Fundraising Accelerator
8 week fundraising accelerator program designed for women entrepreneurs at similar growth stages.
We bring together up to 60 ambitious women for each cohort,
divided into smaller groups based on stage and sector for peer learning and support.
92%
71%
87%
Created a Pitch Deck
Practiced Pitching
Finished the Lessons
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
Who is it for?
To apply, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- Be a female or non-binary founder of a UK-registered business seeking investment.
- Have already secured some form of funding (including grants) or have SEIS/EIS advance assurance
- Your business must have demonstrable potential for growth and scale.
- You must have a clearly defined fundraising goal.
- Your business must be in the technology sector (including tech-enabled businesses) or be a product-based business with an e-commerce component.
- You must be able to commit to weekly sessions for eight weeks. These sessions will be held every Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a peer session from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.
Your questions answered
FAQs
How do I apply?
When applications open, you can complete a short form to 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. Apply now
What if my co-founder is male/other?
No problem but equity must be at least an equal split. The female founder cannot own less than any other founder.
What kind of capital will you be discussing?
Any (VC, angel, foundation, FO, grant philanthropic – and unofficially, debt)
Who is running the program?
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.
Can I miss a session?
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.
Is there a fee?
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
What are the upcoming dates?
Cohort | Start date | Status | Application closing date | Participants selected and notified |
Cohort 7 | 16/01/2026 | Applications opened | 21/12/2025 | 7/01/2026 |
Cohort 8 | 10/04/2026 | Applications closed | closed | TBC |
Cohort 9 | 05/06/2026 | Applications closed | closed | TBC |
Cohort 10 | 04/09/2026 | Applications closed | closed | TBC |
Cohort 11 | 30/10/2026 | Applications closed | closed | TBC |
Some of our amazing partners
Barclays Eagle Labs is proud to support the Female Founders Rise Fundraising Accelerator, helping women-led businesses access the connections, resources, and expertise they need to grow. Through this partnership, founders benefit from mentoring, monthly networking calls, and a vibrant community, empowering more female entrepreneurs to thrive.
“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