Calling Women-led Startups: Apply to the #WomenStartupChallenge

At Microsoft in Times Square this November 9, 10 women-led startups will pitch their innovative and disruptive ventures to a panel of investors for the chance to win $25,000. This could be you.

Folks, the Craig Newmark Philanthropic Fund (CNPF) has partnered with Women Who Tech for the Women Startup Challenge NYC. Applications are open for one more week. You have 'til September 30th to complete your application. This Challenge is focused on women-led startups in the NE region.

This is the real deal, as only 7% of all investor money goes to women-led startups. Fair's fair, regardless of gender in tech, so the Women Startup Challenge is showcasing and funding innovative, women-led startups and disruptive ventures that are solving problems for people, businesses, and the planet. 10 of the most promising startups will be selected by a panel of judges to pitch their venture on stage in front of a panel of investors ranging from Joanne Wilson to Susan Lyne of BBG Ventures (an AOL venture capital firm that backs visionary female builders), and a live audience at Microsoft in Times Square. Prizes include at least $25,000 in cash, startup profiles on prominent networks like HuffPo, LinkedIn, and Medium, as well as startup friendly services.

Please note: if any sponsors want to match the CNPF donation, reach out to the team at info at womenwhotech.com.

The Women Startup Challenge is also trying to make long-term connections between women startups founders and the investor community. On November 10, the final 10 will be participating in the first-ever Women Startup Speed Dating at AOL. The event is designed to give women founders one-on-one access to investors and experts to help them hone their startup pitches and ideas.

The application to the Women Startup Challenge is not too long, so you've got plenty of time to get your app submitted.

Folks, let's fund women-led startups. I'll see you in NYC in just a coupla months... It's time to put our money where our mouths are.