Export-ready female-led businesses pitch for investment at Leeds showcase
UK scale-stage businesses are set to present their international growth plans at the Global Growth Showcase on Thursday 21 May 2026 at Nexus, University of Leeds.
Hosted by UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Lifted Ventures, the event features 20 high-growth companies founded by women, with combined revenues exceeding £25m and plans to enter over 15 international markets.
The founders are part of the UKEF Female Founder Export Accelerator, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between UKEF and Lifted Ventures, created to support women-led businesses from diverse backgrounds to expand globally, scale faster and access the finance and tools needed to succeed beyond the UK.
The four-month programme commenced in January 2026, combining in-person and virtual workshops with mentoring, coaching and investor readiness support. It is designed to equip founders with the insight, networks, and funding pathways needed to scale internationally, with confidence.
As part of the programme, founders have completed intensive mentoring, investor readiness training and export strategy development. The partnership combines UKEF’s export finance and risk-mitigation support with Lifted Ventures’ investment readiness expertise, equipping businesses to scale into international markets.
Helen Oldham, co-founder, Lifted Ventures commented: “There is a huge amount of untapped potential in female-led startups and scale-ups, particularly when it comes to international growth. With targeted support, access to networks and export expertise, these businesses can scale faster and compete globally. The Global Growth Showcase in May connects these ambitious women directly with the capital and partners needed to accelerate that growth.”
Lifted Ventures co-founder, Jordan Dargue, added: “What’s exciting is the level these businesses are already operating at. These aren’t early-stage ideas, they’re revenue-generating companies with clear routes to scale. For investors and partners, this is a rare opportunity to engage with highly prepared, commercially viable businesses ready for international expansion.”
Echoing this, Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance who will be speaking at the event in May, said: “We’re proud of the business leaders who’ve taken part in our Female Founder Export Accelerator programme. We look forward to continuing to back them on their export journey. There is huge untapped potential among female-led businesses, and UKEF is committed to ensuring they have the finance, tools and expertise to unlock global growth.”
Also speaking at the event is Victoria Boldison, founder and CEO of Boldst Global, an expert in health food, drinks and supplement exports, who will share practical advice on market entry and scaling internationally.
Scale up investors, partners and media are invited to attend and connect with the UK’s next wave of globally ambitious females.
Event details:
UK Export Finance x Lifted Ventures Global Growth Showcase
Thursday 21 May
Nexus Leeds
Register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/1983349369354