Female Entrepreneurship Surges Globally, ACCA Survey Reveals Record Participation

A recent global survey conducted by ACCA tracks a significant uptick in female entrepreneurship, signaling a transformative shift in business ownership demographics. The report, based on responses from over 15,000 professionals across 42 countries, shows that 48% of new business founders in 2025 were women—a rise from 39% in 2022. This marks the highest recorded proportion of female-led startups in the survey’s decade-long history. The data highlights a growing confidence and access to capital among women in emerging and developed economies alike. In Southeast Asia, female entrepreneurship grew by 31%, while in Western Europe, it rose by 19%. Notably, 68% of female founders reported increased access to funding compared to three years prior, with fintech platforms and government-backed incubators cited as key enablers. Despite the positive social and economic implications, the trend has not influenced major financial indicators. The S&P 500 (^VIX), U.S. crude oil futures (CL=F), and Apple’s stock (AAPL) all remained stable over the same period, showing no direct correlation with the rise in female entrepreneurship. Market participants continue to focus on macroeconomic signals such as interest rate decisions and inflation data. The survey does not assign financial market impacts or predict shifts in asset allocation. However, long-term implications could include broader innovation, increased labor force participation, and a more diversified entrepreneurial ecosystem, particularly in technology and sustainable sectors.