The entrepreneurial landscape in Scotland is getting a major boost with the launch of *W2W*, an initiative designed to encourage more women to engage in angel investing.

Spearheaded by Scotland’s first all-female business angel syndicate, Investing Women Angels (IWA), and its sister organisation AccelerateHER, W2W is Scotland’s inaugural platform aimed at addressing the disparity in funding between male and female-led companies. This program aims to demystify angel investment and cultivate a supportive community that uplifts female-led businesses.

Closing the Gender Investment Gap

Despite the impressive growth in female entrepreneurship, women-led start-ups in Scotland still face significant challenges in securing investment. A striking 2023 Pathways Report, authored by Ana Stewart and Scotland’s former Chief Entrepreneur Mark Logan, revealed a troubling statistic: women-led businesses receive only 2% of the total investment capital in Scotland, although they make up one in five new businesses. W2W was created in direct response to this gap, recognizing the need for a more inclusive investment ecosystem.

By fostering a robust network of female investors, W2W aims to address this equity gap and create an “echo effect” that will increase both the number of women investors and the level of funding flowing into female-led start-ups.

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Bringing Women Together on an “Investment Journey”

W2W is the first of its kind in Scotland to bring together experienced women investors, entrepreneurs, and emerging female-led companies for a collaborative investment journey. Launching in December 2024, this initiative will see seasoned investors from IWA and other angel syndicates guiding participants through a series of interactive sessions.

Among the experienced investors leading the program is *Gwen Edwards*, co-founder of the Silicon Valley Chapter of Golden Seeds and chair of the Angel Resource Institute. Edwards is a highly respected figure in the world of angel investment and has been instrumental in helping women-founded companies secure funding across the globe. Edwards’ involvement, along with the support of Scottish start-ups such as *Carcinotech* and *Cytochroma*, highlights the international and high-impact approach W2W intends to bring to Scotland.

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What Participants Can Expect from W2W

The month-long W2W program, starting December 12, 2024, will cover several key aspects of the investment process. It will dive into the fundamentals of angel investment, offering practical guidance on due diligence, pitching, investor relations, and global investment strategies. Legal support from *Burness Paull*, the W2W legal partner, will help participants navigate the complexities of the investment landscape.

With this hands-on approach, W2W is set to empower a new generation of women investors by equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Emerging entrepreneurs from top Scottish universities, including spin-out companies from Strathclyde University and the University of Edinburgh, will be participating, benefiting from the shared experience and wisdom of established investors.

The Power of the “Echo Effect” in Female Investment

The concept of the “echo effect” plays a central role in W2W’s vision. Drawing inspiration from the *Springboard Programme* in Washington, D.C., W2W aims to replicate its success in Scotland. The Springboard Programme was instrumental in driving a 40% increase in women angel investors in the U.S., creating a ripple effect that channelled substantial funding to female-led start-ups. With only 15% of Scotland’s current angel investors being women, the goal of W2W is to shift these numbers by leveraging this proven model, fostering both direct investment and an empowered network of female business leaders.

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Key Supporters of W2W Share Their Enthusiasm

Jackie Waring, founder of IWA, expressed her excitement for the W2W program, emphasising its potential to elevate female entrepreneurship in Scotland. “We’re very excited to be rolling out the W2W programme across Scotland, which is fully focused on further promoting entrepreneurship amongst women and helping female founders scale their businesses on a global level,” Waring said.

Gwen Edwards, W2W’s international partner from Golden Seeds, echoed this sentiment: “I’m very energised about the W2W programme and delighted to be part of its team. Increasing the numbers of women angel investors has been an incredibly effective strategy in the U.S., which has created an echo effect significantly benefitting female-founded companies. Through this programme, we can replicate the U.S. model in Scotland where there is a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem and so many inspiring and innovative female-led businesses.”

Peter Lawson, Chair of Burness Paull, also commended the initiative, noting that it aligns with his firm’s broader mission to support female founders. He said, “By increasing the numbers of women angels in the marketplace, this programme has huge potential to drive female entrepreneurship through a long-term, strategic approach.”

A Vision for Lasting Change

As W2W launches, its goal is not only to increase the number of female angel investors but also to cultivate a sustainable, supportive ecosystem where female-founded businesses can thrive. By empowering more women to become investors and creating accessible pathways for start-ups, W2W aims to make a lasting impact on Scotland’s entrepreneurial landscape.

With its community-driven approach, W2W will continue to offer follow-up support to its participants beyond January 2025, ensuring that the knowledge and connections forged through the program have long-lasting benefits.

W2W represents more than an investment initiative; it’s a movement to close the gender investment gap and foster a future where female founders have equal opportunities to succeed and make their mark on the world.