The Women Founders and Funders pitch event will return to Singapore in November, and applications are now open for Asia-Pacific based founders whose agrifoodtech businesses can demonstrate product innovation, commercial viability, traction, and sustainability.

FTW Ventures’ flagship event, Women Founders and Funders will take place on Wednesday, 20 November, during Singapore International Agri-Food Week. It taps into the capacity for women agrifoodtech founders to transform our food system.

According to a 2018 study by BCG and MassChallenge, women-led startups generate 35% higher return on investment than male-led companies, yielding 78 cents for every dollar of funding compared to 31 cents for every dollar of funding by male-led startups. 

“FTW Ventures believes there is significant untapped potential in women-led agrifood tech startups,” said Brian Frank, General Partner at FTW Ventures. “Our event aims to empower women founders by showcasing their transformative role in the food system; inspiring investment and corporate partnerships to foster a more inclusive and dynamic industry.”

Applications close on Sunday, 15 September, at midnight Singapore time with ten founders selected to pitch in-person on Wednesday, 20 November. The chosen founders will also receive mentorship from partners,pitch coaching and valuable in-person networking opportunities with corporate leaders, investors, influencers, fellow founders and entrepreneurs at the event.

“Singapore offers significant opportunities for agrifoodtech innovation, and this event provides the perfect platform and inclusive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs,” said Rebecca Sharpe, Director of Singapore-based Better Earth Ventures. “Women Founders and Funders will not only elevate the profile of featured startups, but will also connect founders with key industry players who can help them navigate and thrive in this market."

This will be the third annual Women Founders and Funders in Singapore, complementing the annual San Francisco event of the same name. Previous partners include Temasek, Foodbytes by Rabobank, Thai Wah, Re Food, Louis Dreyfus, Enterprise Singapore, ABInBev, and Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia. Last year the events attracted more than 450 attendees and numerous applications, highlighting the imperative of showcasing women agrifood tech founders.

FTW Ventures, alongside Better Earth Ventures and strategic partners MarTech Collective and Tomorrow Studio Ventures, with community partners SGInnovate, Enterprise Singapore and Tenacious Ventures, aims to elevate the experience for women founders and attendees. If you are interested in becoming a partner please reach out to Nathalie Gibson.

Founders can apply to pitch at the Women Founders and Funders event by Sunday 15 September midnight Singapore Time.

Feel free to check out our FAQ on the Event as well.