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Last year, we identified the $1.7 trillion funding gap, and in 2026, it has grown to $1.9 Trillion. This year, we will close it with a $10,000 equity-free grant.
UPGREYED HER is our global initiative to scale women-led businesses across emerging markets. Because when we give women the resources to thrive, we all gain a more equitable world.
A note from Grey
We often speak of the funding gap as a void to be filled, but at Grey, we see it as a reservoir of untapped potential. To invest in women is to understand that capital must be planted before it can flourish. When we back a woman-led startup in Lagos, São Paulo, or Jakarta, we go beyond funding businesses, we multiply the economic future of entire regions.
UPGREYED HER is our commitment to that exponential growth. While we provide the global financial infrastructure, we want your ideas to bloom. This year, we’ve increased our commitment to support more visionaries across more borders, awarding a total of $10,000 in equity-free grants to three exceptional founders.
The first-place winner will receive $5,000, while the first and second-runner ups will receive $3,000, $2,000 respectively.
We are looking for established businesses that use technology to solve real-world problems and are ready for their next stage of growth.
To qualify, businesses must be founded by a woman or have a female co-founder with at least 50% ownership. The business must have been in operation for a minimum of three years. The founder must be between 23 and 40 years old and a citizen or resident of an eligible country within Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the UK, or the US. Please refer to the full list of eligible countries here
Applications will open soon. The application window will remain open for a limited period, and all submissions must be completed before the stated deadline.
Please ensure your application is submitted on or before the official closing time, which will be communicated once applications open.
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Transparent Evaluation
To ensure a fair and expert evaluation process, we have assembled a panel of well-acclaimed female judges, proficient in business, technology, and management,
2024 & 2025 highlights
UpGreyed Her empowers women entrepreneurs by providing equity-free grants to help them scale their businesses.
UpGreyed Her is an initiative by Grey designed to empower female entrepreneurs by providing equity-free funding to help them scale their businesses. Who can apply? Female entrepreneurs (23–40) in Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, the UK, or the US with full or 50% ownership of a registered tech-enabled business.
How does the application process work?
Applications will open soon. We’ll notify you via email once applications go live, and you can also follow us on our social media platforms for updates and announcements.Once applications open, submit your business details through the official application form. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a video pitch and may be invited for a brief interview before the four winners are selected. Please ensure you read the terms and conditions carefully before submitting your application
Is the grant equity-free?
Yes. We don’t require equity. Our "gain" is the growth of the ecosystem.
How are winners selected, and what do they receive?
A panel of experienced female judges will evaluate applications based on business viability, innovation, and impact. Three winners will receive grants of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000, respectively.
Can past applicants or winners apply again?
Yes, past applicants who are eligible can apply again. However, past winners are not eligible to reapply. Please read the terms and conditions to see which industries are eligible.
How can I stay updated or get in touch?
For updates, follow @greyfinance on social media and join the waitlist.
What industries are eligible?
Businesses in male-dominated industries and tech-enabled sectors such as artificial intelligence, IT, transportation and logistics, agriculture and forestry, education, healthcare, construction, renewable and non-renewable energy, and manufacturing.
