Female Founders Speakers

A female founders speaker is a woman who has started her own business and shares her entrepreneurial journey, insights, and expertise through public speaking. She might speak at conferences, virtual summits, podcasts, corporate events, or educational workshops - anywhere her story and strategies can inspire or inform others.

These speakers often draw from their real-world experience building companies across industries like tech, fashion, health, education, and more. For example, someone like Anne Wojcicki, co-founder of 23andMe, might speak about navigating regulation in biotech, while someone like Payal Kadakia, founder of ClassPass, could focus on product-market fit and user growth.

Unlike general business speakers, female founders speakers bring a unique lens - they're not just talking about theory. They've lived the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. That makes their insights especially relevant to audiences looking for practical, tested advice.

Some female founders speakers focus on niche topics like raising venture capital as a woman of color, building inclusive teams, or scaling a social enterprise. Others speak more broadly about leadership, resilience, or innovation. What ties them together is that they speak from lived experience - not just research or observation.

Whether they're addressing a room of high school students or a boardroom of investors, these speakers bring authenticity, credibility, and a fresh perspective to the conversation around entrepreneurship.

When you think about the stories that shape how we see entrepreneurship, who's telling them matters. A female founders speaker brings a voice that's often underrepresented - and that's exactly why she's so crucial.

First, she expands the narrative. For decades, the startup world has been dominated by male-centric success stories. Female founders speakers challenge that by showing there's more than one path to building a business. Whether it's a founder from Lagos scaling a fintech app or a Latina entrepreneur in LA launching a sustainable fashion brand, these stories diversify what success looks like.

Second, she inspires action. Representation isn't just about visibility - it's about possibility. When aspiring founders see someone who looks like them, talks like them, or shares their background, it makes the dream feel more reachable. That's especially powerful in communities where entrepreneurship hasn't always felt accessible.

Third, she brings fresh insights. Female founders often navigate unique challenges - from gender bias in fundraising to balancing cultural expectations with business growth. When they speak, they bring strategies and perspectives that others might overlook. That's not just inspiring - it's instructive.

Finally, she helps shift systems. By speaking on stages, podcasts, and panels, female founders speakers influence how investors, educators, and policymakers think about entrepreneurship. They're not just sharing stories - they're shaping ecosystems.

So if you're building a platform, event, or show, including female founders speakers isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a must-have for a more complete, inclusive, and actionable conversation.

Female founders speakers do more than just talk - they educate, inspire, and challenge audiences by sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and hard-earned insights. Here's a breakdown of what they actually do:

1. Share Real-World Stories.
- They walk audiences through the ups and downs of building a business - from idea to launch to scale.
- Example: A speaker like Melanie Perkins (Canva) might share how she pitched over 100 investors before landing funding.

2. Teach Practical Strategies.
- Many offer frameworks, tools, or step-by-step advice on topics like fundraising, team building, product development, or branding.
- These aren't abstract theories - they're battle-tested lessons from the field.

3. Tailor Content to the Audience.
- Whether speaking to high school students, corporate execs, or fellow founders, they adjust their message to meet the audience's needs.
- For example, a speaker might focus on mindset and resilience for early-stage entrepreneurs, but dive into metrics and KPIs for a VC panel.

4. Represent Diverse Perspectives.
- Female founders speakers often bring intersectional insights - drawing from their experiences as women, immigrants, parents, LGBTQ+ individuals, or members of underrepresented communities.
- This adds depth and nuance to conversations around innovation and leadership.

5. Engage Across Formats.
- They speak at live events, virtual summits, webinars, podcasts, and even internal company trainings.
- Some also offer Q&A sessions, workshops, or fireside chats to create more interactive experiences.

In short, female founders speakers are educators, storytellers, and change agents. They don't just fill a slot on the agenda - they elevate the entire conversation.

Becoming a female founders speaker isn't just about having a mic and a message. It's about building credibility, crafting your story, and getting in front of the right audiences. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche and Message.
- Are you speaking about scaling startups, fundraising, leadership, or social impact? Get specific.
- Tip: Look at what successful speakers like Arlan Hamilton or Reshma Saujani focus on. Their clarity is part of their appeal.

2. Build Your Credibility.
- Leverage your founder journey. Highlight milestones like funding rounds, exits, or community impact.
- Publish thought leadership content on LinkedIn, Medium, or industry blogs.

