Aurora Tech Award

The most creative, resilient, and brave trailblazers among women entrepreneurs in tech become part of the Aurora Tech Award hall of fame. But what is behind their success? Not always rainbows and butterflies! We asked our finalists to share their fears, hopes, barriers, and invincibility with us. We call this series “Backstage.” Let’s start with Firouza Eshonova, founder of the EZSpeech by Mila4AI and a finalist for the Aurora Tech Award 2024. #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation #TechCommunity #DiversityInTech #TechSavvyWomen #EmpoweringWomen #StartupOpportunity 

Our rock stars (aka “women entrepreneurs”) often live by the motto, “if there’s no solution to a problem, tackle it yourself.” This definitely applies to our three winners, who had to find a way to solve issues that nobody in their countries could. By stating this, we’re starting a new chapter in our socials called “Interviews of the Aurora Tech Award winners.” This one features our 3rd place winner, Sarah Phiri-Molema, founder of Deaftronics (Pty) Ltd. Need more insights from this brilliant woman? Follow the link to read the whole interview: https://bit.ly/4cODUtJ #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation #TechCommunity #DiversityInTech #TechSavvyWomen #EmpoweringWomen #StartupOpportunity

Clear, accessible, and transparent ways of getting your business funded matter. Period. That’s why we want to provide you with one great way to do it: ULTRA.VC, a venture capital firm, is now accepting applications from founders all around the world. ULTRA.VC is an early-stage investor that also runs its own accelerator program, and a small group of venturing experts is enthusiastic and open about what they do. They offer mentorship, expert help, and access to a community of founders focused on making a positive impact. What ULTRA.VC promises if they choose your startup:  🌟 An initial investment of $70,000, with the potential for up to $300,000 in follow-up funding. 🌟 To benefit from this opportunity, make sure your business is about: personal and mental well-being, education and lifelong learning, the future of work, new governance, FinTech with impact, or the ethical use of AI. However, these guys are open for other divisions, too, if this startup is about making a difference! This aligns perfectly with the Aurora Tech Award values, and we are glad to have found a partner willing to support our lovely Aurorians (that's how we refer to our team and audience in our newsletters 💖). Are you ready to immerse yourself in an empowering journey? Don’t hesitate to apply before August 11, 2024:  ULTRA.VC #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation #TechCommunity #DiversityInTech #TechSavvyWomen #EmpoweringWomen #StartupOpportunity

What are things investors value in the business? We searched for the answers in interviews with the Managing Director of Kalaari Capital Vani Kola who proved her more than 30 years of experience in both the US and India. Why is she called “Queen of Indian Venture Capital”? She, a mother and a leader, came back to India after great success in the US and co-launched the $189 million fund NEA IndoUS Venture Partners. In India she had to unlearn everything she knew before and started a whole new career. Now, as her Kalaari Capital invested in over 110 startups, Vani Kola supports women-led startups in the male-dominated tech world through her CXXO foundation. Here’s what it takes to get noticed by her: 🌟Step 1: Take Risks Kola emphasizes viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, and that’s based on her own experience: “Around 41, I moved back to India, which also for a lot of people sounds like a risky decision. But [..] I saw it as an adventure, a learning experience, and a motivating challenge that could test me in a fulfilling way. So, I think the principle of pushing yourself for challenges without worrying about calculating the risk, but instead looking at the upside, looking at the positives was imbibed in me. I think it was the confidence, perseverance and conviction to listen to my intuition and accept setbacks to pursue my dreams. These can be qualities that are once nurtured and continue to bear fruit for you year after year.” 🌟Step 2. Get Insights Vani Kola values founders who have clear insights into their product's purpose and experience: “What is the product purpose? What is the product experience, and the clarity of that, and how much clarity and insights they have matters.” 🌟Step 3: Be Confident Kola highlights the need for entrepreneurs to have strong self-belief, especially in the Western cultures: “You have to be a bit of a megalomaniac, believing in your conviction despite others' doubts.” 🌟Step 4: Focus on the Product She seeks product-centric founders with unique insights into solving problems: “What I'm looking for is a unique value proposition that solves a problem.” 🌟Step 5: Create Value Investors expect their investments to grow substantially, and founders should aim to significantly increase their company's value within a few years: “As a founder, I have to ask myself, investors are investing in me to triple or quadruple their value in a certain finite time. [...] The sugar today could be a poison tomorrow because if a founder can’t create that value, they have a huge monkey on their back.” Would you trust your company with her mentorship? Do you think your business has what it takes to be invested in by Vani Kola? 🤔 Source: Businesstoday.in, Forbesindia.com #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation

