New data commissioned by the Invest in Women task force has shown that all-female founded businesses in Northern Ireland received just £2.5 million (2%) of the UK’s total equity funding in 2024, whereas all male teams secured £93.7 million (79%).

The data marks a decline from 2023, when all-female teams received 4% of equity funding, and comes in sharp contrast to the region’s performance in producing high-growth female-led businesses (women make up 13.3% of high growth founders in Northern Ireland – nearly double the UK average proportion).

While entrepreneurial activity overall is lower in the north, it is punching above its weight when it comes to the proportion of women-led firms – underscoring the strength and potential of the region’s female entrepreneurial pipeline.

Despite this, Northern Ireland as a whole attracted just 0.8% of the UK’s £15.5 billion total equity investment in 2024, pointing to continued regional disparities.

The data formed the basis of a round-table supported by the Department for the Economy at Stormont, bringing together representatives from across government, the British Business Bank, financial services, investment and business to discuss workable solutions.

The task force co-chairs, multi-exit entrepreneur Debbie Wosskow and head of business banking at Barclays Hannah Bernard, spoke at the event alongside Stormont economy minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.

Debbie said: “While I’m thrilled to see such a strong pipeline of incredible female talent seeking investment in Northern Ireland, it’s unacceptable that this isn’t matched by the reality of funding.

“A 2% figure is paltry, and it’s compounded by the fact that our investment ecosystem is still far too London-centric. The system has to change. These sobering figures prove that we need far more local funding that can be invested in what is clearly a promising entrepreneurial landscape, deployed by female investors – that’s the only way we’re going to reverse this trend.”

Hannah added: “Wherever we look, the figures underscore the vast challenge we have ahead. There’s still a significant unrealised economic opportunity offered by female founders.

“If women were to start and scale businesses at the same rate as men, it could add £250 billion to the UK economy. There is a female entrepreneurial sector in Northern Ireland primed to be developed, and we are missing a trick if that is not leveraged.”

Minister Archibald said: “Inclusion is central to our economic success. By working together to support female founders, we can unlock untapped potential, break down systemic barriers to finance, and ensure women entrepreneurs have equal access to the capital they need to thrive.”