About She Wins Climate
She Wins Climate is an initiative launched by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and implemented by adelphi, VC4A, and EBAN. This program is designed to support and empower women-led climate startups in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, helping them scale their impact and become investment-ready.
Why Join She Wins Climate?
This comprehensive acceleration program provides women entrepreneurs with the tools and opportunities to take their climate-focused startups to the next level. Participants will benefit from:
- Investment Opportunities – Get connected with leading investors and participate in curated pitch events.
- Expert Mentorship – Receive personalized guidance from global experts in climate innovation and female entrepreneurship.
- Global Visibility – Showcase your startup to a network of international partners and stakeholders.
- Tailored Training – Enhance your skills in investment readiness, pitching, and scaling your business.
- Technical Business Support – Gain assistance for improving daily operations and refining your business model.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning – Engage with fellow entrepreneurs to exchange experiences and insights.
Who Should Apply?
She Wins Climate is designed for women founders who are leading startups focused on climate solutions and technologies in Eastern Europe or Central Asia.
Eligibility Criteria
For Entrepreneurs:
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Must identify as a woman.
- Must be the founder, co-founder, owner, or executive of the startup.
- Must be fluent in English.
For Startups:
- Women-Owned/Women-Led: Startups must be owned or led by women (see definition below).
- Legally Registered & For-Profit: Must be an independent, for-profit business registered for at least one year.
- Market Presence & Revenue Generation: Must offer a product or service currently on the market and generating revenue.
- Early-Stage Growth: Should be beyond the idea phase, targeting pre-SEED, SEED, and Series-A funding stages (more mature businesses may also be considered, except those in the growth or exit stage).
- Regional Presence: The majority of the startup’s employees, assets, or operations must be based in one of the following countries:
- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan.
- Tech-Enabled Climate Solutions: The startup’s product or service must be technology-driven and directly focused on climate change solutions.
- Areas of focus include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy efficiency, climate adaptation, circular economy, pollution reduction, conservation, and nature-based solutions.
Startups with only a minor focus on climate change are NOT eligible.
Definition of Women-Owned/Women-Led Startups
To qualify as a women-owned or women-led business, a startup must meet one of the following criteria:
- 51% or more owned by a woman/women.
- OR at least 20% owned by a woman/women, with:
- A woman as CEO, COO, President, or Vice-President.
- At least 30% of the board of directors being women (if applicable).
How to Apply
Applications are open now! Submit yours by March 17, 2025, to be considered for the 2025 She Wins Climate Cohort, which runs for approximately 10 months starting in April 2025.
To apply, click the link at the top right of this page. If you experience any technical difficulties, please contact us at support@vc4a.com.
Selection Process
This is a highly competitive program. Applications will be reviewed based on:
- Innovation (20%) – How unique and groundbreaking is the solution?
- Impact (20%) – How effectively does the startup address climate challenges?
- Scalability & Growth Potential (30%) – How feasible is expansion and scaling?
- Market Traction & Financials (30%) – What progress has been made in the market?
The implementation team will first filter applications for eligibility. A panel of regional investors and climate experts will then conduct a secondary review to select the most promising startups.
By applying, you confirm that all provided information is accurate. Any false or misleading information may result in disqualification.
Get Involved
If you’re a partner, investor, or entrepreneurship support organization (ESO) interested in supporting this initiative, please reach out to us or fill out the collaboration form. Together, we can create a more inclusive and sustainable future for climate innovation.
Know a women-led climate-tech startup in Eastern Europe or Central Asia? Refer them! Help us empower women entrepreneurs driving climate action.
Contact Us
For program inquiries, reach out to blum@adelphi.de.
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