Athena Festival 2025
Named for a Goddess.
Built for Founders.
Athena Festival – the launchpad for visionary female founders
Named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, courage, and strategic power, Athena champions the women who are redefining entrepreneurship. This one-day festival is a vibrant hub of innovation, connection, and opportunity for female founders and changemakers across the UK – especially those building across the regions.
Research shows that women-led businesses are 35% more likely to deliver higher returns on investment, making them not only a socially conscious choice but also a smart financial one. However, there is a disparity in investment in northern regions, which, despite being rich in talent and innovative ideas, remain undercapitalised and underserved by traditional funding channels.
Athena is here and we’re building a thriving investment ecosystem led by vision, values, and bold ambition.
What to Expect
Inspiring Keynotes – Hear from leading women entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators shaping the future.
Actionable Workshops – Level up your business with tactical sessions on funding, scaling, branding, and leadership.
Curated Networking – Connect with founders, investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders who get it.
Pitch to Win – Step into the spotlight in our high-energy pitch competition – new faces and game-changing visibility.
Why attend Athena?
Practical Insights – Learn from founders, investors, and experts who’ve done it.
Powerful Connections – Build a network that opens doors and drives impact.
Real Visibility – Step into the spotlight and share your story.
Inspiration that Lasts – Leave with fresh ideas and the tools to scale.
Proudly Regional – Backing bold businesses beyond the London bubble.
Who should attend?
Startup founders ready to scale
Early-stage entrepreneurs across tech, consumer, health, and social impact
Aspiring women leaders with bold ideas to change the world
Investors and partners looking to support the next generation of innovation
If you’re ready to shape the future, Athena is for you.
Our sponsors
