News & Insights

Women-Led Businesses Deliver Higher Returns, Yet Face an Uneven Playing Field

Women are starting businesses at record rates, but the playing field remains uneven. A recent study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, cited in Investopedia, reveals that when ventures fail, female founders are 30% less likely than men to secure funding for a new business. Even after success, women raise 53% less capital on average and face a 27% lower chance of being funded again, often missing out on tens of millions. The data points to entrenched bias, not performance, as the cause of this disparity.

From Financial Steward to Strategic Powerhouse

The role of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) has transformed significantly. CFOs are no longer limited to traditional financial stewardship; instead, they have become central figures in driving strategic growth and innovation within organizations.

Historically, CFOs were primarily responsible for financial reporting and risk management. Today, they play a critical role in strategic decision-making. According to Gartner, CFOs are increasingly expected to align their organization's cost structure with unique capabilities and to act as executive champions in enterprise-wide data and analytics governance.

This shift is further illustrated by the rising number of CFOs transitioning into CEO roles. A 2023 survey by Heidrick & Struggles revealed that nearly one-third of FTSE 100 CEOs were former CFOs, an increase from 21% in 2019.