The healthtech market is experiencing significant growth (26% increase by 2024 from 2019) due to the trend towards self-care and the expanding opportunities of technologies. What are some of its trends and do women founders have a nice ring to it? 👩⚕️ AI again? AI algorithms are transforming healthcare by analyzing large datasets to help diagnose and predict treatments. This also involves looking at social factors that affect 80-90% of health outcomes. ✍️ The integration of AI in healthcare can lead to early detection of diseases, more accurate diagnoses, and tailored treatment plans, ultimately improving patient outcomes. 💼 Huna, co-founded by the Aurora Tech Award finalist Daniella Castro, PhD-phd, uses AI to detect multiple cancers early through routine blood tests. 👩⚕️ Is there an Internet of Medical Things? IoMT supports telemedicine and remote care based on patient digital twins (virtual representations) data through real-time monitoring. ✍️ IoMT reduces hospital visits and supports proactive healthcare management. 💼 Apollo AI Technologies, co-founded by Mihaela Onofrei, offers healthcare professionals easy access to large volumes of correlated data through AI-powered chatbots. 👩⚕️ First Law of Robotics Robotics and nanomedicine are transforming surgery and treatment with precise, minimally invasive techniques. ✍️ They improve surgical accuracy, reduce recovery times, and minimize complications. 💼 Makani Science, co-founded by Dr. Michelle Khine, has developed the world's first wireless patch for continuous, accurate breathing monitoring, inspired by a personal experience with her son’s health. 👩⚕️ Healthcare Without Bias Ensuring unbiased data analysis and transparent feedback processes is crucial for improving efficiency and trust in healthcare. ✍️ We need to be cured, not judged. 💼 FOLX Health, founded by Liana M. Douillet Guzmán (she/her), provides inclusive telehealth services for the LGBTQIA community, addressing the gap in accessible and supportive healthcare for marginalized groups. 👩⚕️ Tele-shrinking The demand for mental health services has tremendously increased since the pandemic, and later events made people seek remote help. ✍️ Telepsychiatry and digital mental health services make therapy more accessible, reducing the stigma and barriers to mental health care. 💼 EZSpeech by Mila4AI, created by the Aurora Tech Award finalist Firouza Eshonova, offers a digital speech therapist experience, assessing exercise performance in real-time and tailoring programs to individual needs. What healthcare startups do you think are the most crucial nowadays? Let’s discuss! Source: Tediselmedical.com, cliffordchance.com, researchandmarkets.com, finance.yahoo.com, tateeda.com #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation

Where do our finalists go after their brilliant appearance at the Aurora Tech Award? Well, as they're incredibly talented and innovative, they become speakers for their generation. That’s at least what will happen to the 2023 finalists Ifeoma Nwobu and Olapeju Umah at LSW (Prime Startups) this week, which we support 🌟🫶 🤩LSW, or Lagos Startup Week, is one of Nigeria’s most influential events for the local startup ecosystem, taking place from July 8 to 13, 2024. It serves as a networking hub for founders, investors, government officials, and tech providers to accelerate ideas and businesses. 👌July 11, 2024 6:55pm - 7:25pm BST Women Who Launch session Aurora Tech Award: Female Founded, Female Funded The session highlights ✨women founders who are redefining success in tech✨. Among the speakers are the Aurora Tech Award finalists from 2023: Ifeoma Nwobu (Co-Founder & COO, Sendstack) and Olapeju Umah (Founder, MyFoodAngels). 💃Other notable figures at the event include Somachi Chris-Asoluka (CEO, The Tony Elumelu Foundation), Mope Abudu (Managing Partner, AfriGloCal VC), Amaka Okechukwu Opara-8064935 (Founding Partner, WEAV (Women's Enterprise Acceleration Vehicle)), Olusubomi Hassan (NucleusIS Africa), Eniola Edun (Co-founder, Gamr (Techstars '23)), and Jumoke Dada (Founder & CEO, Taeillo). ❤️🔥Let’s celebrate these women trailblazers together and witness their next groundbreaking products and incredible leadership talents! #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation #TechCommunity #DiversityInTech #TechSavvyWomen #EmpoweringWomen #StartupOpportunity

