Barclays have partnered with fintech investor Anthemis to launch a New York based-studio targeting female entrepreneurs.
The new lab responds to 2017 research which said just over 2% of venture capital funding went to female start-ups. As a result, Barclays and Anthemis formed an alliance to boost diversity and inclusion within the industry.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Mariquit Corcoran, Managing Director, Group Innovation, at Barclays said: “By supporting female entrepreneurs at the earliest stage in their journey, I am hopeful that we can significantly improve diversity in the wider FinTech investment ecosystem.
“In addition to the close alignment with Barclays’ wider strategy on diversity and inclusion across the bank, our partnership with Anthemis will continue to drive innovation and open up opportunities for Barclays and our colleagues, clients and customers.”
The programme aims to target female founders at the earliest stage of their journey. Both companies will work with these entrepreneurs to execute a vision, from concept development to business launch and seed investment.
The businesses will move into Barclays’ newly expanded Rise building in New York’s Silicon Alley once established.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataAmy Nauiokas, CEO and Founder at Anthemis, said: “A commitment to diversity has been a core part of Anthemis’ DNA since our inception. Even so, we’ve seen a disappointing number of venture-backable companies led by women come through our pipeline.
“Currently, 15% of the startups in our portfolio have female founders. While that is well over the industry average, it’s not enough. We are thrilled to work with a partner who shares our mission to close the entrepreneurship gender gap in FinTech. This will make sure that women’s ideas get the encouragement, mentorship, and, ultimately, funding they deserve.”
