The present paper focuses on female startup founders in Hungary. Numerous studies
examine female entrepreneurship, but the topic of female startups is a less explored
area. The research was carried out in two stages: at first in 2019 through an online
survey and in-depth interviews, and then in May 2021 with in-depth interviews due
to the delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed research methodology was used
and comprised of an online questionnaire administered in startup-themed closed social
media groups (n=113) and in-depth interviews among experts and members of the ecosystem
(n=7+7). The aim was to conclude how potential female startup founders could be encouraged
and what form of support should be given to them, as well as to explore the effects
of the Covid-19 pandemic on female startup entrepreneurs. The results show that 70
percent of respondents have their own business, these were set up by both sexes between
the ages of 24 and 35. The respondents mostly use equity when starting their businesses.
Although the proportion of women among startup founders is very low, a positive entrepreneurial
attitude can be observed among them. The startup ecosystem is centralised in Hungary;
it is only emerging in some major university cities outside the capital. The strengthening
role of startup communities and social media is unquestionable. Furthermore, the results
reveal limiting factors, especially complex ones hindering female start-ups, which
can typically be traced back to family and social reasons. To overcome these obstacles
governments should continue facilitating startup development. The pandemic was considered
as an opportunity to promote new ideas and features, concentrate on design and fine-tune
their startup businesses.
Keywords: female start-uppers, entrepreneurship, Hungarian start-up ecosystem, inhibitory
and encouraging factors, impact of COVID-19
