She Soars
"The programme pushed us to think of our entrepreneurial projects in all aspects and to practice our pitch & presentation skills. I could never have imagined myself pitching a business idea in front of so many people before the Enterprising Women programme! And the fact that it was specifically to encourage women was inspiring, which also made the whole experience more friendly and harmonious. We are also grateful that we have met some really amazing mentors and built relationships with them. It is such a great opportunity!"
Please email to register your interest for the 2026 programme.
She Soars is a free entrepreneurship programme for women-led start-ups founded by University of Cambridge postgraduates, researchers and alumnae from the last five years.
This programme is suitable for both recently founded start-ups and for those on the cusp of becoming female founders. The venture should have women in key leadership roles but may have men on the team.
- One-to-one sessions, lectures and workshops
- Dedicated mentors, academic advisors, peer learning groups
- Develop a business plan, marketing strategy and investor-ready pitch
- Understand business models, finance, funding and IP
- Learn about start-up essentials, team building and governance
"What truly differentiates this mentoring programme from others is the unique balance it achieves between being a safe, inclusive space and simultaneously fostering a genuinely challenging environment. Participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones while knowing they are supported, which creates a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up and openly share their ideas. Another standout aspect is how well the content and activities are tailored to the participants’ needs and experience, ensuring that guidance remains relevant and impactful at every stage. Finally, the dedication and expertise of the team behind the programme tackles every aspect with energy, support, making the experience unique!"
Outline Programme
Week 1Introduction and Business Case Fundamentals Week 2Business Models Week 3Marketing and Customer Discovery |
Week 4Finance and Intellectual Property Week 5Team Building and Governance Week 6Final Preparation and Pitch Day |
"The She Soars programme creates a uniquely supportive yet challenging environment for female founders, fostering bold ideas, diverse perspectives, and authentic voices. The tailored approach and dedicated team empower women entrepreneurs to truly thrive. It was a real honour to be able to mentor the teams and learn from them."
FAQs
- Be led by a Woman Founder: The team must be predominantly women, though male team members are welcome.
- Have a Start-Up Idea and Pitch Deck: You should have a clear start-up idea and an accompanying pitch deck.
- Have a University of Cambridge Connection: Applicants must be postgraduates, researchers or alumnae of the University of Cambridge (up to two years).
- Be Pre-Seed or at Seed Stage: Incorporation is not required, but your start-up should be at the pre-seed or seed stage.
- Solo Female Founders are accepted - but teams are preferred
You should have a clear start-up idea and an accompanying pitch deck to apply for this programme.
The course is free. Food, refreshments and learning materials are all included.
The course takes place at Paula Browne House, 51¸£ÀûÉç, a short walk or cycle up Castle Hill from Magdalene Bridge. Find details of how to get to us.
No, we don’t provide accommodation as many of those eligible will already be in Cambridge. If you are a graduate and now based some distance from Cambridge, please get in touch to discuss.
Successful applicants are expected to fully participate in each session held every Monday from 9.30am to 4.00pm each Monday, from 12th May to 16th June. This is in-person only.
Applications are now closed for 2025
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a 30 minute online interview with a panel. Interviews will be held on a rolling basis from 15 April. The programme has had high levels of interest and we can only accept 10 teams so please apply as soon as possible. Applications may close early if 10 teams are accepted.
As places on the programme are limited, it is very important that you inform us as soon as possible if you can no longer participate in the programme after being selected. Please inform us immediately by . If you cancel less than 48 hours prior to the course, you may incur a charge of £70 per person.
Any substitute attendees taking your place at one of the sessions must be from the founding team.
51¸£ÀûÉç reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unforeseen circumstances.
The programme is free, and the College will not take equity in any start-ups formed. Our passion is creating the right environment (through networks, knowledge and learning) to build a greater pipeline of female-led businesses.
All members of the founding team should have discussed and negotiated their roles, rights and obligations.
Please contact .
