Inc.'s eighth annual Female Founders list highlights the nation's top business leaders who challenge the status quo to tackle some of the world's biggest problems
FALLS CHURCH, Va., March 17, 2025 -- Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today announced its eighth annual Female Founders list, honoring a bold group of 500 women whose innovations and ideas are leading their industries forward. These resilient entrepreneurs expressed grit and drive to collectively attract approximately $9 billion in 2024 revenue and $10.6 billion in funding.
Lauren McCann named Changemaker on Inc.'s Female Founders 500
Each year, Inc. editors review thousands of applications highlighting female founders who are challenging the status quo and tackling some of the world's biggest problems and cull applicants through three rounds of judging, looking specifically at an entrepreneur's bona fides in the past year. Criteria include quantifiable metrics such as revenue, sales, revenue growth, funding, and audience size. Inc. also looks for qualitative metrics, including social media momentum and stories of impact.
Honoree selection is also honed through the evaluation of the program's advisory board: Cate Luzio, founder and CEO of Luminary; Dany Garcia, founder, CEO, and chairperson of the Garcia Companies; Pinky Cole Hayes, founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan; Anu Duggal, founding partner at Female Founders Fund; Katherine Power, serial entrepreneur and partner at Greycroft; Tiffany Dufu, president of the Tory Burch Foundation and founder of the Cru; and Kay Koplovitz, co-founder and chair at Springboard Enterprises, founder of USA Network.
"As someone who has long admired Inc. Magazine and often turned to it for inspiration, being recognized alongside such an incredible group of female founders is truly surreal," said Lauren McCann. "It's an honor to be celebrated as a changemaker in travel and hospitality and to have our work at Procure Impact acknowledged on such a platform. This recognition is a testament to the grit and determination of our team to scale social impact by leveraging the power companies wield through their purchases. When companies purchase with intention, they unlock human potential."
The founders cross all industries and bring with them unique stories of success from each stage of the entrepreneurial journey — from startup to going public, being acquired by big buyers, or spending decades at the helm of an organization.
As the co-founder and CEO of Procure Impact, Lauren McCann has led the company to remarkable growth and influence in the hospitality industry. Under her leadership, Procure Impact increased access to responsibly made and socially impactful products, helping businesses align their purchasing decisions with their social impact goals. In 2024, Procure Impact partnered with the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) to launch the Dignity of Work Pledge — an initiative that successfully garnered over $7.5 million in pledged purchases on the Procure Impact platform, which exclusively carries products made by underserved populations, including veterans, survivors of trafficking, and adults with disabilities. The campaign will create over 100,000 hours of shift work for individuals with barriers to work.
McCann's strategic vision has driven 200% year-over-year revenue growth at Procure Impact, demonstrating the power of combining social procurement with business success. Building on this momentum, she has set an ambitious goal of creating 1,000,000 hours of work across industries by 2030. She is actively working to secure partnerships with corporate leaders to scale the initiative and continue redefining how businesses approach procurement and social impact.
"Female founders know what struggle is, but they're also experts in improvisation, adaptability, and creativity. The women featured on this year's list exemplify these qualities. Through times of uncertainty, their unwavering dedication and steadfast leadership are not only inspiring but vital to driving progress," said Inc. executive editor Diana Ransom.
Several honorees will be featured in Inc. magazine's Female Founders issue on newsstands on March 18, 2025. To see the complete list of honorees, please visit: https://www.inc.com/female-founders
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
About Procure Impact
Procure Impact is a B2B marketplace that helps businesses achieve their social impact goals through everyday purchases. The platform connects companies with a curated selection of high-quality, American-made products produced by vendors who employ individuals from underestimated communities. With a focus on creating meaningful employment opportunities, Procure Impact is redefining how businesses approach procurement and social responsibility. For more information, visit procureimpact.us.
This News is brought to you by Qube Mark, your trusted source for the latest updates and insights in marketing technology. Stay tuned for more groundbreaking innovations in the world of technology.
