DAN's accelerator for female-led startups issues call for entries

ASIA PACIFIC - Dentsu Aegis Network's Female Foundry Accelerator Programme is now calling for entries. The programme is an initiative by the agency to mentor, develop and fund female-led startups based in South or Southeast Asia that have a tech focus.

Interested applicants must demonstrate a sustainable long-term business plan as well as secured seed funding.

"The initiative is a wonderful opportunity for female leaders to pursue their dreams and ambition of owning a business that will be seamlessly assimilated into today's dynamic business-tech landscape," said Ruth Stubbs, CEO of iProspect Asia Pacific and a key driver of the initiative.

The accelerator programme based on a module heavy on fundamentals of business strategy will run over the course of two months. Selected candidates will be partnered with senior industry mentors and supported by a panel of female business leaders across the Dentsu Aegis Network. Candidates will learn about digital, marketing, finance and operations from the leaders. 

The programme will culminate with a demo day in early December with possible second round funding from venture capitalists Dentsu Ventures, Monk's Hill Ventures and others.

Entries are open until 7 October.

Stubbs added that the agency wanted to play its part to help women to be at the forefront in the era of changing business landscape. "We want to build an industry that is socially conscious and these women and the emerging markets that they are based in, have an integral role that we cannot overlook." iProspect is part of the Dentsu Aegis Network.

Nick Waters, CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Asia Pacific said: "The launch of Female Foundry will create new partnerships for our clients and innovate our industry. It will support female founders of start-ups by providing access to tools and connections, skills to develop commercial knowledge and training to scale platforms."