Women in Innovation: Building Solutions That Matter

What does it really take to turn an important problem into a solution that creates lasting impact — and then build the networks, capital and resilience needed to scale it? Women in Innovation: Building Solutions That Matter brings together women founders, investors and industry leaders for an afternoon of candid conversations about the realities of building and growing ambitious ventures. From early-stage fundraising and community building to responsible innovation, scaling and the journey towards the public markets, the session will explore what happens beyond the initial idea — the decisions, relationships and challenges that shape whether an innovation can grow into something meaningful and sustainable. Hosted by Tina Wang, Founder & CEO of MentorMind Education, and co-hosted by Kate, UCL Hatchery Founder of VirWave, the event brings together perspectives from capital markets, venture capital, community building and founders developing solutions across technology, AI, health, media and social impact. Featured speakers Lauren Crawley-Moore — Senior Business Manager, LSEGFemale Founders, Capital Markets & the Road to IPOLauren will open the event with a perspective on what it takes to move from startup to scale-up and, ultimately, towards the public markets — exploring growth capital, governance, leadership, visibility and the networks founders need to build for the long term. Shreya Choudhuri — Founder, BuildHer LabsFrom Zero to 10K+: Personal Brand, AI & Community-Led Growth Shreya will share how she built a 10K+ community from zero using authentic personal branding and AI-powered content, and how community-led growth has become one of her most powerful acquisition channels as a founder. Jess McCarten — COO, Sie VenturesVC & Fundraising Spotlight: Female Founders Raising Venture CapitalJess will bring the investor perspective, looking at what makes an early-stage venture investment-ready, how founders can build stronger investor relationships, common fundraising mistakes and how women founders can navigate the VC landscape more effectively. Founder Panel: From Problem to Impact The second half of the event brings together founders building solutions around real-world problems: Amanda Kane — UCL Hatchery Founder, AnthrospecBuilding trust and adoption when introducing new technology into body measurement and clothing fit. Hana Chi — UCL Hatchery Founder, SkinarioBalancing personalisation, scientific evidence, innovation and user trust in skincare technology. Tholang Mathopa — Chevening Scholar & Founder, Leriba.AIExploring how AI-enabled innovation can remain inclusive, accessible and grounded in meaningful impact. Together, the panel will explore the journey from identifying a problem worth solving to validating demand, navigating setbacks, building responsibly and moving towards a sustainable venture. Agenda 14:00–14:10 | Welcome & introductionsOpening remarks from Tina Wang and Kate. 14:10–14:25 | Female Founders, Capital Markets & the Road to IPOLauren Crawley-Moore, LSEG 14:25–14:40 | From Zero to 10K+: Personal Brand, AI & Community-Led GrowthShreya Choudhuri, BuildHer Labs 14:40–14:55 | Female Founders Raising Venture CapitalJess McCarten, Sie Ventures 14:55–15:05 | Short break 15:05–15:35 | Founder Panel: From Problem to ImpactAmanda Kane, Hana Chi and Tholang Mathopa 15:35–15:55 | Audience Q&AAn open conversation with speakers and panellists on fundraising, community-led growth, partnerships, responsible AI, leadership, scaling, resilience and access to opportunities. 15:55–16:00 | Closing remarks & connections What you’ll gain Attendees will leave with: Practical insights from founders, investors and industry leaders at different stages of the innovation journey A clearer understanding of the capital journey — from early-stage venture funding through growth and potentially the public markets Practical perspectives on fundraising, investor relationships, community building and scaling Insights into responsible innovation, AI, trust and user-centred product development Honest reflections on resilience, setbacks and the realities of building a venture Opportunities to connect with women founders, innovators, investors and members of the wider UCL entrepreneurial community Audience Q&A The final part of the session will open to the audience, giving attendees the opportunity to ask questions directly to the speakers and panellists on topics including fundraising, team building, partnerships, responsible AI, leadership, scaling and access to opportunities. Whether you are already building a venture, exploring entrepreneurship, working in innovation or simply curious about how meaningful ideas become scalable businesses, this event offers an opportunity to learn from women who are building, investing in and shaping the future of innovation. Come for the insights. Stay for the conversations, connections and community.