Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge Offers $50000 Grants to Women Entrepreneurs | Game-Changing Opportunity!
Prosus has launched the Tech FoundHER Challenge in India, offering $50,000 in equity-free funding to support women-led startups. Partnering with Encubay and VAIA Climate, the initiative aims to bridge the gender funding gap and provide female entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and global networks. Despite advancements, women-led startups receive less than 5% of global VC funding, a disparity this challenge seeks to address. Applications are open until April 4, 2025, with 30 startups shortlisted and six finalists pitching in Bangalore on May 25, 2025.
Three winners will receive funding, mentorship, and access to an elite panel of investors, including leaders from Avaana Capital, Amazon Ventures, and Prosus Ventures. Prosus, having invested nearly $9 billion in India across fintech, e-commerce, and food delivery, sees this challenge as a step toward inclusive innovation. Encubay, with a network of 10,000+ founders and investors, has already helped 7,500+ startups scale through capital access and strategic partnerships.
Through this initiative, Prosus and Encubay aim to create a more inclusive ecosystem where women in tech can thrive, lead, and innovate.
Prosus Tech FoundHER Challenge Offers $50000 Grants to Women Entrepreneurs | Game-Changing Opportunity!
In a significant push to address gender inequality in India’s tech sector, global tech investor Prosus has launched the Tech FoundHER Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative offering $50,000 in equity-free grants to women entrepreneurs. Partnering with Encubay—a global network for female founders—and VAIA Climate, an investment advisory firm, the program aims to tackle the stark funding gap faced by women-led startups while providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and tools to scale their businesses.
Bridging the Funding Gap
Despite India’s booming startup ecosystem, women-led ventures receive less than 5% of global venture capital funding. This disparity often stems from systemic biases and limited access to networks. The Tech FoundHER Challenge seeks to change this by offering not just financial support but also strategic guidance.
“Encubay was built to close the equity gap for women in entrepreneurship,” said Deeksha Ahuja, the network’s founder. “This challenge is about equipping female founders with capital, mentorship, and connections to thrive.”
Prosus, a major investor in Indian tech giants like Swiggy, Meesho, and PharmEasy, has already invested nearly $9 billion into the country’s fintech, e-commerce, and food delivery sectors. Now, through this initiative, the company is reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity.
“Women in tech face enough barriers—they deserve real opportunities,” emphasized Prajna Khanna, Prosus’s Global Head of Sustainability. “This isn’t just talk; it’s about actionable support to help them lead in innovation.”
How the Challenge Works
Open to women-led startups across India, applications for the Tech FoundHER Challenge will close on April 4, 2025. From the pool of applicants, 30 startups will be shortlisted, with six finalists selected to pitch their ideas live in Bangalore on May 25, 2025.
Three winners will each receive $50,000 in non-dilutive funding—meaning founders retain full ownership of their ventures—alongside mentorship from industry leaders.
The program’s jury includes top investors and experts, such as:
- Anjali Bansal (Avaana Capital)
- Archana Jahagirdar (Rukam Capital)
- Ronak Sandil (Amazon Ventures)
- Martin Tschopp (CEO, Prosus Ventures)
- Priyanka Chopra (CFO, Prosus Ventures)
This panel will not only judge the competition but also provide guidance through workshops and one-on-one mentorship, helping founders refine their business models and strategies.
Building a Thriving Ecosystem
Beyond funding, the initiative focuses on creating a strong support network. Encubay, which has a community of 10,000+ founders, investors, and corporate partners, will connect participants to global markets, partnerships, and growth programs.
“Our community is a powerhouse of knowledge and collaboration,” said Avneet Kohli, Co-Founder of Encubay. “We’re here to ensure women entrepreneurs don’t just survive but lead in tech.”
Encubay’s track record includes assisting over 7,500 startups with funding and scaling, making it a critical ally for participants. Additionally, winners will gain access to Prosus’s vast portfolio, opening doors to potential collaborations with industry leaders.
Why This Matters
India’s tech landscape is rapidly evolving, yet women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Initiatives like the Tech FoundHER Challenge are essential to unlocking the untapped potential of female innovators.
By providing women entrepreneurs with risk-free capital, investor networks, and expert mentorship, the program allows them to focus on growth rather than fundraising hurdles.
For instance, a startup using AI for sustainable agriculture or a fintech solution improving rural financial inclusion could use the grant to prototype ideas, hire talent, or expand operations—all without giving up equity.
A Call to Action
The Tech FoundHER Challenge is more than a competition; it’s a movement to reshape India’s tech narrative. Women entrepreneurs driving innovation in climate tech, edtech, healthtech, or Web3 are encouraged to apply.
As Khanna notes, “Diverse perspectives fuel innovation. Supporting women isn’t just fair—it’s smart business.”
By fostering inclusivity, Prosus and its partners hope to inspire a new wave of female-led startups that will redefine India’s tech future.
For aspiring founders, this is a golden opportunity to turn visionary ideas into reality—backed by a community committed to their success.
👉 Applications are open now at Encubay’s platform. Don’t miss your chance to scale your startup, connect with mentors, and join a growing movement of women shaping the future of tech!