In a region where women-led startups receive only a fraction of venture capital funding, the Pearl Initiative and the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) have partnered to host a key session focused on empowering women tech founders. The event, titled “Governance & Investor Readiness For Women-Led Tech Startups,” was designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools to build resilient, investment-ready ventures. Participants explored how strong governance from the beginning can build credibility and attract investor confidence.

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Bridging the Funding Gap

Despite the fact that women-led startups often show a higher return on investment than their male-led counterparts, they continue to be significantly underrepresented in the investment landscape. As Sheraa’s Abeer AlAmiri noted, over half of the entrepreneurs they support are women, yet the funding they receive is disproportionately low. The event emphasized that strong governance is a strategic tool that can help close this gap by building investor trust and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Governance as a Strategic Tool for Success

The session provided a collaborative space for women founders to share their experiences and learn about the importance of governance. Discussions highlighted key areas like founder agreements, role clarity, and internal controls, all of which are critical for gaining access to capital and ensuring operational resilience. The overall message was clear: for women-led startups, governance is not a luxury to be considered later, but a prerequisite for success that is fully within their control.