The Top 10 APAC Game-Changing Startups Led by Women Announced

Lift Women Unveiled Its Inaugural LiftHER APAC Cohort Shaping a Sustainable Future

[MELBOURNE, 18th Jan 2024] – LIFTwomen Group, the pioneer and leading women-focused crowdfunding platform in Australia and Asia, today announced its inaugural LiftHER Cohort. This initiative, powered by AsiaPay Capital, features 10 exceptional emerging startups led by visionary women, selected from over 300 applications across 5 APAC regions. These startups, recognized for their potential to effect significant social and environmental change, represent diverse industries and embody the entrepreneurial spirit of the Asia-Pacific region.

Cumulatively boasting over 500K followers and millions of views across social media, and featured in Forbes, CNN, and LinkedIn Top Voice, these startups have also formed promising partnerships, including with Revolve in the US and Unilever in Asia.

The top 10 finalists: (listed in alphabetical order by company name for equitable representation)

1. La Foundry (Australia): Redefining waste into naturally decomposable, high-performing, affordable biomaterials for sustainable solutions in our everyday lives for a greener future
2. Missing Perspectives (Australia): A pioneering media tech disrupting the news industry's gender narrative and championing the voices of young women globally.
3. OncoREVIVE (Australia): Revolutionizing cancer detection and monitoring with advanced multi-omics blood analysis for early intervention and personalized treatment.
4. Ovum (Australia): AI-powered personal health assistant transforming how women experience healthcare, empowering interactive personalized longitudinal care.
5. Petaife (Hong Kong): AI-powered smart health innovation revolutionizing pet care by creating affordable, accessible, and comprehensive wellness solutions for pets.
6. Sinaya Cup (Philippines): The first Filipino sustainable menstrual cup on a mission to end period poverty in SE Asia by empowering women with sustainable choices, innovative products, and reproductive education.
7. SISTERWOULD (Australia): An innovative, high-performing, celebrity-loved haircare brand, in partnership with Vision Australia, revolutionizing beauty with a dedication to making it inclusive for the vision-impaired and blind community.
8. Tenang AI (Indonesia): AI-powered wellbeing companion empowering GenZ and Millennials with 24/7 stigma-free, affordable, personalized and culturally attuned mental wellness and life success support.
9. Urban Farmer TV (Philippines): The Netflix for urban gardening, empowering modern growers to farm at home with innovative techniques, liked by millions on TikTok.
10. Yippy (Indonesia): An all-in-one corporate gifting platform transforming enterprise employee engagement with automated, personalized gifting and reward solutions.

These finalists were chosen for their innovative solutions and commitment to impactful change. They will undergo an 8-week intensive business and crowdfunding coaching program, culminating in March in Melbourne, where they will pitch to a curated group of investors, partners and backers for their chance to win $40,000 grant, divided into three awards: The Best Project Award, The Best Innovation Award, and The People's Choice Award. Secure your early bird tickets here to witness this transformative journey.

The LiftHER Grant Challenge aims to empower 20 early-stage impact-led female entrepreneurs with a comprehensive package of grants, scholarships, coaching, mentorship, and marketing support, valued at over A$300,000 over two cohorts.

“Investing in women is investing in solutions that make our world sustainable and better,” says Irene Tsang, CEO and Founder of Lift Women. “The LiftHER Cohort demonstrates just that?—?the transformative power of women-led innovation in tackling global challenges. They’re catalysts for positive global change, contributing to a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. We’re excited and proud to support their journey, accelerating progress towards financial empowerment for women.”

“The calibre of applicants and their response to the program has been fantastic. These talented and passionate women founders are shaping industries and creating a future where technology, sustainability, and gender equality intersect.” Joseph Chan, CEO of AsiaPay Group, adds. “AsiaPay is proud to join and support Lift Women - a meaningful program that so closely aligns with our values of innovation and inclusive growth especially in Asia.”

About LIFTwomen Group

LIFTwomen Group is a pioneering platform dedicated to leveling the playing field for female entrepreneurs across Australia and Asia. As the country's first women-focused reward crowdfunding hub, they aim to address the stark disparity where less than 3% of global venture capital goes to women-led businesses. Their mission is to create a more equitable and accessible funding pathway for all women and girls, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality and live life to its fullest potential. With a proven track record of supporting hundreds of projects, we are not just a platform, but a collaborative community committed to fostering sustainable positive impact and driving systemic change in women's financial empowerment.to funding and opportunities.

About AsiaPay Capital

AsiaPay Capital, an incubation arm of the AsiaPay Group, a leading digital payment player in Asia, strives to accelerate the growth of startups in the new economy and digital sectors in Asia. Through financial backing, local operational resources and facility access, mentorship, and innovation synergy, investees benefit from a streamlined pathway to expand and grow. AsiaPay Capital offers startups a comprehensive range of advanced payment solutions, and gain access to a broad capital, client and partner base, ensuring a faster and more secure regional expansion in Asia.?