3. Create a Speaker Page.
- Use platforms like Talks.co to showcase your bio, topics, past talks, and testimonials.
- Include a high-quality headshot, a short video reel, and a clear call-to-action for event organizers.

4. Start Small and Local.
- Speak at local meetups, accelerators, or online summits. These are great for practice and exposure.
- Reach out to coworking spaces, women-in-tech events, or university entrepreneurship clubs.

5. Connect with Hosts and Organizers.
- Use LinkedIn to find event planners and podcast hosts. Send personalized messages.
- Join speaker directories like Talks.co to get matched with relevant events.

6. Collect Feedback and Iterate.
- Ask for feedback after each talk. What resonated? What didn't?
- Use that input to refine your delivery and content.

7. Scale Up.
- Once you've built a track record, pitch to larger conferences like Web Summit, SXSW, or Women Who Tech.
- Consider hiring a speaker agent or joining a bureau if you're ready to go pro.

It's a journey, but with consistency and clarity, you can position yourself as a go-to voice in the female founder space.

To be a female founders speaker, you need more than just a compelling story. You need a combination of experience, positioning, and tools that help you stand out in a crowded speaker landscape.

First, let's talk about expertise. Most successful female founders speakers have built or led a startup, often in tech, social enterprise, or consumer goods. They've navigated challenges like raising capital, scaling teams, or disrupting industries. But even if you're early in your journey, you can still speak authentically about what you've learned so far.

Next, you need a clear personal brand. This includes your speaker bio, signature topics, and the unique perspective you bring. Are you a fintech founder who bootstrapped to profitability? A social entrepreneur tackling gender equity in rural communities? Your angle matters.

Then there's the platform. Having a speaker page is essential. Platforms like Talks.co make it easy to create a professional profile that includes your bio, talk titles, testimonials, and booking info. This helps event organizers quickly assess your fit.

You'll also need content assets:
- A short speaker reel (1-3 minutes) with clips from past talks.
- A one-sheet PDF with your bio, topics, and contact info.
- Testimonials or case studies from past speaking gigs.

Finally, you need visibility. This means actively networking with event hosts, joining speaker directories, and promoting your speaking work on social media. The more you show up, the more opportunities come your way.

In short: experience, clarity, tools, and visibility. That's the foundation of a great female founders speaker.

Yes, many female founders speakers do get paid, but the amount and frequency depend on several factors: experience, audience size, event type, and industry norms.

Let's break it down:

- New or Emerging Speakers: Often speak for free or for travel reimbursement. These gigs help build credibility and a speaker reel.
- Mid-Level Speakers: May earn $500 to $5,000 per talk, especially if they've been featured in media or led notable startups.
- High-Profile Speakers: Think unicorn founders or bestselling authors. They can command $10,000 to $50,000+ per keynote.

According to a 2023 SpeakerHub survey:
- 38% of women speakers earn under $1,000 per talk.
- 22% earn between $1,000 and $5,000.
- Only 8% earn over $10,000 per talk.

Pros:
- Speaking can become a significant income stream.
- Paid gigs often lead to consulting, book deals, or board invitations.

Cons:
- Pay can be inconsistent, especially early on.
- Many events still expect women to speak for 'exposure'.

Platforms like Talks.co are helping shift this by connecting speakers directly with paid opportunities and setting transparent expectations.

Bottom line: Yes, female founders speakers do get paid, but building a paid speaking career takes time, positioning, and persistence.

Female founders speakers generate income through a mix of direct and indirect revenue streams. Here's a breakdown of how the money flows:

1. Speaking Fees
- Keynotes, panels, and workshops at conferences, corporate events, and universities.
- Rates vary widely, as covered in the 'How much do female founders speakers make' section.

2. Sponsorships and Brand Partnerships
- Some speakers partner with brands aligned with their mission. For example, a sustainability-focused founder might collaborate with eco-conscious companies.
- These deals can include co-branded content, event appearances, or product endorsements.

3. Books and Digital Products
- Many speakers monetize their expertise through books, online courses, or toolkits.
- Example: Sophia Amoruso turned her founder story into a bestselling book and a media brand.

4. Consulting and Coaching
- Speaking often leads to inbound requests for advisory roles, startup coaching, or fractional leadership.
- This is especially common among speakers with deep domain expertise (e.g. fintech, healthtech).

