Sage to host competition for female-led tech start-ups

Accountancy software vendor hosts initiative to support women in the tech industry

Sage is to hold the final of Doteveryone's second 5050tech Challenge for female-led tech start-ups at its Newcastle headquarters.

The challenge has two parts. On the first day, 3 April, the 12 finalists will receive a day of mentorship and training from industry leaders. Then on 4 April, the start-ups will give a two- minute pitch to a room of seed investors and venture capitalists, followed by an informal showcase where they can demonstrate their work.

In the UK, women currently occupy 17 per cent of tech jobs, according to a 2015 report from The Tech Partnership. Doteveryone claims its main goal is to put women at the heart of the technology sector by creating investment opportunities.

The lack of progress the industry is making in increasing the number of women in the technology industry was highlighted in November when Microsoft admitted its percentage of women employees fell from 29 per cent to 26.8 per cent between 2014 and 2015.

5050tech Challenge is a new national initiative from Doteveryone designed to encourage gender balance across the UK's technology sector.

Finalists include a start-up aiming to automate the sourcing and placing of doctors and nurses for the NHS, and one which aims to turn 3D body data into medically effective 3D printed devices.

Stephen Kelly, CEO of Sage, said: "This is a great shortlist of disruptive, innovative tech ideas that could go on to change lives and create prosperity. We are passionate about improving the diversity of our sector and about supporting entrepreneurs, the true heroes who are the engine behind the economy, so we're thrilled to support these brilliant ideas."

Martha Lane Fox, Doteveryone chairwoman, added: "If the UK is to leapfrog every other nation to become the most digital, most connected, most skilled and most informed, we urgently need to address the gender imbalance within the tech sector and ensure that our leaders, investors and entrepreneurs come from the widest pool of talent.

"I'm encouraged to see so many amazing women-led tech start-ups apply to join us in Newcastle and believe we have a truly inspirational line-up of diverse internet-enabled ideas to learn about and support."