Where did all the
E-women go?

'It's cheaper and easier on the web and because you've got the visibility, you can compete in the marketplace with as little as £50k.' IBM's research suggests women are more likely than men to get their web project funding from friends and family. In other words, instead of seeking out the big venture capital they opt for the DIY out-of-the-bedroom route. Online networking for women (members forums such as e-women, Webgrrls and We Gather) is of vital importance. 'Networking makes it easier for us to track down opportunities for funding, resources and help. It also allows women working at home to interact in a virtual work environment,' says Bullock.

Sonia Lo, who was a telecommunications consultant and venture capitalist (VC) before starting eZoka, praises the web because, 'You can be anyone you want to be, totally anonymous, which is useful if you are a female consultant in a male-dominated industry.' Lo has come up against outdated attitudes towards women when trying to raise money. 'Female-led new media businesses are often so far outside VC's risk profiles that you may as well be creatures from another planet.' But she still maintains, 'It's never been easier for women'.

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