Helping Female Founders Go Further, Faster
Apropela accelerates the growth of female-led businesses by connecting visionary CEOs and founders with senior leaders across business, government and community. Through curated introductions, exclusive events and a trusted national network, we turn connection into opportunity — unlocking access to capital, contracts and partnerships that drive real growth. Together, we’re changing the numbers by backing bold women to lead, scale and create lasting impact.
Changing the Game for Female Founders
Australia is home to nearly a million women-led small businesses, sparks of innovation, ambition, and untapped economic power.
Yet despite this, female founders receive less than 2% of global venture capital funding. Early-stage support is improving, but for women scaling ambitious ventures, the pathways remain limited, and the networks that fuel growth often feel out of reach.
Apropela is addressing this inbalance.
Apropela was born from a powerful insight: women weren’t underperforming, they were under-connected
Founded in 2010 by four visionary women as Heads Over Heels, Apropela introduced a new solution.
A unique model that connects growth-ready female CEO's and founders with influential leaders across business, government, and community, who can unlock capital, customers, and opportunity.
The secret is training our portfolio companies in the 'art' of 'asking'
Each company is mentored through an extensive pitch practice process, and then presents to our Connetors at our highly curated Portfolio Events.
This is where the magic happens. Connectors bid (sometimes in competition!) to offer introductions to our female founders to help them grow to the next level.
To date, we’ve helped over 180 founders spark more than 7,500 high-impact connections.
Heads over Heels
In 2023, we became Apropela, a name that reflects our mission to propel women forward, faster. While our name has changed, our focus remains the same: breaking barriers, accelerating momentum, and backing women building the future of business.
Scaling Vision. Accelerating Impact. Backing Bold.
Nurturing Female Founders doing big things
Apropela identifies and selects exceptional women with exciting new businesses that are unlocking pathways to innovation.
Connections that count - Minimal Time, Maximum Impact
Are you interested to join one of Australia's most impactful and generous networks? If so we want to meet you!
Delivering Game-Changing Outcomes
Our program has resulted in the introduction of millions of dollars of new customer revenue, strategic parnerships, and capital investment.
Apropela's Milestones
Join us in supporting female founders to achieve their dreams and transform their businesses.
Meet the People Powering Apropela
Strategic minds. Operational excellence. National influence.
Our
Strategy Council
Senior leaders who help shape Apropela’s long-term direction and sustainability, offering strategic insight and influential networks.
Our
Board
Visionaries from across the entrepreneurial and venture ecosystem who keep our mission focused, our operations strong, and our impact sharp.
Our
Executive Team
The hands-on leaders who manage Apropela’s day-to-day delivery, ensuring everything we do is executed with excellence and integrity.
Our National Ambassadors
High-profile champions who use their platforms to promote our mission, make meaningful introductions, and grow the Apropela community nationwide.