TN W.O.M.E.N - Women Only Mentoring Enabling and Nurturing Forum

Paid Mentorship Program

Mentoring HER for the FUTURE

TN W.O.M.E.N harnesses a wealth of experience to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for women founders. Our mission is to empower 10,000 by 2030, and we've already achieved a crucial milestone by supporting over 1,000. Over the past five years, our founding team has leveraged its industry know-how to mentor 1,200+ founders and startups.

We understand the unique challenges faced by female founders. That's why we are connecting you with dedicated mentors who will provide the support and insights you need to thrive.

The Paid Mentorship Program matches you with seasoned mentors who align with your specific needs and industry. Receive focused support to overcome your biggest obstacles to develop a clear roadmap. With an experienced mentor, you can make strategic decisions to scale your venture faster.

The TN W.O.M.E.N Paid Mentorship Program is an investment in your future. After completing our short application form, you will receive an email with payment terms as well other instructions to confirm your participation.

We extend one-on-one mentorship sessions on the following topics

Investment Pitch

Gain expert insights and guidance on how to refine your presentation and make your venture more investment-ready. Craft a compelling narrative, highlighting key metrics, and tailor the deck to different investor types.

Investor Relations

Understand investor psychology, and effective communications strategies to cultivate long-lasting relationships with potential funders for future opportunities. Build investor networks, co-invest, and leverage investor relationships who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing women-led businesses.

Financial Modeling and Valuation

Identify target investors, craft a fundraising roadmap, and manage the fundraising process.

Fundraising Strategy

Identify target investors, craft a fundraising roadmap, and manage the fundraising process.

Negotiation and Deal Structuring

Master negotiation tactics, understand term sheets, and protect founder interests.

Exit Strategies

Understand different exit options, prepare for IPO or acquisition, and maximise investor returns.

Ready to take the next step?

Empower your entrepreneurial journey with one-on-one guidance from experienced women leaders.

Fill out our application form to learn more and get started on your journey to success.

Request for Mentorship

Investments

Investing in HER for the FUTURE

Our investment philosophy focuses on empowering startups and visionary founders, particularly those led by women, who are tackling critical issues and driving innovation in emerging technologies across enterprise, consumer, and healthcare sectors. We are flexible with the investment stage, partnering with bold entrepreneurs from their early days through all phases of growth.

Must have

Women-led startups: We seek women founders who own 50% of their company.
Women-focused startups: Companies that provide solutions for problems faced by women. Founders’ gender no bar.
Company’s Stage: Minimum 2 years in operation and it doesn’t matter if it is running on a loss.

Nice to have

Scalable Business Models: Startups with strong growth potential and market viability.
Social Impact: Businesses dedicated to creating positive social change and addressing important societal issues.
Sector Focus: Investments across diverse industries such as AI, deep tech, emerging tech, fintech, enterprise tech, infrastructure, consumer tech, gaming, healthcare, climate, sustainability and more with a special interest in startups focused on women's safety.
We believe that supporting women-led startups not only promotes gender equality but also fosters sustainable business growth and societal advancement.

Investment Process

Financing HER for the FUTURE

Stage 1: Initial Application Tell Us About Your Business: Complete an extensive Google form and submit your pitch deck through our website to ensure you meet our requirements.
Stage 2: Initial Screening Preliminary Review: If your application meets our criteria, we will schedule a call for a Q&A session to further analyze your business and determine the next steps.
Stage 3: Pitch Meeting Pitch: You will be invited to meet with us for an interview, providing an opportunity to present your business in detail.
Stage 4: Due Diligence Comprehensive Evaluation: This stage involves a thorough analysis of your documentation, including financial diligence, legal diligence, and other compliance checks.
Stage 5: Independent Verification Committee Review: An independent committee will conduct a verification process to validate all aspects of your business.
Stage 6: Investment and Onboarding Connection and Integration: After successful verification, we will connect you with our investors, and you will officially join our portfolio.

For Investors

Uplifting HER for the FUTURE

Partner with us to catalyze the success of inclusive startups and drive exceptional returns.

By investing with us you are not just making a financial investment but you are investing in a global economy that will have a diverse, inclusive and equitable future.

Our team of industry experts have a proven track record of identifying and backing a diverse portfolio of startups with high growth potential in emerging sectors. Investors get unparalleled access to women entrepreneurs and strategic partners for you to generate attractive returns while fostering gender equality.

