Women Founders’ Project: FRV’s First Commitment to Diversity
FRV’s newest initiative will focus on providing support to Canada’s top female student founders.
At Front Row Ventures, we support Canada’s most promising student founders — those we believe will define the future of the tech industry. Working for the past two years at over ten university campuses, we realized that more support is needed for underrepresented game changers.
It’s common knowledge that there is a gender diversity gap in the venture capital and tech industries in Canada. It’s a tricky space to navigate: some believe that women-targeted initiatives rightfully increase access to opportunities on a playing field that is uneven, while others believe that they only exacerbate the issue at hand. But the fact remains true: there is a staggering lack of diversity within these growing tech spaces.
FRVs ultimate goal is to provide support for students who have entrepreneurial ambitions. We believe that creating a space for female student founders to gain knowledge and support — in ways they may not previously have been able to — is one way of achieving this goal. By putting successful women in front of young motivated women founders, as examples, mentors, and role models for them to look up to, we hope to create a stronger community of like-minded, supportive individuals.
The Women Founders Project is Front Row Ventures’ first social impact initiative, dedicated to supporting young women’s endeavours in Canada’s startup ecosystem. At FRV, we recognize the underrepresentation of women in our community of student founders but we know there is a huge pool of talent and potential out there!
What is the structure of this initiative?
We’re bringing together a group of 8 -10 ambitious student founders to participate in FRV’s Women Founders Project pilot. The program targets female-identifying student entrepreneurs, who are at the early stages of building their businesses and are seeking guidance. With this initiative, we hope to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and provide networks of support in order to create a tight-knit community of women in this rapidly growing tech space. We’d love to hear from you about your greatest challenges and desires as we want to tailor the program for the needs of the female student entrepreneurs who are looking to launch disruptive ventures.
Why should you apply?
- You will get to meet others who are going or have gone through what you are! This community of like-minded individuals will serve as a source of knowledge and support for you.
- You will learn the complexities involved in starting a business from those who have already done so — and successfully. If you’re unclear on your next steps and looking for guidance through the process, the FRV WFP is just for you!
- You’ll gain mentors in an intimate setting. The best way to learn is through one-on-one interaction, and you will receive the opportunity to do just that.
- You will become part of a network that will serve you now and for your future endeavours related to tech and business.
Who are we looking for?
- You are currently a university student or recent grad (graduated in the past 12 months)
- You are looking to seriously pursue a business venture (beyond ideation) or you are currently in the process of doing so.
- You are based in Montreal (at least for the month of May).
When/Where is FRV’s Women Founders Project pilot happening?
The first Women Founders Project will take place in Montreal over four weekends in May. The exact dates and schedule are yet to be confirmed but please make sure that you’re available to attend the workshops in person.
How much time are you expected to commit?
Participants are expected to attend weekly workshops from May 1st to June 1st. Each workshop will be around 3 hours long. We guarantee you won’t regret it!
How does the selection process work?
If this sounds like something you would be interested in pursuing, let’s talk.
Fill out this form if you’re interested in joining our Women Founders Project!
We’ll review your form and someone from our team will get in touch for the next steps. If you’re a good fit, we’ll schedule an in-person interview with our selection committee.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to send us an email at diversity@frontrow.vc
Many thanks to Janna Agustin & Camila Escobar for leading the FRV Women Founders Project pilot program from the ground up!
