For Black women building businesses across Europe
You shouldn't have to build alone.
Black Women Build Europe connects Black women founders with the capital, knowledge, networks and opportunities they need to build and grow ambitious businesses across Europe.
Black women are building. We're building the pathway around them.
Black Women Build Europe exists to help Black women founders move from building alone to building with access.
We bring together funding opportunities, business support, experienced mentors, financial knowledge, corporate connections and founder networks in one ecosystem.
Because having a great business idea is only part of the journey.Access matters too.
Our first programme
Meet The Founding 25.
The Founding 25 is our first founder programme — designed for 25 Black women building businesses across Europe.
Over 12 weeks, founders will receive practical support designed to help them strengthen their businesses, increase their access to capital and build relationships that can accelerate their next stage of growth.
25
Founders
12
Weeks
One
Community
What the programme includes
01
Capital
Access to founder funding and opportunities designed to help you move your business forward.
02
Business Growth
Practical support to strengthen your business model, revenue strategy and growth plans.
03
Mentorship
Access to experienced founders, operators and specialists who understand the realities of building.
04
Financial Readiness
Learn how to prepare your business for banking, financing and investment conversations.
05
Network
Build relationships with other ambitious Black women founders across Europe.
06
Access
Connections to relevant companies, financial institutions, investors and opportunities.
Who it's for
Built for women building something real.
The Founding 25 is for Black women founders who are building businesses in Europe and are ready to take their next step.
Whether you're pre-revenue, generating revenue or already scaling, we want to hear what you're building.
Potential eligibility
- You identify as a Black woman.
- You are building or running a business.
- Your business operates or is being built in Europe.
- You are serious about growing your business.
- You are willing to participate actively throughout the programme.
Why we exist
Because access changes what is possible.
Black Women Build Europe was created from a simple observation:
There are talented Black women building businesses across Europe. But access to capital, networks, mentors, institutional relationships and growth opportunities is not evenly distributed.
We want to help change that.
Our goal is not simply to create another founder community.
We are building an ecosystem where Black women founders can find the people, resources, knowledge and opportunities that can help their businesses move forward.
Our founder
Built by a founder who knows what it feels like to build.
Black Women Build Europe was founded by Keji Pius, a fintech founder and payments professional building Rach, a stablecoin payments company.
While building Rach and navigating fundraising, partnerships and growth, Keji experienced first-hand how difficult it can be to find the right capital, networks and institutional pathways.
Black Women Build Europe grew from that experience — and from the belief that the next generation of Black women founders should have greater access to the things that help businesses grow.
What we believe
01Capital should find more great founders.
02Networks should open more doors.
03Black women should have more room to build big.
Applications opening soon
Could you be one of the Founding 25?
Applications for The Founding 25 will open soon. Join the founder interest list and we'll let you know when applications open.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Who can apply?
The programme is designed for Black women founders building businesses in Europe. Final eligibility criteria will be published when applications open.
Is the programme free?
Programme details, including any founder funding and participation terms, will be shared when applications open.
When do applications open?
Applications are coming soon. Join the interest list to be notified first.
What stage does my business need to be at?
We are interested in hearing from founders at different stages of building. Final criteria will be announced when applications open.
Do I need to live in Germany?
No. Black Women Build Europe is designed with a European focus.
Your business deserves access.
If you're a Black woman building something ambitious in Europe, we want to hear from you.
Join the Interest List