STARTUP GIRL FOUNDATION
Economic growth is inextricably linked to women’s participation in the workforce. In many corners of the globe, women have limited access to opportunities and financial resources to build a life of their own. This is why at Shiffon, we combine business and social purpose to break this cycle and empower women and girls globally.
The Startup Girl Foundation is Shiffon's nonprofit arm and our way of giving back to young aspiring entrepreneurs. We directly fund budding entrepreneurs through a seed grant at the earliest stages of their companies and provide a mentorship program to help their startups succeed.
With the help of our non profit partners such as One Young World, we've been able to reach a growing group of young innovators across the globe. This 2017, we've already received more than seven hundred startup applications from entrepreneurs across the globe through the One Young World Shiffon Startup Girl Competition.
We're excited to share with you the first companies we have supported this year:
Mobiticket is a public transport service accessible on mobile phones that allows your commuters to pay bus fare using their phones and get tickets through SMS, thereby streamlining your operations by giving you daily statements on how your public service vehicle is performing.
This startup benefits women in countries where transportation is less accessible and safe than what is deserved. Mobiticket allows for women to have control of their means of transportation going to work, school, or anywhere!
Smoo
thie Beauty is a fresh, organic food-based skincare brand that is 100% preservative, additive, and fragrance-free. Our face masks are made with the finest natural ingredients and thoughtfully blended for maximum effectiveness; resulting in a final product that’s safe and healthy enough to eat – literally!
Nowadays between our hectic schedules and trying to find balance in our lives, it’s not always easy to find the time to make fresh DIY beauty products. That's why Smoothie Beauty does it for you!
Bouches South Africa is a startup founded by 25-year-old Zanele Mabaso, a female entrepreneur based in Cape Town. Bouches is known for their handcrafted genuine leather accessories, creatively customized and tailored by young local women ages 20-25. Bouches practices ethical leather processing and manufacturing practices by using leftover leather from other industries as well as a water-safe and chemical-free tanning solution in order to practice sustainability and environmental consciousness.
We are indebted to our dedicated Startup Girl Mentor Board who help us select and scale our portfolio companies:
- Ronak Patel, VP at Time Inc.
- Robbie Myers, former Editor-in-Chief, ELLE
- Harry Josh, founder of Harry Josh Hair
- Sarah Slutsky, Stylist
- Ty Hunter, Stylist
We are proud to back these companies and look forward to supporting more women-led businesses.
-Shilpa Yarlagadda and Jenny Wang, Managing Directors