Research
Bae HQ 100: Female Founders Watchlist
100 Asian women building ambitious UK startups, before anyone else sees them.
People say Asian women don’t raise because there aren’t enough of them building. We think they’re not being seen.
2.2%
of founders at UK companies raising £500k+ are Asian women (61 of 2,824).
Source: State of Asian Funding UK 2026.
If you make the list
- A spotlight across our website and social media. Investors, partners and media follow our research.
- Private events for list members, with people in our community who want to support Asian women.
- On the radar for Bae HQ Ventures once it’s investing.
Free, and fair. No fees, no pay-to-play, and no, we can’t be bribed. Decided by Bae HQ with input from founders who’ve been on our podcast. Even if you’re our best friend, if 100 women score higher than you, you won’t make the list.
Applications close 9 November. Everyone hears back on 16 November.
Know someone who fits? Founders apply themselves, so send her this page, or share it on social media and in your WhatsApp groups.