Backing the boldest female
tech founders
The Aurora Tech Award is the only startup award exclusively for female tech founders in emerging markets
We back the boldest female founders with a best-in-class blend ofcapital, connection, and community they can’t find anywhere else
Open Call 2026 is now closed — thank you for all your applications!
We’re now selecting the Top 100 founders and will announce the results on December 8
We’re tossing out the startup rulebook, and building what
female founders in emerging markets actually need
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Capital
in capital awarded to three winners
Setting your business up for enduring success means enabling you to retain ownership and control over your work. Every award from Aurora is non-dilutive capital, so you don't sacrifice equity as you catapult from strength to strength.
Connection
"Networking" needs a rebrand. We facilitate warm introductions to partner VC investors eager to give you sector-specific feedback, and bring you a diverse array of global experts and professionals ready to support your business's next steps with the expertise you deserve.
Community
built for you
Building new tables for female tech founders also means creating spaces for entrepreneurs to meet in a judgment-free way. You never know when you'll meet your next strategic collaborator, or find a friend who is also going through the trenches. Either way, there's no reason to go it alone.
Our “Why”
Only 2.3%
of venture capital funding goes to female-founded startups, and this number is significantly lower in emerging markets
In 2023, 34%
of female founders reported experiencing burnout
Beyond the numbers, we know that challenges like a lack of access to investment capital, limited resources for business growth, and even loneliness persist among female founders in emerging markets
The Aurora Tech Award is building a new table, convening capital, connection, and community so bold and visionary founders can step into global circles with strength, credibility, and momentum
Women experience the world differently, so naturally, they build differently
What we offer
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Meet the Aurora Founders
Our partners
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