Fundraising Accelerator

8 week fundraising accelerator program designed for women entrepreneurs at similar growth stages.

We bring together up to 100 ambitious women for each cohort,
divided into smaller groups based on stage and sector for peer learning and support.

92%

71%

87%

13%

Created a Pitch Deck
Practiced Pitching
Finished the Lessons
Raised whilst on the Accelerator

what makes us different

Why join the FFR fundraising accelerator?

Get Fundraising-Ready in 8 Weeks

Learn exactly how to fundraise, where to find investors, and how to close deals. By the end of the program, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge, assets, and strategy to secure funding. And also to understand which is the right route for you.

Access to a Curated Network of Investors & Experts

Gain direct insights from VCs, angel investors, exited entrepreneurs, procurement professionals, and fundraising experts who will join us for sessions.

A Powerful Peer Support Network

Connect with a community of other female founders facing similar challenges. Through peer learning and shared experiences, you’ll gain support that lasts far beyond the program. For the duration of the accelerator you will have a WhatsApp group with your peer group.

Hands-On Learning & Practical Resources

Develop essential fundraising assets like a refined pitch deck, structured data room, and investor outreach plan. Get real-time feedback through pitch practice sessions and investor pitches.

Access to Raise Hub

Join other previous accelerator alumni and other female founders raising in our Raise Hub.
Get your investment questions answered and find the resources you need.

What accelerator participants have to say

I want to highlight how valuable the sessions with Dan have been. I’ve gained a huge amount of knowledge from them that has been extremely useful in our fundraising journey – they’ve made a real difference to my approach and understanding.
Natalie Cooke
Surgery AI
Our cohort still meets every week and it’s amazing! we meet each week to spend time on each business owner- what they need - from pitching, to a session on tech, to understanding investor pains… etc. it’s awesome and we plan to keep it going until whenever… so a huge 🙏
Anne-Marie Alexander
Within Eve
The FFR Accelerator has been the best, in terms of how much I have learnt and the camaraderie of the participants. To add to that, the networking session with investors was really beneficial and I made some good connections. It was definitely the right idea to participate in the FFR Accelerator.
Tina Fernandez
ConsolidateDocs
I love the FFR accelerator because the framework is so simple and it enables you to evaluate your business with a no BS approach.
Lizzy Darby
Made The Edit

Who is it for?

To apply, you must meet all of the following criteria:

Your questions answered

FAQs

Apply hereWe have a few questions that will check your eligibility and you will then have  10 short questions that will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. You will be notified at least one week before the start date and must be ready to go. If you’re not quite ready, register your interest here.

No problem but equity must be at least an equal split. The female founder cannot own less than any other founder.

Any (VC, angel, foundation, FO, grant philanthropic – and unofficially, debt) 

Led by Dan Bowyer, partner at SuperSeed VC, and supported by Emmie Faust – other contributors will include VCs, angels, exited entrepreneurs with other stakeholders brought in at the right time to deliver specific learning modules.

Unless there is an emergency, you are required to attend the accelerator session virtually every Friday from 11 AM to 12 PM, followed by the peer session from 12 PM to 1 PM.

This accelerator offers £2,000 worth of value, fully funded by our partners, at no cost to you (other than the platform fee) and with no equity taken.  

The accelerator is run within the Circle platform and all attendees need to be part of the platform, Female Founders Circle.  This is £10+ VAT a month if you are not already on there.

We expect all founders joining Circle to commit to at least 3 months.

We’re building a supportive community, and here are the ways you can help:

  • Share potential partner connections to help sustain the program.
  • At the end of the program consider a small donation towards future cohorts if you want
  • Actively participate in our Circle community, where we’ll continue to support each other and drive positive change
  • Commit to attending all accelerator lessons, and sessions with peer cohorts and doing the work

Cohort

Start date

Status

Application closing date

Participants selected and notified

Cohort 2 

31/01/2025

Applications closed

Closed 

Cohort 3

04/04/2025

Applications closed

Closed

17/03/2025

Cohort 4

06/06/2025

Applications not yet open

  

Cohort 5

05/09/2025

Applications not yet open

  

Cohort 6

31/10/2025

Applications not yet open

  

I’m really enjoying the Female Founders Rise Accelerator and learning lots of new tips & tricks from Dan Bowyer, Emmie Faust, and the amazing “Investor/Founder” guests they bring in each week — plus connecting with incredible Female Founders on their fundraising journeys.


I raised a significant 6 figures last year, and this course has opened my eyes to new approaches, investor engagement, and given me the energy to keep going. I’ve even raised during the programme — it’s played a huge part!

Molly Aldridge, Founder & CEO, The JJ Club Group