Invest in Women Taskforce hits 635m as Nationwide and British Business Bank join first close of landmark 'Women backing Women' fund

"The Invest in Women Taskforce has surpassed its fundraising ambitions in a major boost for female entrepreneurship, announcing that it has now convened £635 million in commitments, more than double its original £250 million target set at launch in 2024. The milestone includes confirmation that Nationwide and the British Business Bank will join Barclays and M&G as anchor partners in the targeted £130 million first close of the groundbreaking Women backing Women Fund of Funds, subject to final terms and approvals."

"The fund, managed by Bootstrap4F and believed to be the largest female-led fund of funds in the world, represents the first initiative of its kind in the UK dedicated to deploying capital directly into female-founded companies and gender-balanced VC teams. The Taskforce's first Annual Report, published today, reveals that more than £70 million was deployed in 2025 across 15 founders and funds, with a strong pipeline now emerging as momentum accelerates."

"Despite the rapid progress, female founders continue to face stark funding disparities. Research by Beauhurst and the Taskforce shows that fully female-founded businesses receive just 2% of UK equity investment. At the current rate of change, the Taskforce estimates it will take at least a decade to reach funding parity between all-male teams and female or mixed teams. The House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee recently echoed this call for urgent action, urging the government and industry to invest more decisively in female entrepreneurship."

Invest in Women Taskforce has convened £635 million in commitments, more than double its original £250 million target. Nationwide and the British Business Bank will join Barclays and M&G as anchor partners in a targeted £130 million first close of the Women backing Women Fund of Funds, managed by Bootstrap4F and dedicated to investing in female-founded companies and gender-balanced VC teams. The Taskforce deployed more than £70 million in 2025 across 15 founders and funds and reports a strong emerging pipeline. Research shows fully female-founded businesses receive just 2% of UK equity investment, and parity may take at least a decade without accelerated action. The House of Commons committee urged urgent investment and Chancellor Rachel Reeves said supporting female entrepreneurs is central to the government's economic agenda.

Read at Business Matters