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Businettes Against the Odds

This event is organised by Businettes, a pan-European female founder community with hubs in the UK, Germany, and France. We run events that bring together women who are building, fundraising, and persevering in business - often when the odds are stacked against them. On 7 October, 5–9pm at WeWork Waterhouse Square in London, we’re hosting our next in-person gathering: Against the Odds. Around 80 founders will join for an evening of connection, inspiration, and energy - and we’d love to open this up to your community as well. Here’s what’s happening on the night: Female founder food & drink showcase – a chance to taste and discover products made by women shaking up the F&B world. Headline speaker: Sonya Barlow – BBC presenter, entrepreneur, and author of Unprepared to Entrepreneur, sharing practical lessons on inclusion, resilience, and building a platform from scratch. Startup pitch competition – with free coaching for selected founders, plus the chance to showcase their business in front of peers, investors, and ecosystem partners. Community networking – a warm and welcoming space to meet founders at similar stages, swap stories, and leave with new collaborators, mentors, and friends.

Event description

Starting a business is never a straight line, especially when the odds feel stacked against you. Sixty percent of new businesses close within their first three years. Less than 3 percent of all UK venture capital goes to companies led by all-female teams. Most young people can’t name a single high-profile female entrepreneur, yet every day, founders are rewriting this story.

That’s what we’re celebrating – building and keep on moving against the odds.

Businettes events are known for their supportive, energising community and ACTIONABLE knowledge. In all our events, you’ll find honest conversations, wisdom packed guests, inspirational founders and a well spent evening!

This event is organised alongside Sifted Summit, providing an excellent opportunity to meet other participants you can re-connect over the 8-9th October.

Agenda: 

5pm – Doors open

5pm – 6pm – Female Founder Food & Drink showcase

6pm – 6:15pm – Welcome

6:15pm – 6:45pm – Q&A with Sonya Barlow

6:45pm – 7:15pm – Female Founder Pitches

7:15pm – 9pm – Networking

 

Find out more

https://www.businettes.com/events/against-the-odds

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Event information

Date and time:
7 October 2025
5:00pm to 9:00pm
Location:
WeWork, 3 Waterhouse Square, EC1N 2SWLondonUnited Kingdom
Stage:
Regions: