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i n s p i r e | g r o w | l e a d
RISE UP
Seed grant and pre-accelerator programme for ambitious female founders
At Soda we are passionate about supporting women in business, particularly those tenacious enough to start their own business.
We created RISE UP in 2021 to encourage more women to consider entrepreneurship as a viable career, to lift the capability of female founders and champion female entrepreneurship in Aotearoa.
Please note that RISE UP is not taking place in 2025. Check back in 2026.
RISE UP
RISE UP is a seed grant and pre-accelerator programme for globally ambitious female founders. Ambitious female founders are selected to go through a series of founder-focused workshops, culminating in a pitch night where the winner will take away $10,000 cash! Please note that RISE UP is not taking place in 2025.
Finalists & Winner
RISE UP 2023 WINNER
Our 2023 RISE UP winner was Sophie Stanley and Rachel Smith, co-founders of Bounsa.
Read more about them here.
RISE UP 2023 FINALISTS
Our 2023 RISE UP finalists were:
- Sophie Stanley and Rachel Smith - Bounsa
- Kitti Bradley - Mother Trucking
- Gina Urlich - Norish
- Candace Kisner - Vester
- Melanie Lynn and Niamh Buchanan - Well Now
Read more about our 2023 finalists.
Important Dates
How to Apply
RISE UP is not taking place in 2025. If you're interested in helping make RISE UP happen through financial sponsorship, please get in touch.
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