5. Event Hosting and Summits
- Some female founders speakers run their own events or virtual summits.
- Using platforms like Zoom, they can monetize through ticket sales, sponsorships, and premium content.

6. Affiliate and Referral Income
- Promoting tools, platforms, or services they genuinely use can generate passive income.
- Example: A speaker might recommend a CRM or fundraising platform and earn a commission.

In essence, speaking is often the front door to a broader business model. The most successful female founders speakers treat it as both a platform and a profit center.

Earnings for female founders speakers vary widely depending on experience, visibility, and the type of events they speak at. Here's a snapshot of what the income landscape looks like:

Speaker Level	Typical Fee per Talk	Annual Speaking Income (Est.)
Emerging	$0 - $500	$0 - $5,000
Mid-Level	$1,000 - $5,000	$10,000 - $50,000
High-Profile	$10,000 - $50,000+	$100,000+

Factors that influence earnings:
- Industry: Tech and finance events tend to pay more than nonprofit or education sectors.
- Location: U.S. and European markets typically offer higher fees than events in emerging economies.
- Format: In-person keynotes often pay more than virtual panels.
- Reputation: Founders with media presence, bestselling books, or high-profile exits command higher fees.
Example Benchmarks:
- Whitney Wolfe Herd (Bumble): Reportedly earns $25,000+ per keynote.
- Lisa Price (Carol's Daughter): Often speaks at corporate DEI events, likely in the $5,000-$10,000 range.
Additional Income Streams:
As mentioned in 'How do female founders speakers make money', many speakers supplement their fees with consulting, product sales, or sponsorships.
So while some female founders speakers earn modestly, others build six- or even seven-figure businesses around their speaking brand.

If you're looking to hire a female founders speaker, the cost can range from free (yes, really) to tens of thousands of dollars. Here's what determines the price:

1. Speaker Tier
- Emerging Speakers: $0 - $1,000. These are founders building their speaking portfolio. Great for local events or early-stage summits.
- Mid-Tier Speakers: $1,000 - $7,500. These speakers have a track record, media mentions, and a speaker page on platforms like Talks.co.
- Top-Tier Speakers: $10,000 - $50,000+. Think unicorn founders, bestselling authors, or TED speakers.

2. Event Type
- Corporate Conferences: Typically have bigger budgets. Expect to pay $5,000+ for a seasoned speaker.
- Nonprofit or Academic Events: Often offer honorariums ($250 - $2,000) or cover travel only.
- Virtual Events: Usually cost less. Some speakers reduce rates by 30-50% for online talks.

3. Add-ons
- Workshops, panels, or meet-and-greets can increase the fee.
- International travel or custom content may also add to the cost.

4. Booking Platform
- Booking through a bureau or agency may include a 10-25% commission.
- Direct booking via Talks.co or the speaker's website can reduce costs.

Sample Cost Scenarios:
- A startup accelerator hiring a founder who exited a $10M company might pay $3,000.
- A Fortune 500 company bringing in a high-profile founder for a leadership summit could pay $25,000.

In short, the cost depends on who you're hiring, what you need, and how you're booking them.

Oprah Winfrey. While not a traditional startup founder, Oprah built a media empire from scratch. Her talks on leadership, resilience, and purpose have inspired millions.

Sara Blakely. Founder of Spanx, she's known for her candid, funny, and deeply insightful keynotes on entrepreneurship and self-belief.

Whitney Wolfe Herd. As the founder of Bumble and the youngest woman to take a company public, her talks on tech, leadership, and gender equity are highly sought after.

Jessica Alba. Founder of The Honest Company, she speaks on building a mission-driven brand and navigating the startup world as a celebrity entrepreneur.

Reshma Saujani. Founder of Girls Who Code, she's a powerful voice on inclusion, failure, and redefining success.

Sophia Amoruso. From Nasty Gal to Girlboss, her journey has been messy and real. Her talks reflect that rawness and are popular with younger audiences.

Anne Wojcicki. Co-founder of 23andMe, she brings a science-meets-startup perspective that's rare and valuable.

Arlan Hamilton. Founder of Backstage Capital, she speaks on investing in underestimated founders and breaking into VC without privilege.

