£450m Northern female-led collective announces milestone global partnership

Fund Her North, the 28-strong Northern volunteer collective working to improve access to finance for female-led businesses, has announced a new partnership with global wealth managerUBS.

Fund Her North is a volunteer collective made up of over 28 women in Venture Capital, funding organisations and angel groups with a combined investment power of over £450m in the North.

The collective has already made a lasting effect on women entrepreneurs in the North with a combined investment track record of over £75m invested in female-led, startup businesses.

As one of the world’s largest wealth managers, the partnership with UBS will extend Fund Her North’s network and capabilities to support female entrepreneurs who are looking for personal finance advice and guidance around funding strategies from startup through the growth phases.

Jane Booth, North West regional head at UBS, will be given a seat on Fund Her North’s advisory board as part of the partnership and will participate in a series of events targeted at female entrepreneurs and relevant individuals to UBS.

Samantha Piddington, co-founder and strategic partnerships lead at Fund Her North, said: “UBS is strongly aligned to our mission to address the imbalances in access to finance for female founded businesses, so it was an obvious fit for our next phase with Fund Her North.

“They are able to bring a unique perspective, not only supporting female entrepreneurs with high growth ambitions, but also playing an important role in supporting our female investors.

“We know that female founders are two thirds more likely to receive investment from female investors, so it’s absolutely vital that those with the capital to invest have trusted advisers, and we are grateful that UBS can provide this.”

Jane Booth added: “UBS is delighted to be a Cornerstone Partner for Fund Her North. It is essential that female entrepreneurs and investors are confident in making long-term financial decisions as this not only increases their chances of financial security but also allows them to feel more positive about the future and achieve their growth ambitions.

“I am pleased that we are able to provide this support to Fund Her North’s members. This partnership strongly aligns with UBS’s long-standing global program focused on empowering women with financial decision-making, addressing their financial needs and gender lens investing.”