Prime Highlights:
- AwakenAngels has secured a global partnership with Women in Innovation (WIN) to empower more women to become angel investors and support early-stage, women-led businesses worldwide.
- The collaboration expands access to the CPD-accredited AwakenAngels Academy, helping women across innovation, finance, technology and enterprise build confidence and skills in early-stage investing.
Key Facts:
- Founded in 2023, AwakenAngels has helped eight portfolio companies raise over €4.3 million, with additional syndicate investment deals expected to close in the coming weeks.
- WIN’s global network of 6,000 members will gain access to the AwakenAngels Academy, with the next cohort starting on February 17 and further programmes planned throughout 2026.
Background:
Ireland’s only women-led angel investment syndicate, AwakenAngels, has announced a new global partnership aimed at increasing access to capital for women-led and early-stage companies. The syndicate has formed a strategic alliance with Women in Innovation (WIN), a global organisation with a network of more than 6,000 members worldwide.
The partnership was secured following AwakenAngels’ latest US trade mission and is designed to accelerate the number of women becoming active angel investors. Through the collaboration, WIN members working across innovation, technology, finance and enterprise will gain access to the AwakenAngels Academy, a CPD-accredited programme focused on building the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to invest in early-stage businesses.
WIN members are expected to join upcoming Academy cohorts throughout 2026, with the next programme set to begin on February 17. A limited number of sponsored places remain available for women interested in learning more about angel investing.
Founded in 2023, AwakenAngels has already played a key role in strengthening the all-island startup ecosystem. The syndicate has supported eight portfolio companies, all part of its sister founder community, AwakenHub, helping them secure more than €4.3 million in investment to date. One of its standout portfolio companies, Gigi Supplements, recently completed a €1.5 million funding round and is now stocked in over 200 retail outlets across Ireland, including Boots and Holland & Barrett. A further four syndicate investment deals are expected to close in the coming weeks.
The partnership was officially announced in New York during a reception at the British Consul General’s residence, attended by senior diplomatic representatives. The event formed part of AwakenHub and AwakenAngels’ fourth St Brigid’s Day trade mission, during which 13 women founders from across Ireland pitched funding requirements ranging from £1.5 million to £7 million.
Commenting on the announcement, Denise McQuaid, co-founder and director of investor relations at AwakenAngels, said access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers to growth for women founders. She noted that the partnership with WIN will help create a global pipeline of informed, values-aligned women investors who want to actively support early-stage businesses worldwide.
The collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening women’s participation in investment decision-making and expanding funding opportunities for women-led enterprises on a global scale.