Situation with women Venture Capitalists might be a true reflection of power [dis]balance in the tech industry today. And here’s our manifesto of straightening it up. 😼The disproportion Research shows that less than 80% of venture capitalists in the US are women. Of these, only 1% are Black and 2% are Hispanic women. Diversity levels in other countries, such as those in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, also vary but generally show similar patterns of underrepresentation. 😼More women, more money One potential consequence of these circumstances is that only 2% of women-led businesses receive support from VCs. Research also indicates that companies with female CFOs were more profitable, generating an additional $1.8 trillion in profits over the study period. 😼Less risky Several studies show that having more women in executive roles reduces risks for companies. This is because male-dominated companies often have riskier and less empathetic management styles. For example, British companies with more women in senior positions demonstrated greater resilience during COVID-19 compared to those led mainly by men. 😼More women employers in VC firms! Women in VC firms face challenges supporting each other in an industry mostly dominated by men. They should operate in a safer space surrounded by allies, ensuring their choice to invest in women-led businesses is not silenced. That’s why we believe we need more women in VC firms in general, not just in executive positions. 😼Let’s talk about non-Silicon Valley VC’s While much of the tech industry's influence resides in the US and other economically developed countries, it's crucial to expand our focus to Asian, African, and Latin American regions. We aim to support those who need assistance the most. 😼Become an investor! Becoming a venture capitalist is an unconventional yet rewarding career choice, especially as the industry shifts to embrace more diversity. Consider this post a sign to make a difference as a VC yourself! 😼Funds and women VCs must be spotlighted Access to funding can sometimes be hindered by a lack of visibility for women VC’s who support women-led startups. The Aurora Tech Award team is committed to addressing this issue by ensuring our potential winners have access to resources. 😼Are you an investor? We are eager to highlight and empower more women investors worldwide. Perhaps the next big VC leader is among our readers? Reach out to us; let's collaborate and create meaningful opportunities together! Source: theconversation.com, creditbenchmark.com, spglobal.com, weforum.org, deloitte.com #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation #TechCommunity #DiversityInTech #TechSavvyWomen #EmpoweringWomen #StartupOpportunity

It’s crucial to know local heroes who inspire modern women entrepreneurs, and Nigerian STEM workers can easily name a few! Let’s revisit our “Women in Tech” research one more time! In our research, Nigerian STEM workers are much more aware of female role models in tech, while 25% of non-STEM workers don’t know any names. But in the industry, people know their heroes well👌 While Nigerian women feel like they are equal participants in the industry’s competition alongside men, they are at the same time spoilt for choice when it comes to their female compatriot role models. Among the 40 most influential women for STEM workers, at least 36 are local stars, including: ❤️🔥 Chimamanda Ngozie Adiche, a prominent voice in contemporary literature and feminism, and a globally renowned Nigerian author, whose books, including “Half of a Yellow Sun,” “Americanah,” and “We Should All Be Feminists,” have received international acclaim. ❤️🔥 Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a highly respected economist and the current Director-General of the World Trade Organization, who has held significant positions in international finance, including as Nigeria’s Finance Minister and Managing Director of the World Bank. ❤️🔥 Folorunso Alakija, a businesswoman, a women's empowerment advocate, a philanthropist, and one of the wealthiest women in Africa, who has made significant contributions to the fashion, oil, and printing industries in Nigeria. Also, like in other countries in our research, Nigerian respondents often choose internationally recognized figures in tech and management, like Ada Lovelace (the first computer programmer) and "Queen of Code" and US Navy admiral Grace Hopper. Maybe one of the Aurora Tech Award winners, like Folake Owodunni, will become the next role model for Nigerian women 🤔. Time will tell! #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation #TechCommunity #DiversityInTech #TechSavvyWomen #EmpoweringWomen #StartupOpportunity

