Startup Success: Women Founders’ Guide to Securing Investment Details 

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 6th March 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Level39, One Canada Square, 39th Floor, Canary Wharf, London

Join Microsoft for Startups for the latest session in the Women Founders Get Together series. This is your chance to hear from leading women in technology and venture capital during an interactive panel discussion. Gain actionable insights on how to position your startup for success and master the essential dos and don’ts of securing investment.

Network with fellow women founders, investors, and entrepreneurial leaders to gain practical tips for fundraising, deepen your understanding of market dynamics, and connect with like-minded women leaders in tech.

About the Speakers

Amy French | Director, Level39

Amy French leads Level39, supporting high-growth tech companies in FinTech, Cyber Security, AI, and other sectors. With a background in fostering innovation and ecosystem development, she is a champion for startup success.

Orla McGrath | Global Partner Solutions Lead, Microsoft UK

Orla McGrath helps startups leverage Microsoft’s technology and resources to accelerate growth. She has extensive experience in digital transformation and business strategy.

Chandini Jain | Founder & CEO, Auquan

Chandini Jain is the founder of Auquan, a pioneering AI-driven financial insights platform. Her expertise spans data science, finance, and startup growth strategies.

Alison Wright | SMB Director, Microsoft UK

Alison Wright leads initiatives at Microsoft to support small and medium-sized businesses, ensuring they have the tools and resources to thrive in a competitive landscape.

Natalie Otwoma | Venture Capitalist, Conduit Connect

Natalie Otwoma focuses on impact-driven investments, supporting startups that create financial and social value. She has deep expertise in funding strategies and scaling businesses.

Clare Zhang | Venture Capitalist and Female Founders Office Hours Lead, Playfair Capital

Clare Zhang specialises in early-stage investments and is passionate about increasing diversity in venture capital. She leads Playfair Capital’s Female Founders Office Hours initiative.

Key Takeaways from Startup Success: Women Founders’ Guide to Securing Investment

• Learn What Investors Want: Gain insider knowledge on what venture capitalists and investors look for.
• Expand Your Network: Connect with fellow founders, investors, and entrepreneurial experts who share your ambition.
• Be Inspired: Hear personal stories, lessons learned, and practical advice from some of the most influential women in tech and investment.

Agenda

• 12:00 PM: Arrivals & Welcome
• 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM: Light lunch & networking
• 1:15 PM – 2:30 PM: Panel discussion and Q&A
• 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Networking
• 3:00 PM: Closing

About Microsoft for Startups

Microsoft for Startups helps founders solve common startup challenges. The program offers industry-leading AI services, expert guidance, and essential technology to empower startups in building future-proof businesses. It’s open to startups at all stages, with no funding required. Find out more here.

URM support

Microsoft for Startups are committed to ensuring that innovators from diverse backgrounds are at the forefront of shaping the future of AI and technology. That’s why they’ve built a dedicated team to provide underrepresented founders like women founders with specialized support, through coaching, connections and amplification, to help drive commercial outcomes. Find out more here.

About Level39

Level39 is a melting pot of innovators, investors, industry experts and ambitious entrepreneurs, pioneering change across the sectors that dictate our experiences in daily life – FinTech, Cyber Security, Data & AI, GreenTech, Life Sciences and more.

Our flexible coworking, private office space and ecosystem activities provide members with access to the environment and growth opportunities they need to develop into world-leading businesses, that have a major financial and social impact.

Find out more about what Level39 has to offer you here.