The Best Cities for Female Entrepreneurs
By Shannon Kate Murray, Founder & Editor of High Flying DesignI’ve always believed in growing where you’re planted. But sometimes, the pot’s too small - and staying put starts to stunt your growth.
Your environment shapes more than just your day-to-day - it affects your creativity, energy, confidence, and ambition. If your surroundings feel stale, unsupportive, or even toxic, they can slowly chip away at your ability to think big and act boldly. And when we stop believing we can create, we stop trying. That’s not just a personal loss - it’s a societal one.
Creators need space to thrive. That means living and working in places that encourage innovation, value problem-solving, and support women showing up with big ideas.
If your current environment leaves you depleted instead of inspired, it may be time for a bold move.
According to Jenna Booher, awareness is the first step. The second? Get clear on your values. Some of us thrive in high-energy, collaborative spaces. Others need stillness and solitude. Know what feeds you - and what drains you. Then, take action. Moving cities isn’t just logistical - it’s emotional. But when you create a plan and share your goals with people who believe in you, the shift becomes possible.
So where should you go if you’re ready for a bigger stage?
Dell’s latest Dell Women Entrepreneur Cities (WE) Index ranks cities based on five core pillars: Markets, Talent, Capital, Culture, and Technology. These ecosystems aren’t just statistically strong - they’re proven launchpads for women-led businesses.
Here are five top-tier cities where female founders aren’t just surviving - they’re scaling.
1. London, UK
#1 worldwide on the WE Index
Capital & Funding: Crowdfunding and venture capital access for female founders is accelerating.
Mentorship & Networks: Home to AllBright, Found & Flourish, SheEO, and other high-impact communities.
Tech Access: London leads in open data, infrastructure, and digital business support.
For ambitious founders with global goals, London delivers both pace and purpose.
2. New York City, USA
#2 globally for female entrepreneurs
Funding Ecosystems: Female Founders Fund, Dreamers & Doers, WBENC - NYC has funding power and visibility.
Media Reach: One of the best places in the world to build brand awareness and credibility.
Culture of Impact: The hustle here translates into real-world influence for women-led brands.
In New York, the question isn’t “if” - it’s “how big.”
3. San Francisco Bay Area, USA
#3 globally – a tech and capital powerhouse
High-Tech Innovation: Healthtech, AI, cleantech - many women are leading in these high-growth areas.
Accelerators & Mentoring: Targeted programs for women-led startups with serious scale potential.
Venture ROI: Among the best places for female founders to access funding in tech-driven industries.
You don’t need to be an engineer - just a visionary with courage.
4. Paris, France
Top 5 city for women in business
Government Support: Grants and policy initiatives for female-led ventures are robust and growing.
Work–Life Balance: Generous parental leave and cultural support for flexible careers.
Creative Innovation: Station F - Europe’s largest startup hub - blends tech, art, and entrepreneurship.
Paris offers both beauty and backing - ideal for founders with style and substance.
5. Stockholm, Sweden
A model city for equality, innovation, and inclusivity
Gender Equity by Default: High representation of women, strong legal support, and family-first policies.
Green-Tech Growth: Sustainability sectors - like circular fashion and eco-tech - are thriving.
Progressive Governance: Policies designed to nurture mission-first, socially conscious startups.
If you’re building for impact, Stockholm’s already thinking ahead.
Next Steps for Founders
Assess Your Priorities: Do you need funding, mentorship, market access, or tech infrastructure? Choose a city that aligns with your biggest growth lever.
Tap Into Local Networks: Whether it’s AllBright in London or Station F in Paris, plug into the right communities.
Go Remote-First: Many of these ecosystems support decentralized working. You can scale from where you are - or set up satellite roots..
