The third annual DMZ Women Innovation Summit concluded with a significant milestone for women-led startups, securing a total of $535,000 in new investments and celebrating ten exceptional women as Women of the Year award recipients. This year’s summit attracted over 200 applicants, with ten founders selected to pitch their businesses to an influential panel of investors, including The Firehood, an angel investment network, and DMZ Ventures, which participated as an investment partner for the first time.
Leading the funding round was Cashew, an AI-powered market research platform, which secured $190,000—the largest amount awarded at the event. The majority of this funding, $150,000, came from DMZ Ventures, while The Firehood contributed the remaining amount. Cashew’s success highlights the growing demand for AI-driven insights in market research, a sector increasingly leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance data-driven decision-making.
Other startups receiving funding included Migranium, an AI-powered healthcare operations platform, which secured $125,000 to streamline hospital and clinic management processes. Edie Farming, an urban commercial rooftop greenhouse startup, received $120,000 to expand its sustainable food production efforts. Additionally, Metronome, an AI home intelligence platform, was awarded $100,000 to further develop its smart home automation solutions.
The investments made during the event represent the largest commitment DMZ Ventures has ever allocated to a single pitch competition, reflecting the organization’s dedication to supporting women entrepreneurs. DMZ Executive Director Abdullah Snobar emphasized the importance of funding women-led startups, citing data that consistently shows higher returns, greater innovation, and long-term business success for companies led by women.
“Year after year, the data proves what we already know: women-led startups deliver stronger returns, drive innovation, and build businesses that last,” Snobar stated. “So, while some so-called tech leaders debate diversity like it’s optional, we’re putting capital behind the founders who are actually moving the needle.”
Snobar’s remarks come amid a broader rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across the tech and corporate sectors. This trend, in many cases, has been influenced by the policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump and the rhetoric of tech mogul Elon Musk, who has been a vocal critic of DEI programs. The shift has raised concerns about the future of inclusivity in the industry, making events like the DMZ Women Innovation Summit even more crucial in ensuring that women entrepreneurs continue to receive the support they need to thrive.
By directing investments toward female founders, DMZ Ventures and The Firehood are actively working to close the gender gap in the startup ecosystem. Historically, women-led startups have faced significant barriers to securing funding, often receiving a fraction of the capital allocated to their male counterparts. By prioritizing investment in high-potential, women-led businesses, these organizations are not only leveling the playing field but also ensuring that groundbreaking innovations do not go overlooked due to systemic bias in venture funding.
The record-breaking financial commitments made at this year’s DMZ Women Innovation Summit highlight a growing recognition of the value and impact of women entrepreneurs. This event has established itself as more than just a funding competition—it is a catalyst for meaningful change, providing visibility, support, and resources to women founders who are shaping the future of technology.
Beyond the financial backing, the summit fosters a community-driven movement that empowers women to build, scale, and lead successful ventures. By championing diversity in entrepreneurship, DMZ Ventures and The Firehood are reinforcing the importance of inclusive innovation—a key driver of sustainable economic growth and technological advancement. Their ongoing commitment sends a powerful message: investing in women-led businesses is not just about equity—it’s about smart, future-focused investing that fuels lasting impact.