Anne Boden MBE, the eminent founder of Starling Bank, delivered a compelling and informative presentation at Swansea University’s Taliesin Arts Centre, offering valuable insights into the obstacles faced by female entrepreneurs. The event, entitled Founders of the Future, coincided with the release of the UK Government’s Women-Led High-Growth Enterprise Taskforce report and the publication of Ms Boden’s latest book, Female Founders’ Playbook: Insights from the Superwomen Who Have Made It.
Since its inception in 2022, the taskforce, chaired by Ms Boden, has been at the forefront of initiatives to eliminate barriers hindering women’s leadership in high-growth ventures. Currently, women founders receive only two per cent of all venture capital funding in the UK. Collaborative efforts with Swansea University have been undertaken to address this disparity, resulting in enlightening case studies focusing on pioneering women and imparting valuable lessons for students and the broader community.
At the heart of the event were engaging discussions with entrepreneurs Eccie Newton, Joelle Drummond, and Hannah Lamden. They shared their entrepreneurial journeys and deliberated on strategies to empower more women-led high-growth SMEs in the UK. Aspiring founders gained first-hand insights into the challenges and triumphs experienced by successful female entrepreneurs.
Reflecting on her personal challenges in launching Starling Bank, Ms Boden recounted a journey fraught with skepticism and obstacles. She emphasized the difficulty of obtaining investment, particularly as a Welsh woman in her mid-fifties navigating a predominantly male investment landscape. Despite the daunting odds, Ms Boden’s persistence and resilience led to the establishment of a highly successful business that has transformed banking technology on a global scale.
Addressing a 200-strong audience that included pupils from her former secondary school, Ms Boden encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to seize the opportunities available to them. Her own journey, originating in Swansea and culminating in the founding of a global bank, serves as a testament to the potential for success within Wales. Her wise advice, acknowledging the challenges of entrepreneurship while emphasizing the inherent value of pursuing difficult endeavors, resonated deeply with the audience.
In conclusion, Anne Boden’s session at Swansea University served as an inspiring platform for female entrepreneurship, shedding light on the experiences and insights of successful businesswomen. Her impactful words and enduring efforts have undoubtedly inspired the next generation of female entrepreneurs to pursue their aspirations and navigate the challenges of the business world.