Coworking company 91Springboard has collaborated with Google For Startups (GFS) to launch ‘Level Up’, a nationwide virtual accelerator program for women entrepreneurs in India, on August 17, 2022. The program combines aspects of business, tech, leadership, and investment readiness and provides mentoring, masterclasses, connections and relevant tools. It is aimed at enabling women entrepreneurs to improve their models, enhance their leadership skills, and prepare them to get investment ready to grow their businesses and gain access to capital.
The entry is for early-stage, women-led, tech and/or tech-enabled enterprises operating in India. Startup companies will require to fill out a detailed application form. Once the initial criteria have been met, an expert panel will assess the applications based on a robust scoring system.
According to 91Springboard, the Level Up program is designed for women entrepreneurs who seek mentorship, peer groups and other business-related support. It will help them deal with issues by creating opportunities for personal and business growth, providing greater visibility and a national platform, and improving access to capital through investor connections.
According to the company, about 35% of women-led startups experienced a significant decline in revenues amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. Fundraising has remained a challenge for women entrepreneurs in India.
Anand Vemuri, CEO 91Springboard, said, “More women are launching and running startups but do not have the adequate support system to flourish. Through this effort with Google for Startups, we hope to support women entrepreneurs in optimising their businesses and building successful startups.”
Mike Kim, head of Google for Startups APAC, said, “We have already launched an India Women Founders program, and with this association, we are looking to scale our efforts to support more women founders. We will bring Google’s international support, connections, and network to this program.”
