Standard Chartered Powers UAE Women-Led Tech Startups with $150K Equity-Free Boost

Editorial Team

Last updated 8-05-2025

2 min

Standard Chartered's "Women and Technology" programme in the UAE offers $150,000 as equity-free seed capital.

Part of the "Futuremakers" initiative, it supports innovation, diversity, and sustainable economic growth.

Around 400 female tech entrepreneurs will receive investment support, mentorship, and grants.

Participants access a customised curriculum and network with investors to elevate their businesses.

Standard Chartered partners with C3 and Village Capital to deliver comprehensive entrepreneur support.

In a significant boost for women-led tech startups in the UAE, Standard Chartered Bank has announced the launch of the seventh edition of its "Women and Technology" programme. This year's initiative offers selected businesses funding of up to $150,000 (around 550,000 dirhams) each, all provided as equity-free seed capital—a handy lift indeed for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech sector.

The programme forms part of the bank's global "Futuremakers" initiative, designed specifically to tackle inequalities and empower disadvantaged youth around the world. This UAE-based project is all about championing innovation, driving diversity, and supporting sustainable economic growth—a welcome move, particularly given the challenges women often face trying to secure start-up funding and industry connections.

According to Rola Abu Manneh, CEO of Standard Chartered UAE and Middle East, approximately 400 female tech entrepreneurs across the region can expect targeted investment support, mentorship, and grants, helping their businesses achieve sustainable growth and create a meaningful social impact.

The participants will also gain access to a customised curriculum, expert mentorship, and valuable connections with regional and international investors—a fantastic opportunity to take their fledgling businesses to new hights.

And the support doesn't just stop in the UAE; across all participating markets, Standard Chartered will distribute over 2.2 million UAE dirhams (approximately $600,000) annually in stimulating grants, truly underscoring their commitment to make a difference.

To ensure solid backing and guidance, the bank has teamed up with C3, a firm with serious chops when it comes to supporting entrepreneurs and shaping business ecosystems, alongside Village Capital, another prominent player known for supporting social startups.

It's clear that empowering women entrepreneurs is more than a fashionable slogan nowadays—initiatives such as this one can genuinely equip women-led startups with vital resources, driving their ideas forward into successful ventures, fostering innovation, and ultimately contributing positively to the wider community.

So, for all you tech-savvy ladies looking to put your innovative business ideas into gear—Arageek readers, keep your eyes peeled for this promising opportunity. It might just be the boost you're needing to turn that brilliant concept into a thriving business.

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