Standard Chartered, AUC, and Village Capital Launch Women-Focused Tech Accelerator in Egypt
Standard Chartered, in a significant partnership with The American University in Cairo (AUC) Venture Lab and global inclusive entrepreneurship expert Village Capital, has officially launched the "Futuremakers Women in Tech" accelerator program in Egypt. The initiative, unveiled on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, aims to empower and uplift women-led, tech-enabled startups across the country.
Empowering Women in Egypt's Tech Sector
The "Futuremakers Women in Tech" accelerator is designed to address persistent gender disparities within the startup ecosystem and specifically aims to boost female entrepreneurship in Egypt's rapidly growing tech-enabled economy. This program marks Egypt's debut in Standard Chartered's global Futuremakers initiative, which is funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation. The core mission is to promote gender diversity, foster innovation, and support sustainable economic growth driven by women entrepreneurs.
Program Structure and Benefits
The accelerator will offer a robust, three-month program tailored to the unique needs of women founders. Over the next three years, the initiative plans to support a growing pipeline of women-led startups by providing a comprehensive suite of resources. This includes advanced entrepreneurship training, individualized mentorship, specialized investment readiness support, and access to valuable international networking opportunities. Each participating venture will also have the chance to compete for up to $10,000 in equity-free funding, providing a strategic boost to help scale their operations without diluting ownership.
A Global Initiative with Local Impact
This launch in Egypt is part of Standard Chartered's broader Futuremakers Women in Tech program, which has already made a significant impact by supporting over 4,000 women entrepreneurs across 17 markets, including Kenya, Nigeria, the UAE, and Pakistan. The expansion into Egypt signifies a commitment to tapping into the nation's vibrant startup scene and addressing the underrepresentation of women in the tech industry.
Key Leadership and Vision
The launch event in Cairo featured prominent figures who underscored the program's importance. Mohammed Gad, CEO and Head of Banking & Coverage at Standard Chartered Egypt, stated, "Launching Futuremakers Women in Tech in Egypt is a proud and powerful moment for us. We believe women entrepreneurs are catalysts for innovation and inclusive growth." Dr. Ayman Ismail, Founding Director of AUC Venture Lab, added, "Our newest programme with Standard Chartered and Village Capital will help more women build their tech-enabled ventures and connect with investors." Keynote speeches were also delivered by Rola Abu Manneh, CEO MENAP at Standard Chartered, and Sherif Kamel, Dean of the AUC School of Business.
About the Partners
Standard Chartered is a leading international banking group with a strong presence in emerging markets. Its "Futuremakers" initiative, funded by the Standard Chartered Foundation, focuses on promoting economic inclusion for disadvantaged young people, particularly young women.
AUC Venture Lab (V-Lab) is Egypt's first university-based startup accelerator and a leading incubator in the Middle East and Africa, having supported over 1,000 founders since its inception in 2013.
Village Capital is a global organization that supports early-stage, impact-creating ventures and develops entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: Boosting Female Entrepreneurship
The "Futuremakers Women in Tech" accelerator in Egypt is poised to become a critical platform for women entrepreneurs looking to scale their tech-enabled businesses. By providing tailored support, funding, and access to networks, the program aims to not only accelerate individual startups but also to catalyze a broader shift towards greater gender inclusivity and innovation within Egypt's technology sector.
Source: Ahram Online