Presented by Girl Tech HQ
The Found(her)s Stage
Put your company on the stage.
Girl Tech HQ is looking for women founders building companies worth paying attention to. The Found(her)s Stage is a new multi-stage founder competition from Girl Tech HQ, beginning with an open application, moving to virtual semifinals during the Women in Tech Summit this December, and culminating on the championship stage in Denver in March 2027.
Applications are now open — free to apply.
The prize package
A growing prize package, currently valued at $6,000+
One founder will receive a $1,000 cash award plus three months of private business advisory valued at $5,000. Additional partner prizes may be added but are not guaranteed.
$6,000+
Current prize value
$1,000
Cash award
3 months
Private business advisory
Additional
Partner prizes may be added
How it works
Three stages. One champion.
- 01
Open application
Now — closes November 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time
Applications are free and open to eligible U.S. women founders. Tell us about you and the company you're building.
- 02
Virtual semifinals
December 1–6, 2026 · Women in Tech Summit
Selected women founders pitch virtually during the Girl Tech HQ Women in Tech Summit for a place on the championship stage.
- 03
The championship
March 2027 · Denver, Colorado
The competition culminates live on the championship stage in Denver, where one founder takes the prize package.
- 1
Open application
Now
- 2
Virtual semifinals
December 1–6
Women in Tech Summit
- 3
The championship
March 2027
Denver, Colorado
Who can apply
Open to U.S. women founders
Early-stage, pre-revenue and revenue-generating founders are welcome. Applicants do not need to be Girl Tech HQ members, Women in Tech Summit speakers or venture-backed. Technology companies are not required.
- U.S. women founders or co-founders, age 18+
- For-profit companies only for this inaugural competition
- Early-stage, validated idea-stage, pre-revenue and revenue-generating founders are welcome
- Technology companies are not required
- No Girl Tech HQ membership required
- No Women in Tech Summit speaking role required
- No venture backing required
Why we're doing this
We're building more than community.
Girl Tech HQ exists to help women build, lead, gain visibility and participate in shaping what comes next. The Found(her)s Stage takes that mission one step further by creating a platform for women founders to put their companies in the room — with visibility, business growth, founder development, strategic support and access to a larger audience on the line.
Applications close November 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM Mountain Time