Key Takeaways
• AWS and SISTA launch “SISTA AI,” a six-month accelerator program supporting 20 women-led AI startups in Europe
• Each selected startup receives $100,000 in AWS credits, expert mentorship, and access to top-tier venture capital firms
• The initiative targets funding disparities—women-led startups receive less than 2% of VC funding in France
• Applications open from April 14 to June 17, 2025, with the program beginning in September
Amazon Web Services (AWS) and SISTA, a nonprofit advocating for gender equality in entrepreneurship, have unveiled “SISTA AI,” a six-month acceleration initiative designed specifically for 20 AI startups founded or co-founded by women.
This strategic collaboration aims to bridge persistent gaps in funding, representation, and technical access across Europe’s rapidly evolving AI ecosystem.
Why the Program Matters: Addressing Persistent Disparities
Despite growing momentum in AI adoption throughout Europe, women remain critically underrepresented in startup leadership and funding.
• Only 20% of startups launched in France in 2022 included a woman among the founders
• All-women founding teams receive less than 2% of all venture capital funding
• Women-led startups raise amounts nearly four times lower than their male counterparts
These imbalances underscore the need for targeted support systems. As highlighted by SISTA, early-stage funding is not the only barrier—long-term scale-up financing often stagnates for women-founded startups.
What SISTA AI Offers: Funding, Mentorship, and Market Access
The “SISTA AI” program delivers a comprehensive support package focused on business acceleration, technical guidance, and capital readiness. Launching in September 2025, selected startups will gain:
• $100,000 in AWS credits for cloud infrastructure and AI deployment
• Personalized mentorship from AWS’s technical experts
• Workshops on fundraising, go-to-market strategy, and product scaling
In addition, participants will take part in “Inclusive Hour” pitch sessions, held monthly with major venture funds, and gain access to dedicated networking events to foster long-term industry connections.
Program Eligibility and Timeline
Entrepreneurs must meet several key criteria to be eligible:
• At least 30% of the startup must be woman-owned
• The startup must develop or significantly use artificial intelligence
• Demonstrated market traction and intent to fundraise within 12 months
Applications are accepted from April 14 to June 17, 2025, and will be evaluated by a jury of entrepreneurs, AWS experts, and investors. The program concludes with a final showcase to investors and stakeholders.
Investor-Backed from the Ground Up
“SISTA AI” is distinguished by its deep engagement with the investment community. More than 20 prominent European investment funds have committed to supporting the initiative. These include:
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Balderton Capital
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Bpifrance
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AXA Venture Partners
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Alven
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Serena
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ISAI
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Founders Future
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Creadev, among others
These partners not only offer potential funding pathways but also play an active role in mentorship and project evaluation throughout the program.
AWS’s Long-Term Investment in Digital Skills and Inclusion
This initiative complements AWS’s broader digital skills development efforts in France and across Europe.
Since 2017, AWS has trained more than 200,000 individuals in cloud-related skills, with a goal to train 600,000 by 2030, emphasizing cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity.
This mission is particularly timely. According to AWS, 49% of new jobs in France over the next three years are expected to require AI skills, making inclusive upskilling efforts both economically and socially imperative.
“SISTA AI” represents more than just an accelerator—it is a systemic response to gender disparity in Europe’s tech economy.
By integrating capital access, technical mentorship, and institutional backing, the initiative creates a framework for sustainable growth among women-founded AI ventures.
As AI continues to reshape industries, programs like “SISTA AI” are critical to ensuring that diverse voices help lead Europe’s innovation frontier—not just participate in it.
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