How does Scale define:

Angel Investor: Angel investors are sophisticated or High Net Wealth (HNW) investors are investors who invest individually or as part of a syndicated network (Scale Investors) in early stage startups. Angel investors play an important role in the early years of a startup business by providing not only capital but access to their individual networks and expertise to help accelerate business growth. They are investing and backing the founding team's commitment, passion and ability to execute on the larger market opportunity that they have identified.

Investment Ready: Someone who's investor ready is able to easily define their startup's business model and strategy. They are able to value their startup by creating a convincing financial plan and then link their capital raise to this plan. Someone who is investor ready also knows where to look for the right investors for their specific startup, how to network with them and is confident and prepared in negotiations.

Startup: The term startup refers to a company in the first stages of operations. Startups are founded by one or more entrepreneurs who want to develop a product or service for which they believe there is demand. These companies generally start with high costs and limited revenue, which is why they look for capital from a variety of sources such as venture capitalists. Scale is interested in startups in their early stages which means they generally have a tested prototype, MVP or proof of concept. In general terms their reason for seeking funding is to project growth and/or build out development of product or concept.

The difference between a startup and a small business: Startups typically create something new or improve something that already exists in the market in which they operate. Many startups are more ‘scalable’ than the typical small business, meaning that they have the potential to accelerate their growth significantly more quickly and increase revenue without proportionally increasing costs. This is why you may hear terms such as 10-30x return, investors are looking for a return. Startups (venture investing) is riskier than many other investments therefore garner a higher return. 

How do I know if my business is 'scalable'? The EmpowerEd program is the perfect opportunity to investigate how capital could accelerate your startups growth. EmpowerED is about understanding the kind of business you wish to grow and knowing what options you have to fund that growth.

Tech Startup:  A tech startup is a company whose purpose is to bring technology products or services to market. These companies deliver new technology products or services or deliver existing technology products or services in new ways. Examples of technology include: software / app, AI, blockchain, life sciences, ecommerce, virtual reality etc. Not sure if this is you? Get in touch!

Woman-led business: The woman founder or co-founder needs to hold equal or majority equity and decision making power in the business.

Why an application process?

In short, we want to make sure this program is suited for your needs and the stage you are at before you commit your time and money. EmpowerEd is heavily focused on funding your startup journey but if you are building a local business and don’t expect it to grow larger, we are happy to help you find a program that might better suit your needs.

We look at the following areas when reviewing your application:

1. Your startup idea or business
2. Startup stage
3. Ability to finish the program
4. Grit, confidence and curiosity

Do I need to have referees?

It helps to have the perspective of those around us. We want to hear from those around you and people who see what you do! This will help us gauge whether EmpowerEd is the right fit for you.

It’s been over 2 weeks and I still haven’t heard back.. 

Please check your spam emails and then shoot us an email at [email protected]

Who are the scholarships for?

1. To be eligible for a scholarship, we invite those experiencing financial hardship or low income to apply. We would love to learn more about your current situation and how the scholarship can help you and your startup. We respect your privacy and maintain strict confidentiality, please share what you feel comfortable telling us.

 2. The scholarship is applicable to women from minority, marginalised and/or historically oppressed groups and/or people experiencing financial hardship.

How much are the scholarships?

In addition to our Buy 1, get 50% off for a fellow founder (that’s 25% off each) we are offering a number of full scholarships for those who are deemed to be eligible.

To apply:

Please complete the EmpowerEd application form PLUS the scholarship application form here.

EmpowerEd is best suited for women founded startups who are looking to fund their startup journey. Whilst we, at Scale Investors, are a network of Angel Investors, this does not mean we believe this is the best or only option for founders. EmpowerEd is designed to inform founders of the various ways they can fund their journey, including through grants. If you are a startup looking to grow and scale your business, then this program is for you!

We think the price accurately reflects what you will be receiving. Access to and learning from investors and founders who have been in your position, they have a lot of experience, a cohort of fabulous like-minded women and a platform with all the material you need to personalise this experience for you and your startup. We put much weight behind curating the experts and support we provide to you, but as the saying goes.. Nothing comes free and this means we have ongoing costs associated with running this program.

We think you’re worth investing in but we also understand sometimes life gives us lemons. A limited number of scholarship places have been set aside for this reason. Please see the Scholarships section.

Oh no! We do cap programs as we feel there is value in smaller cohorts. This allows us to provide founders with the opportunity to really connect with each other. But you can go on the waiting list for a second intake in July, 2022.

If you don’t know yet or you just want to grow a successful business then we would say this program is the perfect opportunity to explore. EmpowerEd is about understanding the kind of business you wish to grow and knowing what options you have to fund that growth.

That’s okay, we get that. The application is only 10 minutes and gives us an opportunity to get to know a bit about you. Perhaps you’d like to know more about us? Check out our socials and webpage. We’re confident you will be impressed by the exceptional women entrepreneurs we have previously supported. Women just like you! If you have a specific concern, send us an email :) 

[email protected]

We are generally unable to provide refunds. Please understand this is because we have staffing and resource requirements to run the program. However, we also understand that there are circumstances beyond one’s control. Get in touch with us at [email protected].