Would you like to help your fellow women entrepreneurs if you could? 🤨 Maya Horgan Famodu from Nigeria had this in mind when she decided to become a venture capitalist and start her own fund. Meet this Forbes “30 Under 30” (2021) honoree, one of the most inspiring women in venture capital in Nigeria, and an absolute role model. “I just got tired of seeing my friends, brilliant entrepreneurs with viable business ideas, technical expertise, and immediately available and addressable markets without the financing or support they needed,” Maya told the Guardian reporter when her star shone. She is the Founder and managing director of Ingressive Capital, where she manages major venture capital funds for early-stage African tech startups. In this highly competitive industry, it’s often women in venture capital who lend a helping hand to other women entrepreneurs, and Maya is no exception. Her objective aligns perfectly with her actions, and it shows: Thanks to her work at Ingressive Capital, Maya Horgan Famodu has helped grow some of Africa’s fastest-growing businesses, including the Nigerian payment system Paystack. She has also attracted over 20 investments in African tech through prominent Silicon Valley entities such as Y Combinator, 500 Startups, and GitHub. Additionally, she started the High Growth Africa Summit, which brings together investors and tech companies each year to discuss growth and funding. “[Africa is] a continent built on small businesses. We need to see Africa in control of her future by taking charge of scaling businesses,” Famodu once said. Words of an ultimate ally and a true role model!💪🚀 Source: Nairametrics.com, Guardian.Ng, Forbes.com. #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation #TechCommunity #DiversityInTech #TechSavvyWomen #EmpoweringWomen #StartupOpportunity 

Did you know that in Nigeria, women are more motivated to work in tech than men?🤔✨ That’s one of the conclusions we can draw after reflecting on our “Women in Tech” report. Exactly how is that possible? Let’s take a closer look at the numbers. First of all, there’s always a time and place for a diversity talk, but when it comes to challenges in tech, men and women in Nigeria feel like they face similar ones. That’s right! If we talk about barriers to working in tech, students of any gender in Nigeria experience the same fears in approximately the same amounts. Working in tech could be really intimidating for everyone, even for those who have already chosen STEM subjects (39% of them) during their education. In particular, 36% of women and 42% of men named “lack of sufficient training opportunities” as an obstacle. For 33% of women and 34% of men, the stopping factor is “the market is very competitive.” And for 32% of women and 34% of men, “excessive competition for job opportunities” was another minus on the scale against working in tech. If we delve deeper into the group of students who chose non-STEM subjects (61%), their responses could partly explain the above-mentioned statistics. They said that school teachers didn’t actually try to cultivate an interest in STEM subjects. So, it’s no surprise most of them didn’t even want to try. The list of these counterarguments itself looks heavy enough to tip the balance. But that’s until you take a look at the reasons why men and women in Nigeria nevertheless chose tech-related jobs. “Opportunity for career growth” — for 54% of women (and 43% of men). “Desire to make a positive impact in the world” — 50% of women (44% of men). “Interest in technology and its possibilities” — is a reason to work in tech for 44% of both women and men. Does it mean Nigerian women feel more freedom than men to actually strive in tech? Or does it mean that they’re experiencing more pressure and therefore only the most motivated enter the tech world? Probably! Anyway, we’re down for a discussion! If you are from Nigeria or understand the local situation, you’re invited to share your opinion in the comments! ↴ #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation #TechCommunity #DiversityInTech #TechSavvyWomen #EmpoweringWomen #StartupOpportunity