TechFoundHer Summit Announced as Flagship Event of Dublin Tech Week, Putting Women Tech Founders Centre Stage

Why It Matters

Positioning the summit as Dublin Tech Week’s marquee event amplifies visibility for women‑led startups and helps address the persistent gender gap in venture capital across Ireland and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Over 300 women expected at Mansion House summit
• Dublin City Council headlines as summit sponsor
• Global investors like Erika Aquino joining the lineup
• WeBuild founders showcased with Irish government backing
• Summit aims to close gender gap in venture capital

Pulse Analysis

Dublin Tech Week’s decision to make the TechFoundHer Summit its flagship event underscores a growing industry focus on gender diversity. By gathering more than 300 women entrepreneurs, investors and thought leaders under one roof, the summit not only celebrates female achievement but also creates a high‑visibility platform that can attract capital, talent and media attention. This alignment with a major city‑wide tech festival signals to the broader ecosystem that inclusive innovation is a strategic priority for Ireland’s economic growth.

The 2026 agenda blends international expertise with home‑grown talent. Opening speaker Catherine Gray, known for the "Show Her the Money" initiative, will set the tone for a day of lightning talks, panels and demos. Investors such as Erika Aquino and serial entrepreneur Lata Setty bring Silicon Valley credibility, while the WeBuild programme—funded through the Shared Island Fund and delivered by TechFoundHer—highlights emerging Irish founders tackling real‑world problems. This mix of global and local perspectives fosters cross‑border collaboration and showcases how public‑private partnerships can accelerate women‑led tech ventures.

Beyond a single event, the summit functions as a catalyst for systemic change. Women continue to receive a disproportionately small share of venture funding, both in Ireland and worldwide. By providing networking opportunities, mentorship and direct exposure to capital sources, the summit aims to shift funding dynamics and inspire a new generation of female founders. As technology reshapes every sector, ensuring women have a seat at the table is not just an equity issue—it’s a competitive advantage for the entire Irish tech ecosystem.