Introduction
Women entrepreneurs are reshaping industries and fueling growth at a scale the world cannot ignore. Yet systemic barriers in access to capital remain. At UNGA80, this topic was at the center of a gathering hosted by Springboard Enterprises, the pioneering network that has been accelerating women-led innovation for 25 years.
Tarja Stephens, founder of Leaders of the Future, joined the event where Umbreen Bhatti, Springboard’s newly appointed CEO, shared how the organization will continue expanding its impact and building inclusive innovation ecosystems.
Impact in Numbers
Since its founding in 2000, Springboard Enterprises has:
- Supported 850+ women-led companies
- Generated over $36 billion in value creation
- Achieved 225 successful exits through acquisitions and IPOs
- Celebrated 26 IPOs
Behind these numbers are stories of women who have scaled companies, entered new markets, and broken barriers across healthcare, life sciences, and technology. The data underscores a simple truth:
Investing in women-led ventures delivers exponential returns for society and the economy.
Accelerating Women-Led Innovation
Springboard’s accelerator programs connect founders with top advisors, investors, and seasoned mentors, equipping them to scale quickly and sustainably. Alumni have collectively raised billions in capital while pioneering breakthroughs in critical industries.
By opening doors to networks and resources traditionally dominated by others, Springboard helps entrepreneurs overcome structural barriers in the venture capital ecosystem and positions women as leaders in high-growth markets.
Access and Visibility
Springboard’s community provides alumnae with ongoing opportunities to showcase their companies, gain visibility, and connect with influential networks. This support ensures that women founders are not only building businesses but also gaining recognition as innovators shaping the future.
The results are visible: alumnae have launched unicorn startups, advanced pioneering health and tech solutions, and created role models for the next generation of diverse leaders.
Closing the Funding Gap
Despite progress, women entrepreneurs remain underrepresented in venture funding. Springboard’s model proves that curated programs, expert mentorship, and influential networks can close this gap and catalyze systemic change.
At a time when the global economy is under pressure to innovate inclusively, Springboard demonstrates that investing in women founders strengthens both competitiveness and resilience.
Leadership for the Next Era
The event at UNGA80 underscored a critical topic: inclusive leadership is the foundation of resilient innovation systems. Supporting women-led ventures is not just about fairness, it is about accelerating growth, and shaping solutions for a global economy in transition.
This mission aligns directly with Leaders of the Future: ensuring that tomorrow’s leaders reflect the full diversity of talent and human potential.
Carrying It Forward
The Springboard Enterprises event reaffirmed a conviction shared by our community: the future of innovation will not be defined by technology alone, but by the diversity of leaders who build it.
At Leaders of the Future, we carry this conviction forward, amplifying platforms like Springboard and working alongside global partners to ensure inclusive leadership defines the next era of entrepreneurship.
Learn More
- Explore Springboard Enterprises
- Connect with Springboard Enterprises on LinkedIn
- Discover more about UNGA80
This article is part of the UNGA80 Reflections Series from Leaders of the Future.
Follow along as we share further insights from the General Assembly, connecting global dialogue to the future of leadership in the age of AI and exponential change.
Join us at Leaders of the Future as we carry forward the insights of UNGA80. More reflections are available through the link below.
