Fellowship for Female Founders

The 2023 application is now open! Apply by April 10th to Own Your Raise!

You’re perfect! …But the investment world isn’t.
We understand the challenges Female* Founders are facing. We know how daunting the statistics are when it comes to Female Founders accessing funding. We know female founders benefit from training, resources, connections, confidence building and a robust support system. That’s why we created this 6+ month cohort program for first-time female founders looking to raise their first outside capital. When we lift each other up, we can transform the startup ecosystem and make it a place where female founders can thrive.

Founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 2016, this 6 month+ Fellowship combines our Fundraising Readiness programming with a structured curriculum, mentorship & accountability buddies, legal & leadership coaching, and resources to help you Own Your Raise!

The 2023 Fellowship will be completely virtual, and marks the first year we will be accepting applications from across the U.S.!

Please note: We use an inclusive definition of “woman” and “female”, and welcome anyone who identifies with womanhood in any way that is significant to them.

Meet Past Fellows

Impact Reports

Check out our 2023 Demo Day

Application & Program Dates

March 13, 2023 @ 9:00 am ET — April 10, 2023 @ 11:59 pm ET → Online application on F6S (find the link below)

May 8 — May 12, 2023 → Zoom interviews with finalists

May 22, 2023 → Announcement of the 2023 cohort

June 1 — November 30, 2023 → Fellowship Program

Eligibility

You’re the Female Founder/CEO of a US-based startup looking for your first outside capital in the next 6-12 months
You run a US incorporated, for-profit, scalable startup eligible for institutional investment from angels, venture capital or private equity firms, etc. The Fellowship is not suitable for 501(c)3s, brick & mortar stores, or consulting businesses.
Your startup is beyond the idea stage and is or will be ready to fundraise in the next 6-12 months.
You’re ready and willing to immerse yourself in the opportunities this Fellowship presents and plan on actively participating in the program to learn from and eventually give back to The Capital Network’s community.

What we’re looking for

We look for founders who have clarity on their businesses; who understand their market, customers, and business model; and who are looking to raise their first outside capital in the next 6-12 months. We want to give access to founders who otherwise would not have access to the networks and resources essential to successfully fundraising.

Please keep in mind that this is a highly competitive program with limited spots. We are looking for applicants who are committed to actively engaging with the educational content, mentorship program, and community-building that enhances the experience for everyone. This means committing around 13 hours per month (most of the programming will happen in the second week of each month) to Fellowship-related activities.

Don’t think you fit every criterion? Apply anyway and we can discuss!

If you are not selected, we’ll provide feedback from our evaluators as well as opportunities to engage with us and our programming. Not every Fellow was accepted to the Fellowship in their first application, so we encourage you to apply for the next cohort!

Apply here!

Questions? Email us!

Fellows have access to :

6 months of fundraising and strategy bootcamps, workshops, panel conversations, group sessions, and peer and mentor support
Office hours with investors, industry experts and seasoned entrepreneurs
Pitch workshopping with investor feedback
Leadership coaching and 1:1 mentorship
Legal advice and resources from Mintz
Toolkits & resources for fundraising strategy and leadership development

Fellows build the confidence to:

OWN YOUR STORY

Create a clear narrative of your story and how to tell it effectively
Grow confidence in public speaking and pitching

OWN YOUR NUMBERS

Gain a clear understanding of your financials and growth strategies
Grow confidence in using numbers to tell the story of your business

OWN YOUR NETWORK

Build a national network of supportive entrepreneurs, mentors, & investors
Meet your future partners, investors, and confidants

OWN YOUR RAISE

Gain a clear understanding of the fundraising process and create an effective strategy tailored to your specific business needs
Grow the confidence to get what you want and deserve!

Sign up for Info Sessions to Learn More!

This year, we are doubling the size of our cohort to accept 25—30 Fellows — and for the very first time, we are accepting applications from female founders throughout the U.S.!

Interested, but looking to find out more? Join us on Tuesday, March 21st or Monday, April 3rd for a virtual Information Session to learn more about what you can expect from the program & beyond, get tips on how to apply, and get your burning questions answered!

Register for an Information Session

Former Fellow Testimonials

— Karthy Chandra
Founder, GoaldenHour
‘18 Fellow

"The best part of the Fellowship was getting access to a community of investors, fellow founders, and start up supporters who wanted to see more women succeed in entrepreneurship. The Capital Network helped me refine my pitch deck, my story, and navigate the fundraising process overall. Their webinars and opportunities like their Demo Day help me connect with people who can help me further my business. I'm really grateful to the team for everything they do to support female founders and I look forward to paying it back some day."

— Allison Byers
Founder, Scroobious
‘20 Fellow

“Being a founder is a lonely job. Being a female founder is even more isolating as there are fewer of us around to connect with. The Capital Network brought a group of female founders at similar stages of business together and helped us connect in a meaningful and supportive way. Having this network of peers has been crucial for me on both professional and personal levels. Knowing that I have those women, as well as The Capital Network leadership, as resources and peers is comforting and motivating.”

— Elsa Chi Abruzzo
Founder, Anuncia
‘21 Fellow

“After 34 years in medtech, from engineer to executive, my most challenging role is that of a Hispanic, woman, first time CEO raising funding. The Capital Network has strengthened my entrepreneurial skills and provided diverse perspectives needed to build a thriving company during these trying times, especially for women and minorities. I've grown immensely with support from amazing fellow founders, guidance from seasoned mentors, and relevant programming from their stellar.”