The Rise of No-Code/Low-Code Platforms: Could this be a Game-changer for Female Founders?

The low investment in female founders is well documented and there are many contributing factors including a perception that female founders lack technical expertise. In the amidst of these conversations lies a potential game-changer: the emergence of no code/low code platforms. Recently, at an investor lunch, I found myself pondering this transformative shift and its implications for female founders like myself.

As a sole female founder, I've often encountered the stereotype that non-technical founders, particularly women, face significant hurdles in securing investment. The notion that having a technical co-founder, particularly for a woman, is essential for fundraising success has been ingrained in the startup ecosystem. While many founders I chat have had this experience, this concern has rarely surfaced in my own fundraising journey. Reflecting on this, I realized that perhaps my perspective on technical expertise differs from the conventional narrative.

For decades, I've been actively involved in collaborating with developers to create digital solutions and software. While I may not possess traditional coding skills, my hands-on involvement in all technical aspects of our business has been substantial. This realization prompted me to question whether the rise of no-code/low-code options could fundamentally alter the dynamics of startup funding for female founders.

No code/low code platforms can now empower founders, regardless of their coding proficiency, to create sophisticated digital products and applications. These tools democratize technology by providing intuitive interfaces and pre-built components, enabling entrepreneurs to bring their ideas to life without extensive technical expertise. They offer a pathway for individuals with domain knowledge, a compelling vision, and a knack for execution to thrive in the tech-driven startup landscape.

The implications of this paradigm shift are potentially profound, particularly for female founders. Historically, women have been underrepresented in technical roles, contributing to the gender gap prevalent in the startup ecosystem. The insistence on having a technical co-founder has often served as a barrier for female entrepreneurs, perpetuating the notion that their ideas lack merit without a male counterpart with coding skills.

However, the situation has been improving. The number of female-founded businesses in Australia has been steadily increasing over the years. According to a report by Startup Muster, in 2020, 24% of startup founders in Australia were female, marking a significant rise from previous years.

With the advent of no-code/low-code platforms, these barriers are beginning to crumble. Female founders no longer need to conform to the traditional archetype of a tech-savvy bro or rely solely on technical co-founders to validate their ventures. Instead, they can leverage their unique insights, industry expertise creative vision and sales nous to build successful startups independently.

The democratization of tech development driven by no code/low code platforms aligns with the broader trend of AI acceleration. As AI continues to advance, these platforms are becoming increasingly sophisticated, enabling users to automate complex tasks, analyze data, and enhance user experiences without writing a single line of code. This convergence of AI and no code/low code technology further levels the playing field for female founders, offering them unprecedented opportunities to innovate and disrupt across diverse sectors.

Of course, challenges still persist on the path to gender equality in entrepreneurship. Deep-rooted biases, institutional barriers, and cultural norms continue to hinder the progress of female founders. Studies from the Harvard Kennedy School revealed that only 2.3% of venture capital is granted to all female founders, and addressing these systemic issues requires concerted efforts from investors, accelerators, policymakers, and the broader startup community. Research has shown that women-led startups have generated twice as much per dollar invested, and certain VCs , like one of our investors Aliavia , have dedicated larger percentages of their funds toward female founders.

However, the rise of no code/low code platforms represents a step towards dismantling the barriers that have long impeded the success of female entrepreneurs in the tech industry. By embracing these tools and fostering a culture of inclusivity and diversity, we can?see the full potential of women as innovators, leaders, and trailblazers.

Here are my 3 top tips to get started:

• Never describe yourself as non-technical.
• Engage in the technical process - ask questions, get familiar with development.
• Start experimenting with no code/low code tools.

There’s no doubt, the proliferation of no-code/low-code options has the potential to redefine the startup ecosystem, offering female founders a pathway to success that transcends traditional barriers. We have the opportunity to create a more equitable pathway to entrepreneurship that is not bound by gender.?