The Athena Festival, a trailblazing event dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs outside of London, returns for its second year at Nexus Leeds on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
The 2025 Invest in Women Code report shows that at the early stage, 71% of deals reported by angel groups who were signatories were for all female led or mixed gender led teams, with all female led being the highest single group. In addition female founders backed by women led angel groups achieved twice as much investment as all male founder led businesses.
Despite this encouraging progress, disparities in geographical funding continue and the amount of money being landed by female founders is still significantly less.
The Athena Festival celebrates the magic which is being created when female founders and women angels come together as well as tackling the remaining underlying issues.
Following its successful launch in 2024, welcoming over 150 founders, investors, and mentors, this year’s event is set to be even bigger and better. Organised by Lifted Ventures and supported by The British Business Bank, West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Gordons Solicitors and CO4CH, the festival will include:
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Expert-led workshops on scaling strategies, fundraising, and market expansion.
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Inspiring keynote sessions from leading founders and industry leaders.
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One-on-one mentorship sessions with seasoned entrepreneurs.
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Curated networking opportunities to build strategic alliances.
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Pitch competitions judged by engaged angel investors.
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Live demonstrations & open mic segments during networking breaks
“We’re beyond excited to bring back The Athena Festival to Leeds, building on the momentum we’ve created to truly shift the dial for female founders across the UK.” said Jordan Dargue, Co‑Founder of Lifted Ventures and the Athena Festival.
“This festival isn’t just about pitching and panels, it’s about forging genuine connections, instilling investor confidence and creating a self‑sustaining ecosystem. By spotlighting female entrepreneurs outside of London, we’re challenging convention, unlocking untapped potential and contributing to regional economic growth.”
Co-Founders Jordan Dargue and Helen Oldham, recognised for advocating gender-smart investing through Lifted Ventures, have stressed the urgent need for systemic change. The Athena Festival aligns with this mission by promoting early-stage capital flow to underrepresented founders.
“Inspired by the wisdom, bravery and resourcefulness of the Goddess Athena, our aim is for every attendee to walk away feeling taller and more heroic.” added Helen Oldham, Co‑Founder of Lifted Ventures and the Athena Festival.
Investors attending the event will access high-potential, female-led startups, delivering untapped market opportunities and impactful returns. The festival features exclusive pitch events, investment panels and curated networking sessions to nurture meaningful collaborations.
“The Athena Festival is a must-attend for female founders looking to scale and for investors seeking to make meaningful, impactful investments. Come along and join us in Leeds on Tuesday 7 October to be part of a movement championing female entrepreneurship and driving economic growth.” continued Helen Oldham.
Event Details:
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What: The Athena Festival – Inclusion, Innovation & Investment for Female Founders.
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When: Tuesday 7 October 2025.
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Where: Nexus Leeds, UK.
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Who: Women founders, angel investors, mentors, business leaders.
