DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — October 9, 2025

In a showcase of innovation and ambition, the Female Founders Network, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS) UAE, hosted an exclusive Investment Pitch Night on Wednesday, October 8, at Amazon’s Dubai headquarters.

The high-energy evening brought together six female founders who pitched their ventures directly to a panel of key investors, in an effort to bridge the persistent funding gap facing women-led startups across the region.

The event, designed to accelerate access to capital for women entrepreneurs, drew investors, business leaders, and members of the startup community from across the UAE.

“Access to funding remains one of the biggest barriers facing female entrepreneurs today,” said Nicki Bedford, CEO and founder of the Female Founders Network, during the event. “Co-hosting with Amazon Web Services UAE for this Pitch Night meant we could connect female founders with the right investors, amplify their visibility, and ultimately close the gap in venture funding.”

Bedford described the collaboration as “a powerful step forward” in the network’s mission to empower women to “build bold and sustainable businesses.”

The evening featured live pitches, investor Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities designed to spark connections and potential investment deals. Organizers said the initiative reflects growing momentum in the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem toward greater gender inclusion and access to capital.

Founded to reshape the entrepreneurial landscape for women, the Female Founders Network has evolved from a community into a movement. Through curated events, strategic partnerships, and access to global networks, the organization aims to provide women-led businesses with the visibility, mentorship, and funding needed to scale.

The partnership with AWS UAE marked another milestone in this mission, reinforcing both organizations’ commitment to closing the gender gap in entrepreneurship and driving long-term economic impact.

Applications for the Pitch Night were open to female founders actively raising investment, with shortlisted candidates selected from a competitive pool before the September 28 deadline.

About the Female Founders Network

The Female Founders Network is a high-impact business community dedicated to supporting ambitious women through strategic resources, curated growth opportunities, and powerful connections. Backed by Google, it blends practical learning with authentic community-building to equip female entrepreneurs with the tools and confidence to lead and scale.

About Nicki Bedford

Nicki Bedford is a serial entrepreneur and executive business leader recognized for ventures that merge innovation, impact, and scale. She previously led BuzzFeed’s Asia-Pacific growth and has founded multiple businesses across technology and media, including Seizen, Lenzz, and the Female Founders Network.