Radia Accelerator, a programme created by AlbionVC and Speedinvest, today announces the opening of applications for its 2024 cohort, aiming to accelerate the growth of women-led early stage SaaS companies.
Radia Accelerator is designed for women with operational tech experience who are looking to advance their companies from the inception stage.
The programme offers access to extensive networks, and knowledge-sharing opportunities, and provides practical know-how through a mix of in-person half-day workshops and virtual sessions.
Applications are now open for female co-founders to join the 2024 cohort, which will run from September to November 2024. Radia is once again widely supported by the tech community, with new programme partners this year including Snowflake, Aviva, Creandum and Seedcamp.
Of the 450 unicorns that exist in Europe only 38 have a female co-founder and only 11 are in SaaS. Radia’s mission is to accelerate the growth journeys of startups with women co-founders, contributing to a more inclusive industry landscape.
Ed Lascelles, an AlbionVC Partner, said: “Following a successful launch in 2023, AlbionVC and SpeedInvest have partnered for the return of the Radia Accelerator programme. By providing the necessary tools, networks, and support, we are committed to bridging the gender gap in SaaS and fostering the next generation of female tech leaders. Through the programme and ongoing partnership, we are playing a role in empowering the next generation of women in the tech sector and I am delighted to be part of the programme.”
Deepali Nangia, Partner at Speedinvest, said: “Through the Radia programme, we are creating a supportive ecosystem where female founders can thrive, innovate, and lead their startups to success. Our partnership with AlbionVC is dedicated to breaking down barriers and unlocking opportunities for women in the SaaS sector.”
Ryan Lieber, Startup Program Manager EMEA at Snowflake said: “Snowflake is thrilled to partner with AlbionVC and its Radia Accelerator to champion female-founded startups that will play a crucial role in transforming the tech landscape. Through the Radia Accelerator programme, our goal is to help establish a strong foundation on which the founders can build a robust and scalable business and then continue to be a partner to them as they mature as an organisation.”
The inaugural programme, held in spring 2023 received widespread support from the European investor and founder ecosystem. Participants included GPs from Notion Capital, Balderton Capital, Dawn Capital, Connect Ventures, and notable entrepreneurs such as Natasha Ratanshi-Stein of Surfboard, Nina Mohanty of BloomMoney, Anh-Tho Chuong of Lago, and Simone Maini of Elliptic.
The 2023 programme successfully helped create 9 early-stage companies, with feedback from the cohort of 25 women from diverse ethnic and professional backgrounds, averaging a strong 8.2 rating.
Aleezay Malik, co-founder & CEO of healthtech insurance startup Armour Labs, described the experience as “one of the most useful on my entrepreneurial journey.” Vaishnavi Khullar, co-founder of Rehuman, said: “The programme helped me connect the dots as a founder, broadened my network, and boosted my confidence and self-belief.”
Radia is a pro-bono initiative with no equity taken. In 2023 financial support was provided by AWS, HSBC Innovation Banking and Smoosmith.
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