Girls in Tech announces closure amidst funding challenges

Founded in 2007, Girls in Tech has been a pioneering force in striving to eliminate the gender gap in the technology sector. However, according to The Nashville Business Journal, despite its significant impact – reaching over 250,000 individuals across 35 chapters in 30 countries – the organisation faced insurmountable financial challenges that ultimately led to this difficult decision.

A visionary's journey

Gascoigne's journey to founding Girls in Tech was a deeply personal one stemming from when she worked the lone female executive at a Silicon Valley startup. It was here that she faced discrimination and harassment, experiences that ignited her passion to create a supportive environment for other women in tech.

Over the years, Gascoigne has not only led Girls in Tech but also authored ‘Tech Boss Lady: How To Start-Up, Disrupt, And Thrive As A Female Founder’ and served on the board of WAPPP at Harvard Kennedy School's Women in Public Policy Program.

Her efforts have been widely recognised, earning her accolades such as the Singularity University Impact Fellow Scholarship, a spot among the 20 most influential Latinos in technology by CNET in 2018, and the Pioneer Leadership Award at the Silicon Valley Latino Leadership Summit in 2018.

The impact of Girls in Tech

Girls in Tech has made remarkable strides since its inception, boasting more than 130,000 members worldwide. The organisation has been instrumental in advocating for inclusivity and diversity in the tech industry, offering numerous programmes such as bootcamps, hackathons, mentorships, and conferences designed to empower women with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in technology.

Gascoigne’s LinkedIn message emphasised the community's role in these achievements: “Girls in Tech has always been more than an organisation – it’s a community built on love and passion for technology. I am immensely proud of what we’ve built together and the lasting impact we’ve made.”

Funding struggles in women-focused tech organisations

Sadly, the closure of Girls in Tech is not an isolated case. Women Who Code, another prominent organisation dedicated to supporting women in technology, also recently announced its closure due to similar financial constraints. These closures highlight a broader issue within the sector: securing sustainable funding remains a significant challenge for women-focused tech organisations.

Despite growing awareness of gender disparities in tech, funding for women-led initiatives continues to lag. For instance, women-founded startups received only 2% of venture capital funding in 2023 in both Europe and the United States​. This limited access to financial resources hampers the ability of such organisations to maintain operations and expand their impact.

Looking forward

The closure of Girls in Tech and Women Who Code underscores the need for a more robust support system for women-focused initiatives in technology. These organisations have made substantial contributions to the tech community and their efforts are not for nought – the broader tech community must come together and continue to advocate for gender diversity and inclusivity. Increased funding, policy support, and community engagement are essential to sustain and grow the impact of these initiatives.

Gascoigne concluded her message with gratitude: “Thank you to our members, Managing Directors, Advisory Board teams, headquarters staff, sponsors, and board of directors. Though we’re closing, our mission will live on through your continued efforts.”

As the tech industry moves forward, the legacy of Girls in Tech serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and empowering women in technology. The closure may mark the end of an era, but the mission to eliminate the gender gap in tech remains as vital as ever.