Lisa Price. Founder of Carol's Daughter, she blends personal storytelling with business insights, especially around brand-building and authenticity.

Melanie Perkins. Co-founder of Canva, her talks are data-driven, humble, and packed with lessons on scaling globally from a non-Silicon Valley base.

Melanie Perkins (Australia). Canva's co-founder is one of the most influential tech entrepreneurs globally. Her talks often focus on scaling a startup from outside Silicon Valley.

Whitney Wolfe Herd (USA). Bumble's founder is a global voice on women in tech, relationships, and leadership. Her story resonates across cultures.

Anne Wojcicki (USA). As a biotech founder, she brings a unique perspective to health, innovation, and consumer empowerment.

Cher Wang (Taiwan). Co-founder of HTC, she's a pioneer in mobile tech and speaks on innovation, perseverance, and global entrepreneurship.

Rihanna (Barbados). Yes, the pop icon. As founder of Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, she's redefined beauty and fashion entrepreneurship. Her rare public talks are powerful.

Jessica Tan (Singapore). Co-CEO of Ping An Group, she's a leader in fintech and healthtech, often speaking at global economic forums.

Anne Boden (UK). Founder of Starling Bank, she's a fintech disruptor with sharp insights on digital banking and women in finance.

Miko Branch (USA). Co-founder of Miss Jessie's, she's a voice for Black women entrepreneurs and speaks on legacy, branding, and resilience.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (India). Founder of Biocon, she's one of Asia's most respected biotech entrepreneurs and a frequent speaker at global health events.

Veronika Scott (USA). Founder of The Empowerment Plan, her talks on social entrepreneurship and innovation in homelessness are deeply impactful.

Let's unpack some of the most persistent misconceptions about female founders speakers. These myths don't just misrepresent reality-they actively hold people back from stepping onto stages and sharing their expertise.

1. Myth: Female founders speakers only talk about 'women's issues'.
This assumption is both limiting and inaccurate. Female founders speakers cover a wide spectrum of topics-from blockchain to biotech, from global supply chains to scaling SaaS startups. Take Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code. Her talks go far beyond gender equity, diving into tech education, workforce development, and policy reform. The idea that women only speak on panels about diversity is outdated and ignores the depth of their expertise.

2. Myth: There aren't enough qualified female founders to speak.
This one's just lazy. There are thousands of highly qualified female founders with compelling stories and deep knowledge. The real issue is visibility and access. Platforms like Talks.co are helping to bridge that gap by connecting event organizers with underrepresented voices. If you're not seeing female founders speakers, it's often because the outreach isn't intentional.

3. Myth: Female speakers are less confident or less dynamic on stage.
Confidence isn't gendered. What's often mistaken for a lack of confidence is actually a different communication style. Some audiences are used to a more aggressive delivery, but that doesn't mean a thoughtful, strategic speaker is any less compelling. Look at Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble-her keynote at SXSW was calm, clear, and packed with insight, and it resonated globally.

4. Myth: Female founders speakers are only relevant to women audiences.
This myth is rooted in bias. The truth is, great content transcends demographics. When Anne Wojcicki of 23andMe speaks about the future of health data, her insights are relevant to investors, technologists, and policymakers-regardless of gender. Assuming a speaker's relevance based on their identity rather than their expertise is a fast track to a boring event.

5. Myth: They're harder to book or more expensive.
Not true. Many female founders are actively looking for speaking opportunities to grow their brand, share their mission, or attract partners. The key is to approach them with the same professionalism and clarity you would any speaker. If your lineup is skewed, it's not because women aren't available-it's because you're not looking in the right places.

When you think about successful female founders speakers, it's not just about who's on the biggest stage. It's about who's using the mic to drive change, build community, and scale their business. Let's look at a few standout examples.

In Nigeria, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji co-founded Andela and Flutterwave, but it's Odunayo Eweniyi, co-founder of PiggyVest, who's been making waves on stage. She's spoken at TechCrunch Disrupt and the Africa Fintech Summit, breaking down complex fintech models in ways that connect with both investors and everyday users. Her talks are a masterclass in clarity and conviction.

Over in the U.S., Arlan Hamilton, founder of Backstage Capital, has become a go-to speaker on startup funding and inclusion. She's built a reputation for being brutally honest, often sharing the behind-the-scenes realities of raising capital as a Black queer woman. Her TEDx talk, 'Making the Investment,' has inspired thousands of underrepresented founders to step up and pitch.

