Women and the UK Growth Mission: Innovation, Finance and Leadership

We are delighted to invite you to an insightful event hosted by the Bayes Global Women's Leadership Programme, where we strive to inspire, equip, and connect women on their unique leadership journeys, extending beyond traditional corporate roles to encompass community involvement, mentoring, and diverse forms of success.

In this fireside chat, Priya Guha MBE will share insights from her career in venture capital and innovation policy, reflecting on the role women can play in the UK’s push for innovation-led growth. The discussion will highlight the positive impact women are already having across the UK innovation ecosystem, while also addressing the barriers that remain - from lower participation of women in STEM fields to persistent disparities in access to finance for women-led ventures. Led by Professor Giacinta Cestone, the conversation will offer an evidence-based perspective on how institutions, investors and policymakers can build and support a more inclusive and effective innovation agenda.

Speaker Bio

Priya works across technology, innovation and investment in the UK and globally. She is a Non-Executive Director at Reach PLC, UK Research & Innovation & Herald Investment Trust, Senior Independent Director at Digital Catapult & GB Badminton, Advisor to Gallos Technologies & We Are Spark, a member of the Investment Governance Board at Future Planet Capital, the Responsible AI UK International Ambassadors Council, and is Associate Faculty at Hult Ashridge. She was previously GM for RocketSpace, launching their UK operations.

Priya used to be a career diplomat, most recently as British Consul General to San Francisco and previously in India and Spain. She now chairs the Indian Federation of Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) UK Advisory Group. Priya also sits on the RAEng International Committee, Durham University Business School International & Venture Lab Advisory Boards and Global Tech Advocates Advisory Board. She is a Trustee at TechSheCan. Priya was awarded an MBE in 2021 for services to international trade and women in innovation.