This year, funding for women’s business in South Africa will get a R100k boost from Thinkroom at the Digital Divas SME and startup pitch competition, as we commit not only to cheering from the sidelines but also to backing the winning founder with a R100,000 investment and go-to-market (GTM) support.
On Thursday, 29 August, some of the most driven women entrepreneurs take the stage at Innovation City’s Digital Divas event, showcasing their businesses to a panel of judges and industry leaders, among them, Thinkroom’s founder, Catherine Young.
For us, this isn’t just about prize money; it’s about unlocking opportunities, amplifying potential, and accelerating the kind of bold, women-led innovation South Africa needs right now.
Digital Divas is far more than a networking or SME and startup pitch competition. Last year, we witnessed its transformative impact. It was a dynamic space where fearless women founders showcased ideas that solve real problems and drive job creation. The energy was electric and the potential undeniable. That’s why we’re stepping in this year.
Despite their talent and tenacity, women founders remain underrepresented in the funding landscape. Events like Digital Divas help shift the narrative, spotlighting innovation, unlocking capital, and opening doors to markets that might otherwise stay closed. By championing these platforms, we’re helping accelerate funding for women’s businesses in South Africa and backing the kind of leadership our economy needs.
At Thinkroom, we’re passionate about helping women entrepreneurs unlock their potential and grow their businesses with confidence. We focus on early-stage founders who are tackling meaningful problems and have the drive to scale. Our work doesn’t end when an investment is made, because funding for women’s business in South Africa isn’t just about capital, it’s about connection. We walk alongside founders, offering coaching, market insights, and access to networks that help their businesses thrive long after the startup pitch competition ends.
We often talk about something we call “founder magic.” It’s that rate blend of grit, clarity, coachability, and charisma that you can’t capture in metrics or KPIs. You can’t fake founder magic, but when you have it, everyone feels it.
It’s in the way a founder paints a picture of their vision, makes you believe in it, and invites you to be part of the journey. It’s also in how they respond when things don’t go to plan. The best founders can take a knock, absorb the lesson and come back stronger. They know when to double down, when to pivot, and how to keep moving , no matter what’s in their way. That’s the kind of energy we invest in. And it’s why we’re proud to support funding for women’s business in South Africa, not just with capital, but with the kind of partnership that lasts long after pitch day.
We’ve watched SME and startup pitch competitions for over a decade, and one thing’s clear: the best founders don’t just present, they connect. Here’s what separates the forgettable from the fundable.
Nail your one-liner explanation without jargon or unnecessary stats. If you can’t explain your business clearly, your audience will struggle to understand it too.
You’re on the stage because you deserve to be there. You’ve put in the work; now it’s time to share your vision. Investors are looking for a reason to say yes. Show them why your business is the one they’ve been waiting for.
Nerves? Totally normal. Try box breathing: in for four, hold for four, out for four, hold for four. Repeat. Box breathing is like a reset button for your brain, shifting your focus from pressure to possibility.
We’ve been working with founders every day for the last decade, so we know where the road gets bumpy, especially when it comes to turning great ideas into real traction. Whether it’s clarifying your message, reaching the right audience, or learning how to turn investor interest into a growth opportunity, our Go-to-Market (GTM) support packages are designed to help women entrepreneurs get past milestones.
From refining your pitch to shaping your brand identity or creating content that connects, we help you put the right building blocks in place for your next big leap. Knowing no SME is the same, our “build your own” GTM package allows founders to pick and choose what they need from all our GTM offerings to build a customised GTM solution that fits them best. The beauty of our GTM work is flexibility; we meet founders exactly where they are and help them get to where they want to go.
Not pitching at the Digital Divas SME and startup pitch competition this year? No problem: you can still tap into the power of our ecosystem. By joining the Thinkroom network, women entrepreneurs and SMEs unlock real advantages* designed to boost business growth in South Africa, including:
*(Ts & Cs apply)
We back entrepreneurs who are serious about growing their business at every stage of their journey. If you’re building something bold, we want to hear from you.
Join the Thinkroom network and break through to your next chapter.
