Women in Georgia's tech industry face unique challenges compared to their male counterparts when launching startups. These challenges include skepticism about their capabilities, a lack of female role models, fewer networking opportunities, and difficulties securing investments and support. Such barriers have economic implications for Georgia, as startups are crucial for job creation, innovation, and strengthening local value chains.
The World Bank’s Georgia National Innovation Ecosystem (GENIE) Project aimed to address this gender gap from 2016 to 2023. The project supported the country's innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem through training, grants, technical assistance, and infrastructure development like incubators and regional hubs. Over half of GENIE's beneficiaries were women who transformed their ideas into successful startups.
Nato Toronjadze is one such success story. As the founder and CEO of Bizon, an online marketplace for heavy machinery and agricultural equipment in Georgia, she has navigated significant challenges in a male-dominated industry. "Our success story was overloaded with hardships," she said. Despite these obstacles, Bizon thrived under her leadership, winning the Best Tech Startup category of the Grace Hopper Award.
Toronjadze credits GENIE with providing validation, funding, knowledge, and networking opportunities essential to Bizon's growth. "GENIE has been instrumental in Bizon's development," she stated.
Another notable GENIE graduate is Ana Robakidze, founder and CEO of Theneo—a platform focused on API documentation management using artificial intelligence. Robakidze won the PITCH contest at the Web Summit in 2022 and advocates for women leaders in technology: "It is very important that women are not only involved in technology but also become leaders."
The impact of GENIE extends beyond individual success stories. The program facilitated internet access for over 1,000 households and helped launch over 91 new products while catalyzing $105 million in private financing. It also provided digital skills training to over 3,500 Georgians.
Through initiatives like GENIE, Georgia's tech sector aims to create a more level playing field for women entrepreneurs like Nato Toronjadze and Ana Robakidze—fostering a supportive environment that encourages more women into the industry.
"Don't give up," advises Ana Robakidze. "You can show that a woman can be successful in a startup and in the world of technology."