AWS is collaborating with SISTA to introduce a comprehensive support program designed to nurture a new wave of women entrepreneurs in the AI sector and enhance diversity within the European tech ecosystem.
“SISTA AI” will assist 20 startups that are either founded or co-founded by women in the artificial intelligence field. Established in 2018, SISTA aims to address the funding disparities between male and female entrepreneurs by offering fundraising expertise and connecting them with a network of dedicated investors. Meanwhile, Amazon Web Services (AWS) will provide technical support and cloud resources, including $100,000 in AWS credits for each startup, along with tailored advice from its AI specialists. This program also receives backing from BNP Paribas’ Connect’Hers initiative, which focuses on empowering women founders.
This AWS initiative is timely, as AI adoption is rapidly increasing across Europe and particularly in France, where a new business integrates AI every three minutes. French startups are notably proactive, with 68% implementing AI—well above the European average of 58%. The advantages are clear: 90% of companies that have embraced AI report an average revenue increase of 30%.
However, a lack of diversity and skills continues to hinder innovation. In France, only 20% of startups launched in 2022 had a female founder, which is below the European average. The funding gap is even starker, with less than 2% of total funds going to all-female teams, and the average funding amounts being four times lower than those received by all-male teams.
“Inequalities worsen over time. The funding raised by women tends to hit a glass ceiling after a startup’s first 6 years, while the amounts raised by men skyrocket,” notes Alexia Reiss, Executive Director of SISTA.
This initiative enhances AWS’s continuous dedication to training in France. Since 2017, the company has equipped over 200,000 individuals with cloud skills and aims to train 600,000 more in digital competencies, focusing on cloud computing, AI, and security by 2030. This effort is particularly significant, as it is anticipated that 49% of new jobs in France will demand AI skills within the next three years.
“Diversity is essential for innovation. By supporting women entrepreneurs in AI, we are not only addressing gender parity, but we are also enriching the entire European and French tech ecosystem. Our commitment to SISTA is part of our mission to democratize access to cutting-edge technologies for all talents.” Julien Groues, AWS VP – France and Europe South.
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