Consulting firm Quesnay announced earlier this week it has kicked off its second Female Founders in Tech Competition, which is designed specifically for all women-led technology startups with a tested product. Quesnay reported that the competition will include insurtech startups this year. Jennifer Byrne, Co-Founder and President of Quesnay, stated:
“Quesnay’s Female Founders in Tech 2018 innovation competition series will kick off with a dedicated insurance track to address the gap among women leaders by recognizing and supporting women-led startups that positively impact the industry. We are pleased Farmers Insurance® has joined us as the presenting sponsor of this year’s competition.”
Prizes of the competition include:
- Awards: More than $75,000 cash and additional in-kind support
- Mentorship: Expert advice and education from insurance executives
- Partnership: Exposure to sponsors and industry leaders
- Global Stage: Live Pitch event at InsureTech Connect’s more than 6,000 attendees
Quesnay also revealed:
“Quesnay launched the Female Founders in Tech Competition in 2017 with great success and is expanding the program this year with dedicated tracks in InsurTech, FinTech, and MediaTech. 2018 will kick off with the InsurTech track, where the gap in the number of women-led startups is particularly stark. In 2017, just one in six (16%) individuals driving the start-ups applying to Startupbootcamp InsurTech were women. A study of 535 InsurTech companies worldwide found that just 4% (20 in total) were founded by women. Through Female Founders in InsurTech 2018, Quesnay hopes to increase those numbers by supporting women through mentorship, visibility, and funding, while offering a platform for encouraging inclusion in the industry.”
Ted Stuckey, Managing Director of QBE Ventures, went on to add:
“Quesnay’s Female Founders in Tech program gives women-led startups the platform and exposure that they deserve, while also creating a community that is passionate about supporting women-led startups in the insurance industry.”