How Natasha Allden Built Confidence, Community and Momentum Through the W2W Programme
Stepping into Scotland’s investment ecosystem
When MULTIPLY Technology CEO Natasha Allden applied for the Women to Women (W2W) Programme, she was looking for connection and a way to engage with Scotland’s startup ecosystem and join a female-led community of founders and investors navigating the same challenges.
“The opportunity to be part of a network of women sharing and supporting each other really stood out,” she explains. “I wanted to build my skills, grow my confidence in fundraising, and get visibility for MULTIPLY in the region.”
At the time, Natasha was gearing up for early-stage funding. As a SaaS business, she knew investment would be crucial long before revenue could come into play. The intention was clear, and the path was still forming.
“I felt comfortable about raising investment, but I knew it was a new skill set. I wanted the knowledge, expertise and support to get to a confident stage.”
A programme that accelerates understanding and ambition
Once inside the programme, Natasha found exactly what she was hoping for, and more.
“Fantastic, in-depth and informative,” is how she describes the experience. “It provided one-to-one consideration and an empowering community.”
But it was the depth of the workshops, talks and activities that made the biggest impact. They didn’t just offer surface-level insight; they fast-tracked her capability to lead a significant investment round.
Several sessions proved pivotal, especially those centred on data and operations.
“They were a timely reminder. And hearing previous founder journeys was incredibly reassuring. It gave me confidence that I was on the right track.”
The biggest surprise? The quality and the opportunities that extended far beyond the “classroom”.
“The sessions were exceptional. And the showcase event, IWA engagement, everything around the programme has been brilliant.”
Building confidence, capability and clarity
For Natasha, the biggest lesson came down to two things: don’t neglect your data, and don’t do it alone.
“W2W really reinforced the importance of building your communities.”
It also shifted how she approached her raise. The programme broadened her understanding of what it truly takes to secure investment: partnerships, supply chains, networks and a wider ecosystem that can lift a business, not just fund it.
Today, she carries that confidence into every investor conversation.
“It boosted my confidence and improved my approach to investor engagement. It showed me this isn’t a one-woman job. I’ve levelled up. It pushed me beyond the ‘doing’ and into leadership mentality.”
A community that lifts and grows
Connection is at the heart of the W2W Programme. For Natasha, those connections have already had a real impact.
“AccelerateHER, Investing Women Angels and the engaging speakers, providers and coaches — these are all lasting relationships. And I’m engaging with several investors as a direct result.”
Since the programme, MULTIPLY has built customer traction and gained visibility.
Being part of a community where women actively support other women has been powerful.
“It’s incredibly important. There are real discrepancies in the investment and work environment. Programmes like W2W help reduce that gap, while recognising the different challenges women face and offering suitable support.”
And she’s already thinking about how she can pay that forward.
“I hope to support other women in the future… as a case study, a mentor, or a contributor to programmes like this.”
A journey that strengthens founders and the wider ecosystem
If she could go back, Natasha wouldn’t change much, except perhaps carving more time between sessions to reflect and put things into practice. But the impact is unmistakable.
“I see female-led investment and entrepreneurship as an even more important driving force now. W2W strengthened that belief.”
Her advice to anyone on the fence? Forget about hesitation and go for it.
“Absolutely apply. The knowledge you gain is essential. It can be make or break for a startup. And the community is vital. W2W brings that in full.”
Because for Natasha, and other founders and investors who’ve walked through the W2W doors, the real value reaches far beyond capital.
“Look beyond funding. It takes a whole ecosystem; customers, suppliers, partners, supporters and financiers, to build a business. AccelerateHER and Investing Women Angels bring that ecosystem to life.”
Interested in joining the W2W Programme?
Read more and apply (or register) for the next Women to Women Programme.
Whether you’re a female founder in Scotland raising investment, or a woman exploring angel investing for the first time, this is your opportunity to learn, connect and grow alongside a community committed to lifting women up.
Discover the programme and apply today. Perhaps your next chapter starts here.
Spaces are limited – but the impact could be transformative.