As we celebrate International Women’s Day with the theme "Accelerate Action," we take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress women have made in areas sometimes traditionally dominated by men, including finance and entrepreneurship. At Deepbridge Capital, we are proud to showcase the stories of inspiring women we work with, who have not only carved out successful careers in challenging sectors but have also paved the way for future generations.

We look at the experiences of these trailblazing women – their motivations, the pivotal role of mentorship, the barriers they have overcome, and the vision they hold for a more inclusive and supportive future. From the inspiration behind their journey to their candid reflections on the obstacles faced, these women share their powerful insights on what it takes to thrive in finance and entrepreneurship and how we can continue to accelerate the change needed to create a more equitable environment for women in these fields. Their experiences serve as a reminder that progress is not just about breaking through barriers but about empowering others to do the same. Through mentorship, resilience, and bold leadership, these women are not only transforming their industries but also shaping a new era where women’s contributions are transformative.

Overcoming Barriers

Entering the finance sector has historically required women to navigate a culture designed without them in mind. Anjali, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Deepbridge Capital, recalls the early days of her career:

"When I started in 2002, it was quite a male-dominated work environment. I had to work extra hard to prove myself compared to my male colleagues. The main challenge was the ‘one of the boys’ culture. At the time, I had to adapt my personality in order to ‘fit in’ and progress. Thankfully, that is changing" While inclusivity has improved over the years, there is still work to be done to ensure that gender does not dictate access to opportunities.

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The Power of Mentorship and Community

Mentorship and networking play a crucial role in professional development. Finding the right people who provide guidance and encouragement can be transformative. Jenny, CEO and founder of Ferryx, emphasises the importance of surrounding yourself with the right network: "The statistics on funding for female founders are shocking. For every £1 of investment, all-female founder teams receive less than one pence. Finding my people has really helped. I've walked away from investors who I didn't feel were the right fit for us as a company and for me personally. But it's not just investors; it's your team, your advisors, your mentors. Surround yourself with good people, and good things will happen."

This sentiment is echoed by Fuchsia, Commercial Director at Deepbridge Capital, who highlights the importance of shared experiences in fostering industry growth: "The more women see other women in finance positions, becoming successful entrepreneurs, or being the lead investor on a cap table, the better for balancing it out and ensuring equality becomes the norm. It should be about lifting women up, not about dragging men down." Joy from Deepbridge Capital also shares how she navigates the challenges of leadership: "Being confident and seeking help & support from my colleagues who offer a wealth of experience has been key." Shannon Beattie, CEO of GenoME Diagnostics Ltd, reinforces the crucial role mentorship plays in professional growth: "Mentorship has been the most important aspect that has helped me grow in my entrepreneurial journey. I have been very lucky to have some amazing mentors, both female and male. They have helped me grow both professionally and personally. A network of women entrepreneurs is invaluable, as sometimes it is even great to hear that other people are feeling exactly the same way you are and have the same ups and downs."

Creating a More Inclusive Future

While personal perseverance is crucial, systemic changes are needed to create a truly inclusive environment. Fuchsia believes that early education is key: "Personally, I think the most important, albeit long-term, solution starts at school. We need to change the conversation from a very early age - make sure schoolchildren understand finance and job roles early on so that it just becomes the norm."

Louise, Lead Administrator at Deepbridge Capital, reinforces the need for inclusive hiring practices to address the lack of female representation in leadership roles: "A lack of leadership representation can lead to women feeling they don’t belong in these roles, making them less likely to succeed in recruitment and promotion opportunities. Addressing stereotypes and implementing inclusive hiring practices is crucial." Shannon highlights the importance of funding and research in women’s health, an area where her business is making a tangible impact: "GenoME Diagnostics is developing novel blood tests for improved ovarian cancer detection, initially to provide more accurate disease monitoring – so we are definitely aiming to contribute to societal change and women’s health. Women’s health solutions have typically been under-researched and under-funded, leading to a lack of improvement in many diseases with high unmet need. We are starting to see that shifting slightly, and GenoME is excited to be a part of the change."

Advice for Future Generations

For women aspiring to enter finance or entrepreneurship, confidence and resilience are essential. Caroline, CEO and founder of Elasmogen Ltd, offers simple but powerful advice: "You have to see it to be it. I hope that being a female in a senior leadership role inspires others to believe they too can start their own businesses and thrive." She also speaks about the rewards of entrepreneurship: "Freedom (within reason) and also unleashing my creative side. It’s given me the confidence to step out and step up more in all aspects of my life." And when it comes to overcoming hurdles, she highlights the importance of boldness: "Being heard. In the words of Sheryl Sandberg, I’ve had to learn to lean in and be bolder."

Looking Ahead

Industries are evolving, but accelerating meaningful change requires action at every level. From promoting mentorship to increasing funding for female-led ventures, ensuring equal access to opportunities remains vital. As Anjali points out: "Over the next decade, I would like to see female founders raise significantly more than the 2% of overall fundraising they received last year. More diverse teams drive innovation and profit, benefiting overall economic productivity."

Through perseverance, support, and systemic change, the future for women in finance and entrepreneurship will continue to strengthen. Their voices, experiences, and leadership are shaping a more inclusive and equitable world - one step at a time.

Here's to celebrating women every day! #IWD2025 #InternationalWomensDay