FEMALEFOUNDERSCONTEST 2026
We bring Germany's best female founders to the main stage. For visibility, investments, and an equal startup scene.
12 Semi-Finals · 1 Grand Finale · March–September 2026
Female Founders + Visibility = a fair future
We give Germany's best startup founders the stage they deserve. For more funding, more role models, and a diverse economy.
Women remain severely underrepresented in the startup and VC scene. This needs to change.
of capital went to all-female teams
see underrepresentation as a problem
drop in funding for female-led startups
of business angels are women
Sources: Ernst Young Startup-Barometer 2024/2025, Business Insider, BAND/Bertelsmann
Our Mission
The Female Founders Contest gives founders the visibility, access, and investments they deserve.
Visibility
We bring female founders to the main stage – in front of large audiences and via livestream.
Access
We connect founders with corporates, associations, and allies from across Germany.
Investments
Contacts to 100+ angels, VCs, and family offices – directly at the competition.
Inclusive
We organize travel, accommodation, and cater to individual needs.
Germany's largest pitch competition for female founders – from semi-finals to the Grand Finale.
Semi-finals across Germany
Startup applications
Grand Finale
Guests on-site & via livestream
Social Media Impressions
September 10, 2026
Waschhaus Arena · Potsdam
The 10 best female founders from across Germany pitch to a top jury, business angels, and over 300 guests.
- ✓10 finalists on stage
- ✓VIP guests from business & politics
- ✓Top-tier jury
- ✓Prizes in cash & kind
The winners of the state semi-finals compete against each other at the finale in Potsdam.
Brandenburg
26.03.2026 · Potsdam
Learn more →Bavaria
20.05.2026 · München
Learn more →Central Germany
04.06.2026 · Leipzig
Learn more →Berlin
16.06.2026 · Berlin
Learn more →Schleswig-Holstein
18.06.2026 · Kiel
Learn more →Lower Saxony & Bremen
24.06.2026 · Hannover
Learn more →NRW
tba · Köln/Düsseldorf
Learn more →Hesse
tba · Frankfurt/Main
Learn more →Rhineland-Palatinate
tba · Mainz
Learn more →Baden-Württemberg
tba · Konstanz
Learn more →Hamburg
tba · Hamburg
Learn more →Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
tba · Schwerin
Learn more →Our
Partners
Let's Work Together
Whether VC, corporate, or individual – become part of our mission and support female founders on their journey.
Get in TouchSupport the Mission
Targeted support for female founders & startups
Brand Visibility
Brand presence & reach at all events
Community Access
Direct access to the startup community
Talent Scouting
Employer branding & innovation scouting
We are the team behind the Female Founders Contest. As Business Angels Club Berlin-Brandenburg, we advocate for a diverse startup scene.
Angelina Knopf
Head of Dealflow Management
Kiara Sinnreich
Event Project Manager
Phil Schwarick
Head of Event & Communication
Sebastian Schwenke
Managing Director
The Female Founders Contest is Germany's largest pitch competition for female founders. We give female-led startups a stage in front of investors, corporates, and the startup community.
Startups with at least one female founder in the team can apply. We welcome diverse teams from all industries.
There are various sponsorship packages starting at €490. Contact us at kontakt@bacb.de for a customized offer!
The semi-finals take place from March to June 2026 in various German cities. The Grand Finale is on September 10, 2026 in Potsdam.
