Standard Chartered Launches Tech Program for Women in Egypt's Tech Sector

• Standard Chartered & AUC Venture Lab and Village Capital to launch Futuremakers Women in Tech initiative
• Futuremakers Women in Tech is a new accelerator programme for women in tech in Egypt

Standard Chartered has collaborated with the AUC Venture Lab and Village Capital to launch Futuremakers Women in Tech initiative, a new accelerator programme specifically designed for women in tech in Egypt. The program aims to support and strengthen women-led startups in Egypt by providing women entrepreneurs with relevant training, mentorship, and equity-free funding. Regional industry experts shared their perspectives during a panel discussion on women in the IT sector at the launch event. 

The Futuremakers Women in Tech initiative is part of the larger Futuremakers initiative which is funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation to support economic inclusion across the globe. The Egypt edition is slated to be a three-year long accelerator program which will render the participating tech entrepreneurs with access to tailored business support, expert-led masterclasses, and mentorship opportunities. Chosen start-ups will also be able to avail equity-free grants of up to $10,000. Participants will also be able to build useful connections with international investor networks. 

The launch of this initiative marks Egypt’s foray into the global Women in Tech network, which has already impacted over 4,000 women entrepreneurs across 17 countries. The program has expanded and impacted women in tech in countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, the UAE, and Pakistan. In Egypt's growing tech-enabled economy, where women-led businesses are increasingly seen as significant contributors to innovation and inclusive economic development, the program aims to strengthen the position of female entrepreneurship. 

Futuremakers Women in Tech’s other associate, the AUC Venture Lab has so far helped more than 1,000 founders since its establishment in 2013.