AccelerateHER Awards launch online programme for 2021

Organisers of the AccelerateHER Awards have launched the 2021 programme, which will be staged online including a virtual finals event celebrating the achievements of “inspiring and ambitious” female business-founders.

Jackie Waring, CEO of Investing Women, the all-female angel group behind the awards. Picture: Neil Hanna.

Next year marks the sixth consecutive year of the awards, which are designed to inspire and support more female-led companies with strong global growth potential – and the aim is to offer the full programme virtually.

The 2021 awards are open to applications from women whose companies fit into one of the following four categories: medtech and science; fintech and cyber security; cleantech and climate; or disruptive innovation. All companies must be UK-registered, and trading, or intending to trade, in Scotland, and the deadline for entries is 4 December.

Shortlisted entrants from each of the categories will present online to a panel in February, with up to 12 being selected as finalists. A winner for each category, as well as a Rising Star – for the female founder with the best early-stage business idea – will then be announced at a virtual awards finals event on 25 March.

Winners will once again secure a place on an international trade mission to Europe, North America or the Middle East, which is planned for later in 2021, dependent on relevant rules. Previous winners include Heather McDonald, founder of craft beer firm WooHa Brewing Company, and Elaine Galston of Tubular Sciences, which is focused on metal pipelines. To date, more than 3,700 female business-founders have joined the AccelerateHER network.

Jackie Waring, chief executive of Investing Women, the all-female angel group behind the AccelerateHER Awards, said: “While Covid-19 has had a profound impact on the global economy, it has not stopped female founders from continuing to excel across the business community. We are therefore determined this important event will proceed and, after our success in staging last year’s finals as a virtual event, we are confident we can deliver the full 2021 programme on a virtual basis.

“I would urge any ambitious female founder who wants to raise her company’s profile on an international stage to enter the awards. This includes those whose businesses are only at concept stage who could secure recognition through the Rising Star category.”

The AccelerateHER programme is sponsored by Barclays Ventures and supported by the Scottish Government.

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