Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising everything, and the design space is no exception. AI offers startups innovative tools to enhance creativity, streamline processes, and reduce costs. When startups have limited resources at the start, AI is an excellent option to overcome challenges.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, there’s still a lot of progress to be made in closing the female investment gap. Despite one in five startups having a female founder, by the time you get to venture funding, a shocking 2% goes to all-women founded teams. According to the latest Virgin StartUp Founder Barometer, over a fifth (22%) of women shared that the biggest challenges when it comes to running their own business today is access to funding.

Ying Liu is the head of AI R&D at the London-based startup TG0, and a pioneering researcher in human-computer interaction. Here she offers her advice to the next generation of female technology leaders.

I want to be a billionaire, and I’m not afraid to shout it from the rooftops. Why? Because the world needs more women in business who dare to dream this big – and act on it.

This World Book Day, Startups Magazine has compiled a list of the must-read books for all the founders, and aspiring entrepreneurs out there.

In the UK, 18% of businesses are female-owned, while 82% are male-owned. Yet, women are starting more businesses, and 16-22-year-olds are starting more businesses than any other age group.

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging, recognising, reflecting, acting, speaking up, celebrating, and empowering women, I’m reminded of the immense power we each hold through PR and our own publishing platforms – such as our social media profiles, personal blogs, websites, newsletters, podcasts, video channels, online courses/webinars. These all allow us to create and share our stories and messages directly with the world.

What does it mean to be a successful woman? Is it about breaking barriers, defying stereotypes, or simply staying true to ourselves?

While headlines celebrate female entrepreneurship, there's a concerning trend hiding in plain sight. The percentage of women-led SMEs in the UK has declined from 19% in 2021 to just 15% in 2023. Yet, at a time when nearly half of businesses are turning to freelancers to drive innovation, female micro business owners could be the key to unlocking economic growth.

In the fast-paced world of startups and entrepreneurship, where uncertainty and self-doubt can often creep in, one of the most powerful tools us women can have at our disposal is connection.

Right now, we are seeing a movement where women are no longer prepared to wait. No longer prepared to wait for the equality that, as children, we were taught was a done deal.

In the end of 2019, just before the world would change forever with COVID-19, my co-founder and I (both seasoned veterans in the HR and global employment space) decided to take a bold leap.

At 12 years old, my world shifted in a way I never expected. My mum was diagnosed with a brain tumour, and overnight, I became a carer – not just for her, but also for my four younger siblings.

The last Issue of Startups talked about how sustainability had to be a focus for startups in 2025, and I couldn’t agree more. As a founder committed to solving the planet’s biggest problems, I support SMEs with digital transformation and sustainability.

I remember early in my career how happy and motivated I felt when I was entrusted with some task that was out of the ordinary.

For many women, financial independence is not just a goal – it’s a necessity. Despite earning more and holding higher positions than ever before, women still face significant financial challenges.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it’s essential to recognise the women who are not only breaking barriers but also shaping the future of technology.

A quick Google search for ‘businesswoman’ brings up countless images of suited professionals who certainly look like they mean business.

More than 120 women queued outside Virgin Hotels London in Shoreditch this morning to pitch their business ideas to the ‘Elevator of Dreams’ – an initiative started by Sir Richard Branson and entrepreneurial-influencer, Simon Squibb, where aspiring UK business founders can go to pitch their business ideas to a global audience.

A PwC study found that a career in the tech industry was a first choice for only 3% of female students and women only make up for 22% of AI professionals.