Our typical investment sizes starts from Rs.2.5 lakhs. You can share your expertise by mentoring our portfolio startups and be a part of the movement driving gender inclusivity in the startup ecosystem.

Apply to be an investor for our fund and we will get back to you with information on investment opportunities. .

Join Our Exclusive Group of Founding Investors. Invest Now.

Apply to be an Investor

Dive into Our FAQs for Quick and Helpful Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the right time to approach TN W.O.M.E.N?

Startups at the idea or no-traction stage will not qualify. A minimum of 24 months of traction is required for eligibility. However,Profitability is not a prerequisite.
What sectors does TN W.O.M.E.N invest in?

While our primary focus areas encompass emerging technology companies in sectors like Climate, Sustainability, AI, Bio & Healthcare, Deep Tech, Emerging Tech, Consumer, Enterprise, Fintech, Gaming, Infrastructure, and SaaS, we remain open to considering investments in other industries as well.
What do we look for in a founding team?

TN W.O.M.E.N looks into how the founders interpersonal dynamics, strengths, and chemistry contribute to their collective success.
Do you invest in companies located outside of Tamil Nadu?

Yes, we do invest in companies located outside of Tamil Nadu.
What is TN W.O.M.E.N’s investment process and duration?

Stage 1: Initial Application (Tell Us About Your Business)

Stage 2: Initial Screening (Preliminary Review)

Stage 3: Pitch Meeting (In-Person or Virtual Pitch)

Stage 4: Due Diligence (Comprehensive Evaluation)

Stage 5: Independent Verification (Committee Review)

Stage 6: Investment and Onboarding (Connection and Integration)

You will get a yes or no in 4 weeks and funding by 20th week.
How should I get in touch with TN W.O.M.E.N?

To reach out to TN W.O.M.E.N, kindly fill out the Google form provided in our website. This will enable you to connect with us effectively.
How will TN W.O.M.E.N help me grow my business besides investing?

Besides providing funding, TN W.O.M.E.N will support your business growth through extensive networking opportunities and assisting you in reaching the next stage of funding. Leveraging our founders' expertise, we offer mentorship to help your business expand, facilitate partnerships, and enhance your connections.
How much ownership should women hold in the company?

Women founders should collectively hold a minimum of 50% ownership in the company.
What does TN W.O.M.E.N look for in a company?

TN W.O.M.E.N is stage-agnostic. We prioritize women-led startups and those offering women-focused products, where women at least 50% ownership. We assess how the founders' interpersonal dynamics, strengths, and chemistry contribute to their collective success. Our main focus areas include emerging technology sectors such as Climate, Sustainability, AI, Bio & Healthcare, Consumer, Enterprise, Fintech, Gaming, Infrastructure, and SaaS.
I am the sole founder of the company. Can I apply?

Yes you can apply, yet TN W.O.M.E.N prioritizes ventures with a broad impact, often strengthened by multiple founders with complementary strengths. While solo founders are eligible to apply, preference may be given to companies with more than one founder.
My company has no turnover. Can I still apply?

Certainly! Your company can still apply, as profitability is not mandatory. However, we do require a minimum of 24 months of traction for eligibility.
I have already raised funds. Is it still okay to apply to TN W.O.M.E.N?

Certainly! Even if you've already secured funding, you're welcome to apply to TN W.O.M.E.N.
Do you invest outside of India?

Yes, we do invest beyond the borders of India.
Will TN W.O.M.E.N only invest if it can lead the round?

TN W.O.M.E.N is not limited to only leading investment rounds. We can also provide funding without taking the lead.
Will you sign my confidentiality agreement / NDA?

We won’t prefer signing an NDA as it could hinder our ability to operate efficiently but we will ensure that your information is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
Do TN W.O.M.E.N partners take board seats?

Possibly, it varies depending on the investor and the company's stage.
How does your fund handle potential conflicts of interest?

Our women-focused fund prioritizes investments in women-led startups. However, we carefully evaluate each opportunity to avoid conflicts of interest with our existing portfolio companies. We consider potential conflicts on a case-by-case basis, analyzing factors like market, target customers, and product offerings. While we don't exclude specific industries,we may decline investments if they pose a risk to our current portfolio companies. In some cases, we might explore potential collaborations between startups instead of investing.
Can I invest in TN W.O.M.E.N?

Absolutely ! To explore investment opportunities with TN W.O.M.E.N, please complete the form provided for Investors.

Apply to be an Investor