Then there's Melanie Perkins, CEO of Canva. While she's not a frequent speaker, when she does take the stage-like at Web Summit or SaaStr-she delivers. Her storytelling is grounded in data and product insight, but she always brings it back to the human side: team culture, user feedback, and mission alignment. That balance is what makes her so effective.

In Latin America, Mariana Costa Checa, founder of Laboratoria, speaks about tech education and gender equity in Peru and beyond. Her TED Talk has been translated into multiple languages, and she's been invited to speak at the UN and the World Economic Forum. She's not just telling a story-she's building a movement.

These women didn't wait for permission. They built businesses, then used speaking as a way to amplify their message, attract partners, and shape the narrative in their industries. Whether it's fintech, education, or design software, they've proven that expertise plus authenticity is a powerful combo on stage.

So, what's next for female founders speakers? If you're thinking about stepping into the spotlight-or booking someone who should-you'll want to keep an eye on these emerging patterns. The landscape is shifting, and it's opening up new opportunities for women who lead.

First, hybrid and virtual stages are here to stay. That's good news for founders who can't always travel due to business or family commitments. It also means more global visibility. A founder in Nairobi can now keynote a conference in Berlin without leaving her office. Expect more cross-border speaking gigs and multilingual content.

Second, niche is the new mainstream. Organizers are increasingly looking for speakers who can go deep on specific topics-think sustainable supply chains in fashion tech or AI ethics in healthcare startups. Female founders who own a niche and speak with authority are getting booked faster than ever.

Third, data-backed storytelling is gaining traction. Audiences are tired of vague inspiration. They want numbers, case studies, and real-world takeaways. Female founders who can blend personal narrative with business metrics-like conversion rates, funding rounds, or user growth-are standing out.

Fourth, community-driven events are creating new platforms. From Clubhouse rooms to LinkedIn Audio to private masterminds, speaking isn't limited to big stages anymore. Founders are building their own micro-stages and attracting highly engaged audiences. This trend is especially strong in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America, where traditional speaking circuits are still developing.

Here are a few key trends to watch:
- More demand for underrepresented voices in tech, climate, and finance.
- Rise of asynchronous speaking formats (pre-recorded keynotes, on-demand panels).
- Increased use of AI tools to prep talks, analyze audience feedback, and refine delivery.
- Growth of speaker collectives and networks focused on women and nonbinary founders.

Bottom line: the future of speaking isn't just about who's loudest-it's about who's relevant, prepared, and plugged into the right platforms.

If you're a female founder looking to get on more stages, there's no shortage of tools to help you build your speaker brand, pitch organizers, and deliver unforgettable talks. Here's a curated list of resources that can help you level up fast:

1. Talks.co. This platform connects speakers with podcast hosts, virtual summits, and event organizers. It's especially helpful for underrepresented voices and early-stage founders looking to build visibility without a big PR budget.

2. SpeakerHub. A global directory where you can create a speaker profile, list your topics, and get discovered by event planners. It also includes a job board for speaking gigs and webinars.

3. LinkedIn Creator Mode. Turning this on gives you access to tools like LinkedIn Live and newsletters. Use it to showcase your thought leadership, share clips from past talks, and attract inbound speaking invites.

4. Canva. Yes, the design tool. Use it to build sleek speaker decks, event one-pagers, or branded visuals for your talks. It's especially useful if you're bootstrapping and don't have a designer on hand.

5. Maven. While it's primarily a course platform, many founders use it to test their speaking content in a cohort setting before going live at events. It's a great way to refine your message and build a following.

6. TEDx Speaker Guide. Even if you're not aiming for a TEDx talk right now, their speaker prep resources are gold. Learn how to structure a talk, keep it under time, and connect emotionally with your audience.

7. Google Slides + Loom. Record your pitch or sample talk using Loom and share it with event organizers. A short, polished video can often do more than a written pitch.

8. Women Talk Design. A community and directory of women and nonbinary speakers. They offer workshops, mentorship, and a searchable database for event organizers.

Pro tip: Don't wait for someone to invite you. Use these tools to build your own stage-whether it's a podcast, a webinar, or a LinkedIn series. The more you speak, the more you'll get booked.