Aviva has invested $10 million in a venture capital fund that supports female entrepreneurs in the fintech sector across the UK, Europe, Canada, and the US.
Founded in September 2019, the Anthemis Female Innovators Lab Fund is anchored and co-founded by Barclays. Aviva’s investment will specifically target UK-based fintech firms led by women, a sector where currently only four percent of companies have female leaders.
Ben Luckett, chief innovation officer at Aviva, emphasizes the need for change: “The Female Innovators Fund is one way we can support this untapped talent. Working with the Fund means more than just a financial contribution; we will have opportunities to partner with, learn from, and invest directly in start-ups that may benefit both Aviva and our customers.”
This investment is part of a broader initiative by Aviva to promote female leadership and gender equality within the financial services industry. Amanda Blanc, Aviva’s Group CEO, serves as the Treasury’s Women in Finance Charter Champion, leading efforts to enhance gender diversity across the sector. Additionally, Aviva endorses the UK Government’s Investing in Women Code, aiming to improve access to resources, tools, and financing for female entrepreneurs.