Tech Ready Women (TRW) and Scalare Partners have announced a $50,000 investment in a female-founded startup through the upcoming National Investment Ready Program, marking a significant step toward closing the gender funding gap in Australia.
Addressing the funding disparity
The latest State of Australian Startup Funding report revealed that only 15% of total capital went to female founders in 2024. In response, TRW’s initiative aims to empower women entrepreneurs with access to essential funding, skills, and networks.
The five-month program, running from April to October 2025, will support 20 female founders. One participant will receive a $50,000 investment, including at least $25,000 in cash from Scalare Partners and an equivalent value in support services. The terms will be agreed upon with the selected founder, with funds disbursed within 60 days of program completion.
Supporting female entrepreneurs
Founded by entrepreneur Christie Whitehill, TRW has been helping non-tech female founders build tech-based startups since 2017. With only 22% of Australian startups led by women, TRW’s long-term goal is to support one million women on their entrepreneurial journey.
Recently acquired by Scalare Partners, TRW is set for expansion. “Scalare’s investment will strengthen Tech Ready Women’s programs by providing access to investors and mentors, creating more opportunities for female founders,” Whitehill said. TRW has previously collaborated with government bodies, universities, and private organisations committed to fostering gender equality in business. The company recently secured $200,000 through Queensland’s Accelerating Female Founders Program, allowing Queensland-based female founders to receive partial scholarships for a state-specific Investment Ready Program cohort.
TRW’s programs have helped numerous female entrepreneurs scale their businesses, with alumni achieving remarkable milestones:
- Kathy Hubble, Amelio Health (Health Tech) – Won Regional NSW’s top new startup award and received a $400,000 Boosting Female Founder Grant.
- Blaise McCann, Hear Us Roar (Ecommerce) – Successfully sold her business in 2021.
- Danielle Morton, Zondii (AgTech) – Raised over $1.5 million.
- Charlotte Bradshaw, Evrima (MedTech) – Secured $3 million in funding.
- Zara Lord, uPaged (Health Tech) – Raised over $1 million.
TRW offers multiple programs to support female entrepreneurs at different stages of their startup journey:
- Female Founder Startup Program – An eight-week course designed to help women test and launch their ideas with confidence, covering early-stage startup fundamentals, including legal requirements. Cost:$2,723+GST (NSW-based founders can access a reduced rate of $723+GST, thanks to government support).
- Investment Ready Program – A five-month accelerator for female founders with scalable businesses, equipping them with investor connections, pitch strategies, and funding roadmaps. Cost: $6,295 (Queensland-based founders can access the program for $795.30 through sponsorship from Advance Queensland Initiative).
- Female Founder Connect – A free community designed to foster connections among female entrepreneurs at all stages of their business journey.
To register for the Tech Ready Women programs or to find out more information, visit https://www.techreadywomen.academy/.
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Want to scale your female-founded startup? The National Investment Ready Program provides $50K, mentorship, and resources. Apply today News, Tech Ready Women Dynamic Business