Investment Readiness Accelerator for Women in FinTech
Women-led startups continue to receive a disproportionately small share of venture funding—especially in regulated, capital-intensive sectors like fintech. InvestHer is designed to close that gap.
Built by GIFT IFIH, the program focuses on one thing: preparing women fintech founders to raise institutional capital by strengthening investment readiness and replacing cold outreach with structured, high-quality investor access.
Program Benefit
Investor-Ready Pitch & Narrative:
Craft a clear, credible fundraising story aligned with how investors think.
Institutional-Grade Financials:
Build and stress-test financial models investors trust.
Guaranteed Investor Access:
Minimum of 10 curated 1:1 investor meetings — no cold outreach.
Fund–Founder Fit Clarity:
Learn how to identify the right investors, not just more investors.
Due Diligence Readiness:
Prepare for financial, legal, and regulatory diligence before it becomes a blocker.
Global Exposure Opportunity:
Top startups earn a fully sponsored pitch slot at Dubai Fintech Summit 2026.
Program Benefits
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Essential Startup Skills to validate, pitch, build, and scale a fintech startup
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Structured Curriculum to take you from idea to MVP to PMF
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Industry Access to regulators and corporate and government partners
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Ecosystem Access across the globe to mentors, enablers, and events through both GIFT IFIH and Plug & Play
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Expert advice on the fintech and regulatory landscape, with a focus on GIFT City’s unique offerings
Structured Startup Program
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Potential to get investment from GIFT IFIH for all participating startups
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Introductions to investors for funding opportunities through our network and VC partners
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Stipend to offset living expenses during the residency period
Funding & Monetary Support
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Complimentary office space at GIFT IFIH campus
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Partner subscriptions for free or at preferential rates
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Access to GIFT IFIH partners:
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Banking products at preferential rates
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Community partner
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Access to admin and other services (legal, incorporation, HR, etc.)
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Lifelong access to Plug and Play's network across 20+ countries
In-Kind Support
Program Timeline
01
Application & Onboarding
May–August 2025
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Applications Open: 9 May – 15 June [CLOSED]
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Shortlisting: 26 May – 27 June [COMPLETED]
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Final Selection & Onboarding: 22 – 30 June [COMPLETED]
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Relocation to GIFT City: 1 – 30 July
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Orientation & Mentor Matching: 31 July – 3 August
02
Residency Phase
August–October 2025
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Residency at GIFT IFIH Campus (Foundation Building 1 & 2)
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Weekly sessions: PMF review, idea refinement, roadmap building
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Assigned mentors and regular check-ins
03
Validation Phase
November–December 2025
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Off-campus execution and GTM strategies
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Bi-weekly check-ins on traction, sales pitch, and customer acquisition
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Pitch polishing in December
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Optional events in India/Singapore
04
Demo Day
January 2026
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Gift IFIH annual Expo
Program Mentors
Mayank Jain
Managing Partner & CEO
ThinKuvate
Piyalee Chatopadhya
Global Program Manager
TiE
Santosh Kumar
Director
SPJIMR WISE Tech
Mihir Joshi
Managing Director
GVFL
Pratekk Agarwal
Founder & GP
GrowthCap Ventures
Sharat Chandra
Founder
EmpowerEdge Ventures
Monica Jasuja
Chief Expansion and
Innovation Officer
Emerging Payments Association Asia
Ritu Soni
Co-Founder
The Light Bulb
Shek
Superteam India
Nehal Thaker
First Founder and Mentor
Aaken Academy
Rohan Shah
Founder
Hedweeg
Program Partners
