Women's entrepreneurship: the power of incubators

Women are still under-represented in some entrepreneurial sectors. In addition, the companies they create bring fewer innovations to market on average than those founded by men. A study co-authored by two researchers, NEOMA’s Francesca Nannetti and ESSEC’s Elisa Operti, suggests that incubators could help narrow this gap.

Women are no less creative than men, as research has already shown. And yet, companies founded by women launch fewer new products, services and processes. How can we explain this paradox? And the key question: what would it take to resolve it? 

The two researchers from NEOMA and ESSEC shed new light on these questions. Their study focuses on business incubators and how they change the dynamics between men and women when it comes to innovation. 

Incubators reduce inequality 

Incubators help early‑stage companies during their first years. To gauge their impact, the researchers analysed INSEE data on over 41,000 entrepreneurs in France between 2014 and 2019. They compared companies founded by men and women, along with firms that had or had not benefited from incubator assistance. The comparison focused on a company’s ability to roll out new products, services, processes or organisational practices.

The scientists found that, on average, businesses started by women introduce fewer innovations than those created by men. However, this gap shrinks when women are backed by an incubator. 

To understand the underlying reasons, the researchers interviewed male and female beneficiaries of these incubators, as well as incubator managers. Their study highlights three mechanisms that are especially helpful for women: confidence, role models and networks.

Increased confidence 

The women interviewed reported that incubators provide much more than technical know‑how. Training, coaching and tailored guidance likewise boost their confidence in their business plans.

The researchers argue that this need for external validation is rooted in an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is still largely male-dominated. Women work in environments where their legitimacy is challenged more readily. Incubators provide the support, recognition and credibility required to push ahead with their business plans.

Role models women can identify with

Mentorship and role models also play a key part in this search for legitimacy. In predominantly male sectors, witnessing other women succeed has a powerful impact. These careers are a source of inspiration and prove that this kind of progression is possible.

Incubators encourage women founders to interact with experienced female entrepreneurs. Since men typically have more role models that they can identify with, this kind of support seems to have less impact on them.

Read more

Nannetti, F., & Operti, E. (2026). Equalizing networking opportunities: How women can leverage incubators in entrepreneurship. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 167, 104233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2026.104233