Applications Invited for IFC ScaleX

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About the Organization

IFC is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, advances economic development and improves the lives of people by encouraging the growth of the private sector in developing countries.

We achieve this by creating new markets, mobilizing other investors, and sharing expertise. In doing so, we create jobs and raise living standards, especially for the poor and vulnerable. Our work supports the World Bank Group’s twin goals of ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity.

About the Fellowship

Women entrepreneurs in emerging markets face a daunting gender finance gap when it comes to growing their start-ups; only 11% of enterprises that attain seed funding are female-led.

Research developed by IFC and the World Bank Group Gender Innovation Lab, in partnership with Village Capital, shows that despite women leading half the start-ups that participate in accelerators—entities designed to train and support the development of start-ups to become investment ready—they continue to face greatly unequal access to capital. The research data shows acceleration increases the amount of equity male-led startups raise 2.6 times more than women-led startups. The persistent gender financing gap cannot be easily attributed to differences in the quality of the startups, suggesting that investor bias and risk perception may play a role.

IFC ScaleX seeks to reduce the gender gap in equity finance between male and women-led startups by providing financial incentives that will encourage accelerators to increase their focus on actively helping women-led startups to fundraise capital post their accelerator programs.

Award amount

Award amounts will vary from $5,000 USD to $25,000 USD per qualifying accelerator. IFC retains the right to change the award amount thresholds by its own discretion.

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