Female Founders Initiative Switzerland

For a diverse startup ecosystem

Our vision

Women remain significantly underrepresented in the Swiss startup ecosystem: currently, only around 20% of (co-)founders are women. This is not only a matter of equal opportunity, but also a missed opportunity for the entire economy.

We aim to actively address this imbalance and reshape the perception of entrepreneurship in Switzerland. Our goal: to significantly increase the number of female founders and build an ecosystem that thrives on diversity.

What we do

The Female Founders Initiative (FFI) is more than a network – it is a systemic lever for real equal opportunity. As women are particularly underrepresented in tech- and science-driven startups, we focus where the impact is greatest:

Visibility & Mapping: Through the “Female Founders Map”, we showcase female founders from across Switzerland as role models and connect them directly with the innovation ecosystem.
FF+ Accelerator Program: In this intensive 10-week programme, we support early-stage female founders. In addition to business skills such as go-to-market strategies, pitching and finance, we create a safe space for peer learning and exchange around specific challenges.
Community & Events: We create spaces where connections turn into real opportunities. Whether in an intimate setting or on a larger stage, our formats are designed to strategically advance you and your startup:

Monthly Event

Female Founders Co-Working Mornings

Experience the power of community in an inspiring and safe environment. These mornings offer the ideal setting to meet like-minded people, exchange on specific challenges and benefit from valuable peer mentoring. A perfect space to connect and learn from one another in an informal way.

Annual Event

Female Founders Experience

In collaboration with Female Founders Austria, we take the ecosystem to the next level. FFX is your opportunity for high-level strategic networking: connect with investors, decision-makers and leading voices from the business world. Combine inspiration with concrete business opportunities and expand your network where future decisions are shaped.

From monthly community exchanges to the intensive accelerator programme, the Female Founders Initiative is your launchpad within the Swiss innovation ecosystem. Use our platform to gain visibility as a founder, grow strategically and actively shape the future of entrepreneurship.