Women Founders Fund

APAC

Funding, mentoring, and product support to help women founders grow their companies and as leaders. This first edition targets women-led startups driving responsible AI innovation in India, Japan, and Korea.

APAC

Applications are closed.

About the fund

Two ladies are working on a laptop.
A lady in yellow top with icard.

About the fund

Google for Startups Women Founders Funds provide non-dilutive cash awards and hands-on support to help selected founders build and grow their businesses. In addition, recipients receive ongoing Google mentorship, Google Cloud credits, and product support to help them navigate every stage of their startup journey.

Key benefits

  • Access to capital

    Up to $100K in equity-free cash will be awarded to each startup.

  • Google Cloud credits and support

    Receive Google Cloud credits and dedicated support via the Google for Startups Cloud Program.

  • Founder network

    Connect and get support from fellow founders as a part of Google for Startups alumni network.

  • Custom Mentorship

    Receive tailored product and leadership support from Google mentors and industry experts.

  • Leadership training

    Become a more effective leader through research-based strategies and expert coaching.

Entry criteria

Entry criteria

  • Diverse companies with at least one woman founder in their founding team
  • Founder must be working full time on the startup
  • Founder must have English proficiency
  • Startup must be headquartered in India, Japan, or Korea
  • Between Seed and Series A funding stage
  • Technically viable application of AI
  • Poised for global expansion
  • Preference for startups using AI to benefit society

Key dates

  • August 2nd, 2023

    Applications open

  • August 15th, 2023

    Application deadline

  • Within September

    Cohort announcement

Frequently asked questions

Why is Google for Startups doing this?

We believe that funding women founders empowers entire communities. Access to capital and support leads to greater economic opportunity. Google is uniquely positioned to provide capital and support to help founders grow their businesses, and in turn, create space for founders to succeed and create greater impact for their community. The goal of these funds is to increase economic opportunity for promising women-led startups in the Asia-Pacific region.

We hope this funding and support can catalyze the growth of women-led startups, foster innovative solutions to tough problems, and ultimately generate wealth for their communities.

What does a recipient from the Women Founders Fund receive?

A non-equity grant of USD 100K will be offered to each eligible women-founded startup in the Asia-Pacific region, with a maximum of up to six startups benefiting from the fund. Recipients will receive support from the Google for Startups team including access to Google mentors and experts, leadership, fundraising support, and inclusion in our global alumni network.

What types of startups are good candidates for the Google for Startups Women Founders Fund?

Startups headquartered in India, Japan, or South Korea are eligible if they are in the Seed to Series A funding stage, have a full-time founder, and demonstrate a technically viable application of AI.

You will not be considered if:
- Your application is missing required information.
- We cannot view your video (see our guide here for video best practices).
- We cannot access your pitch (see our guide here for pitch deck best practices).
What if I miss the deadline to submit my application?

Late applications will not be considered.

Do you give feedback on applications?

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we do not provide feedback on individual applications.

Where can I find a guide to help me succeed in the application process?

We have prepared an Application Success Guide that provides valuable tips and insights to help your application process. You can access the guide here.

What happens if we need to edit our application but we already submitted it?

Once you submit your application, edits cannot be made. Please check all information carefully before submitting.

Where can I learn more?

This fund is part of Google for Startups Founders Funds, which aim to support diverse startup founders and foster inclusivity. Read an interview with Latino Founders Fund recipient on the Google Cloud blog here, a feature of multiple Latino Founders Fund recipients on the Google Keyword blog here, and a highlight of the 50 Black Founders Fund recipients on the Google Keyword blog here.