Airbnb brings female entrepreneurs to Mobile World Congress

Airbnb launched ‘Womenup,’ a project aimed at fostering the presence of women in the technology world and bringing female entrepreneurs to major events of the sector in Barcelona, such as the Mobile World Congress and 4YFN. The objective is for women to be able to present their projects and get in touch with leaders of the tech sector.

The initiative, launched in collaboration with Impact Hub Madrid, targets Spanish and Portuguese women. In order to participate in the program, they must log into the website, explain their business idea and why they want to join the program. The three winners will be awarded 2,000 euros and a Founder Institute Madrid grant to participate in a four-month program. Airbnb will offer participants living outside the Barcelona area free accommodation.

Participants will be supported by a group of professionals of the tech industry, such as the president of Incipy and Inesdi Digital Business School, Joana Sánchez; the partner and director of Humannova and Cloudtalent, Alicia Pomares; the Barcelona Tech City CCO, Ricard Castellet; OM Human Development director, Mari Carmen Martín; Barcelonette founder, Xenia Alonso; and journalist and tech mentor Gina Tost.

Airbnb director general in Spain and Portugal, Arnau Muñoz, said that he hopes 'Womenup' “helps place the ideas of these entrepreneurs on the global platform they deserve.” He also stressed the importance of “fostering women empowerment in the tech sector.”