Where can I find all rules and criteria?
The rules and the criteria are outlined on the Reviewr site.
Does the amount of money I've raised impact my eligibility?
Any startup that has raised more than $7M USD from combined sources is not eligible to apply for this Women Who Tech Grants Program.
What stage startups can apply?
Your product must be in beta or already launched to the public. You may not apply if you are in concept or prototype stages.
Note: Beta means your product is released and deployed to select users for initial testing to collect real-time feedback.
Is there a fee to apply?
No, there is no cost to apply to the Grants Program.
What if some of my information is confidential?
Please do not include any confidential information in your application if you do not feel comfortable. We will not publicly share any of your application, but it is shared with online jurors as they review your application.
If I applied to a previous Women Startup Challenge, can I apply again?
Prior applicants may apply again. Finalists who were not awarded a grant, and finalists of previous Women Startup Challenges, including the Podcast, are eligible to apply. If you were awarded a grant in a previous Grants Program, you are not eligible to re-apply.
Can nonprofits apply?
Yes, nonprofits may apply as long as you meet all criteria and rules outlined here.
Are agencies eligible to apply?
Agencies or consulting businesses are not eligible unless you have created a product that fits all of the rules and criteria.
How do you define “woman-led” startup?
You must be a women-led startup, defined as having at least one woman founder or co-founder on the team.
Note: Women Who Tech uses an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female”, and we welcome transwomen, genderqueer women, and non-binary people who identify as gender-nonconforming, female, and/or woman. People who identify within gender identities associated within the male and/or man spectrums are asked not to apply to uplift space and access for people of genders that are historically oppressed and underfunded.
My startup is based outside North America. Can I still apply?
Yes. This is a global grants challenge, and startups from anywhere in the world may apply. No country or region is exempt.
Do the application and all supporting documents need to be in English?
Yes. At this time, all applications and supporting materials must be submitted in English, and all pitches must be given in English.
What if I know one of the jurors?
If you know a juror, or if there is a conflict of interest, please alert the Women Who Tech team (info@womenwhotech.com) as soon as possible. This will not disqualify you, nor will it help to advance your startup. We will assign your online application to a neutral juror who you do not know.
Can I introduce myself to the jury after submitting my application, but prior to the pitch finale?
No. You may not introduce yourself to the jury while your application is being reviewed, or if you are selected as a finalist. Any communication with jury prior to the Grants Program will disqualify you. If there is a conflict of interest, please alert the Women Who Tech team immediately at info@womenwhotech.com. This will not disqualify you, nor will it help to advance your startup. We will assign your online application to a neutral juror who you do not know.
What are the prizes?
A total of $20,000 USD equity-free grants will be awarded. One startup will receive a $15,000 Innovation Grant and another startup will receive a $5,000 Impact Grant. All of the finalists will receive fundraising and investing support, and more.
After my application is submitted, can I make edits?
No, all edits must be finalized upon submission of your application.
I already submitted my deck or a video but we closed another round, or something else has shifted, can I send an updated version?
No, all edits must be finalized upon submission of your application. We will not accept any revisions once applications are submitted.
I wasn't able to complete my application in time. Are you able to provide me with an extension?
Unfortunately, no application will be accepted after December 22, 2022 at 11:59 PM PST.
How long does it take to find out if my startup was selected as a finalist?
Finalists will be announced in January 2023.
Will I need to travel anywhere if I'm selected as a finalist?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, all of Women Who Tech's programming is virtual. You may participate from anywhere as long as you have access to Internet.
Which dates will I need to block off if I am chosen as a finalist?
All grant finalists are required to virtually participate in the Women Who Tech Startup Grants Program which includes our pitch series to VCs. Please block off the following tentative dates in the event that you are chosen as a finalist.
Attendance to each of these is required. Please let us know if there is a conflict as soon as you are selected as a finalist.
- February 3, 2023: Virtual Programming
- February 17, 2023: Virtual Programming
Women Who Tech reserves the right to shift these dates as necessary.