Top 8 female-led start-ups to watch out for in 2022
Only 31% of start-ups are owned by women in the US and 32% in the UK. We at March8, don’t think that’s enough. That’s why it’s so important to support budding new companies that have women on the founding team. So although it was a very hard job, we chose our top 8 favourite female-led start-ups.
08: For Days
As self-proclaimed dreamers, believers, and innovators, For Days is on a mission to fix what they believe to be broken fashion, by producing 100% recyclable garments in a zero-waste system – available to everyone. Kristy Caylor and Mary Saunders co-founded For Days to reduce waste produced by the fashion industry, by promoting a closed-loop system.
07: Beautycounter
Stunned to find that the US only bans 30 ingredients from personal care products – compared to the EU that bans ~1,400, Gregg Renfrew was inspired to launch Beautycounter. Through Beautycounter, she offers clean skin care and make-up products, while also working to change legislation and guidelines in America’s personal care industry.
06: Megababe Thigh Rescue
Katie Sturino launched Megababe as she couldn’t understand why more women weren’t discussing an everyday problem: thigh chafe. The only products that she could find on the market were those specifically tailored for male athletes – so of course, she had to do something about that. Katie said: “Women deserved a clean, effective product that we wouldn't be embarrassed to pull out of a handbag.”
05: AnaOno
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 20s, Dana Donofree, co-founder of AnaOno, felt like her treatment caused her to lose her identity. This experience inspired her to create a line of bras specifically designed for women who have undergone breast surgery. Dana has dubbed the range as “boob-inclusive” lingerie, for one breast, two breasts, no breasts or new breast.
04: TALA
Focused on providing high-quality, sustainable and ethically-produced activewear, TALA was conceptualised to fill the gaps in founder Grace Beverley’s wardrobe, to deliver what the fitness industry was missing. Each range is made with comfort and performance in mind, to ensure every garment provides exceptional fit, style and quality – without a hefty price tag.
03: Loopster
On a mission to combat fast-fashion in the UK, Jane Fellner founded Loopster after she struggled to find places to recycle her son’s baby clothes. Loopster is now a website which enables parents to buy and sell second-hand baby clothing, encouraging them to recycle items that no longer fit, saving money – and the environment!
02: Decoded
As we live in a world where technology rules, growing our digital skills has never been more important. Decoded, founded by Kathryn Parsons, provides users with an accessible and easy-to-use coding school that shares all the up-to-date knowledge needed – from creating an app to programming. Through Decoded, Kathryn is striving to make technology accessible to everyone.
01: BEEPS
Launching in 2018, BEPPS are delicious snacks made out of black-eyed peas. Founder, Eve Yankah, has grown the brand with huge success, as they are now available across the UK in 4,000 retailers. All the snacks are vegan, gluten-free and made in the UK. Eve has raised £400k in funding led by Ascension Ventures, and angel investors.
