Murray Edwards Enterprising Women

Enterprising Women is a flagship initiative of Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge, building the next generation of female founders, investors, and non-executive directors. 

We empower women to lead, invest, and turn ideas into impact - connecting talent, capital, and leadership within Cambridge’s world leading innovation ecosystem.

We support women at every stage of their professional journey: from students and researchers exploring entrepreneurship, to founders scaling high-growth ventures, to senior leaders stepping into board roles and first time investment. Through practical learning, tailored coaching, and a powerful community, Enterprising Women unlocks confidence, capability, and opportunity, driving inclusive economic and social impact.

Our Vision

Enterprising Women exists to make Murray Edwards College a hub for women operating in early-stage ventures - as founders, investors, and non-executive directors. Cambridge is the ideal location to achieve this ambition. With 5,000+ knowledge-intensive businesses, £24 billion in annual revenues, and 24 unicorn companies born here, Cambridge is the UK’s most successful enterprise cluster, providing a unique environment for innovation, growth, and leadership.

Our Programmes

All programmes are designed to be accessible, collaborative, and rooted in real world experience.

She Starts

• For: Women exploring entrepreneurship and potential venture ideas
• What it does: Offers workshops, talks, and mentoring led by senior executives
• Impact: Builds confidence, foundational skills, and clarity to take the first steps 
  in entrepreneurship

She Steers

• For: Women ready to step into their first NED role or strengthen effectiveness 
  as existing NEDs
• What it does: Provides practical guidance on board responsibilities, along 
  with mentoring and network access to secure your first (or next) NED role
• Impact: Prepares women to lead with influence and impact at the board level
   

Our programmes are delivered in partnership with leading industry and innovation partners, including: