How women entrepreneurs are using technology to solve real-world problems

The U.S. entrepreneurial landscape is thriving, especially for women. Over the past few years, women have started businesses at nearly twice the rate of men and now make up 39.1% of small business owners, according to the 2024 Wells Fargo Women-Owned Business Impact Report. As part of this growth, women are expanding into more industries, including finance, real estate and technology services.

Across industries, women entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of technology to create solutions to real-world problems and effect lasting change. Their unique perspectives and experiences are leading to the development of innovative business models and brands that are fundamentally shaping their industries.

The rise of women in tech

There are more female leaders in the technology industry, and experts estimate that women make up 33% of the tech workforce, according to a Deloitte study. But women don’t need to be classified as working in “tech” to realize the benefits of technology when starting their own companies. Women are also making great strides across the tech industry, developing innovative products and services that improve many aspects of everyday life. With a focus on user-centered design, they’re creating solutions that improve quality of life and drive economic growth.

“Technology has created a lot of opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to solve problems happening within their communities, whether that be with friends, family, or peer groups,” says Paula Panagouleas Miller, founder of Karmascore, an app that helps measure key aspects of personal and professional relationships. “In my business, I saw a need to find a way for people to measure their relationships and then use that information to improve them. This wouldn’t have been possible without the technological tools to generate, analyze, and summarize the data.”

The power of data in problem solving

Data is a powerful tool in business, and it’s one that can be enhanced thanks to technology. “We found that documentation was incredibly important to our users because it allowed them to track the details of their relationships. This allowed people to evaluate their interpersonal relationships and make better decisions about who they prioritize spending time with,” Miller says. This type of documentation and tracking wouldn’t be possible without advanced technology.

Improved access to key data points will lead to more applications as more entrepreneurs find ways to use the data for practical purposes. “We’re only going to have more data, so we’re going to see more and more applications everywhere,” says Columbia Business School professor Mark N. Broadie. These applications can cut across industries and help people in all aspects of their personal and professional lives.

Overcoming challenges

While female entrepreneurs are making remarkable contributions in many fields, they often face significant challenges. “Technology can help break down barriers women face, such as funding, gender bias and limited representation in industries,” Miller says. “In many businesses and applications, technology breaks down some of these barriers by increasing accessibility and enabling entrepreneurs to achieve more with fewer resources.”

“We also need people, organizations, and companies that are actively creating space for women, providing opportunities, and giving them the support they need to succeed,” explains Karima Green. Organizations like Women Who Tech, SheEO, and Female Founders Alliance provide female entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help them navigate the complexities of the tech industry and scale their businesses.

The impact of women using technology in entrepreneurship

The impact of women tech entrepreneurs goes beyond their personal businesses. “Women tech entrepreneurs are tackling real problems that people in their communities and around the world face every day in unique and innovative ways. What’s more, their success inspires the next generation of women, encouraging more young women to pursue paths in tech and entrepreneurship. As the tech industry becomes more inclusive and diverse, the potential for breakthrough innovation and positive change will only increase,” says Miller.

Through their ingenuity, tenacity and drive to make a difference, women are advancing their fields and helping to create a more equitable and sustainable future. By supporting and celebrating these pioneers, we can help create an environment where innovation thrives and effective tech solutions can be found to solve real problems.