to men .
Recent data highlights the urgency: all‑female founder teams received just under 2 percent of venture capital funding in 2024, a figure that underscores entrenched disparities in access to finance.
Additionally, the government has recently pledged an extra £50 million specifically to support female‑led venture capital funds, doubling its existing commitment and reinforcing sustainable investment pathways for underrepresented founders and funders.
Expert voices and contex
Aekta Mahajan Patel, Global Head of Venture Capital at the OFI, said the programme aligns with new government commitments announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves—including broader backing for diverse fund managers and heightened visibility for women entrepreneurs.
Looking ahead, WAVE 2025 complements ongoing efforts such as the Invest in Women Fund, which has raised over £250 million to support female-led businesses but faces criticism over delays and funding gaps highlighted by MPs and advocacy groups.
What’s next?
Women tech founders across sectors – AI, biotech, cleantech or creative industries – who meet the criteria and are aiming to scale should consider applying. The programme promises not only funding opportunities but meaningful connections to international investors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Applications close on 30 September 2025 (11 am BST), and can be submitted via the Business.gov.uk campaign page.
WAVE 2025 marks a critical milestone in bridging the UK’s gender funding gap in tech. By spotlighting high-potential women founders and connecting them with global networks and investment, it promises to amplify both innovation and inclusivity in the startup ecosystem.