The HER FUND Coaching Programme has successfully concluded its latest edition, running from September to November 2025 and supporting 11 early-stage female (co)founders from less-connected innovation ecosystems (LCIEs) across Europe. Guided by 4 experienced coaches, including CEOs, investors and founders, the programme helped participants strengthen their strategic capabilities, sharpen their investment readiness and build the confidence needed to grow their businesses.
Turning knowledge into action
Building on the foundations of the HER FUND e-learning modules, the coaching programme was designed to translate theory into practice. Through small-group, hands-on sessions, coaches worked closely with each founder to apply learning directly to their startup’s reality – from defining strategy to preparing for funding. The objective of the HER FUND Coaching Programme was to provide personalised, hands-on support to early-stage female founders from emerging innovation ecosystems, ensuring they could: Strengthen their strategic decision-making, improve their investment readiness and gain the confidence to engage with investors and grow their venture
Overcoming key founder challenges
Before joining the programme, many participants faced similar challenges that limited their growth and fundraising potential. These included:
- Difficulty defining their target audience
- Challenges in clearly articulating their value proposition to customers and investors
- Limited understanding of investment concepts, funding principles and negotiation points
- Lack of confidence to initiate conversations with investors
- A sense of isolation, with few opportunities to access external perspectives on their business decisions
The HER FUND Coaching Programme addressed these gaps through tailored support, structured frameworks and open, trust-based dialogue between founders and coaches
From uncertainty to investor-readiness
By the end of the programme, founders reported significant progress across multiple dimensions of their business and personal leadership:
- Refined pitch decks and clearer fundraising narratives
- Clarified customer personas and more focused communication strategies
- Stronger understanding of funding principles, terms and investor expectations
- Concrete steps on operational priorities, including hiring plans and market positioning
- Increased confidence to engage with investors and drive fundraising efforts
« The programme has helped me become much more investor-ready. I refined my pitch deck, clarified my value proposition, and improved my understanding of investment requirements. This has enabled me to confidently start conversations with investors and better position the startup for fundraising.«
The power of peer learning and community
Coaches also reported noticeable improvements in participants’ confidence, strategic thinking and ability to critically assess investor terms and risks over the course of the programme.
By combining high-quality e-learning with tailored coaching and peer support, HER FUND is helping female founders from less-connected ecosystems unlock their potential and move closer to sustainable growth and successful fundraising.
