If you’ve read the title, I know what you’re thinking: How could this nomination affect my business?
Here’s the reality: female founders receive less than 2% of venture capital funding globally.
- Not because they lack talent.
- Not because their businesses aren’t viable.
But because of systemic bias baked into the investment ecosystem.
What does this mean for your scale-up ambitions?
We’re collectively leaving £8.7 trillion in untapped economic potential on the table. That’s not just a women’s issue — that’s your acquisition opportunity being funded by someone else. That’s your growth capital going to less qualified founders. That’s your exit valuation being constrained because the market refuses to see your true worth.
Why This Should Matter to You
The statistics are staggering, the inequality undeniable, and one man has made it his life’s mission to change the game.
David B Horne, has been nominated as a finalist for Man of the Year 2025 at the Women’s Business Club Awards — and this recognition matters far more than you might think, especially if you’re serious about scaling your business beyond £10 million.
This nomination represents something crucial: the recognition that levelling the playing field isn’t optional — it’s essential for economic progress.
This is the £8.7 trillion opportunity being squandered. Not because businesses aren’t sound, but because bias is costing everyone — investors included — extraordinary returns.
Why Male Allyship Matters
This nomination highlights a crucial truth: meaningful change requires allies willing to use their privilege and platform for systemic transformation. David isn’t speaking on behalf of female founders — he’s amplifying their voices whilst dismantling barriers from his position of influence.
With the amount of economic potential waiting to be unlocked, the question isn’t whether we can afford to level the playing field. It’s whether we can afford not to.
Together, we ensure that funding decisions are based on merit, not gender — and unlock the exponential growth that benefits everyone.
What You Can Do Right Now
Whether you’re lying awake worrying about funding your next site opening, frustrated that investors can’t see past labels to recognise your business acumen, or exhausted by proving yourself whilst watching less qualified founders secure funding — you have agency.
Your vote isn’t just supporting one person. It’s supporting a mission that directly impacts your ability to scale your business through the FACE methodology.
Because when female founders have equal access to capital, everyone benefits and the entire ecosystem prospers when talent is recognised regardless of gender.
Three clicks. Thirty seconds. Meaningful impact!
If you believe female founders deserve equal access to the capital that fuels acquisitions and exits, cast your vote now: David B Horne – Man of the Year 2025
Thank you for reading and for your support!
