A pinch is all it takes
A pinch of salt
for women
building something real.
Salt is small. Salt is essential. The right amount, at the right moment, changes everything. We deploy €3,500 to €15,000 to female founders with an MVP and traction — enough to manufacture the next batch, ship the next cohort, or open the next market. No equity. No dilution. Ever.
- €3,500–€15,000
- loan range
- 0%
- equity taken
§ Why Salt
Small.
Essential.
Transformative.
A pinch of salt doesn't fill the plate. It makes the plate work.
That's our thesis on capital. The founders we back don't need a €2M seed round to prove the idea — they've already done that. They need the precise, well-timed amount that unlocks the next batch, the next hire, the next market. Small enough to move fast. Essential enough to change the trajectory.
A pinch
€3,500–€15,000, deployed fast
At the right moment
post-MVP, with traction
Changes everything
no equity, ever
§ How it works
A loan, not a term sheet.
We're built for the in-between — too far for a friends-and-family round, too small for a VC. The pinch of salt that turns a working prototype into a real business.
- 01
Shortlist
Founders are sourced and shortlisted through our partner organizations — see our partners for the communities we work with.
- 02
Financial & founder verification
We verify the entity, the founder, and the numbers. Light-touch diligence, designed for early-stage realities — not a Series A audit.
- 03
Selection & terms discussion
If there's a fit, we talk terms. You choose the payback track that matches your cash cycle and growth plan.
- 04
Funding & launch support
Funds wired in days, plus warm intros into our network of operators, manufacturers, and buyers across the US, EU, and China.
- 05
Payback & growth
Repay on the track you chose. No equity, no board seats — just a clean exit so you can keep building.
§ Stage 05 — payback
Two tracks. You pick.
Choose the structure that fits your cash cycle. Either way: no equity dilution, ever.
| Track | Interest rate | Profit share | Payback duration |
|---|---|---|---|
01 Fast & flat | 18% (higher upfront) | None | Shorter — 6 months |
02 Patient & shared | 12% (normal) | +10–15% of profits for 2 years | Longer — up to 18 months |
Final terms set during Stage 03. No equity, no board seats — ever.
§ The network
Hong Kong. Amsterdam. Shenzhen.
One phone call away.
Capital is only half of what we deploy. The other half is access — to the manufacturers, distributors, operators, and buyers who turn a working prototype into a real business.
United States
Operators & retail buyers from NYC to LA — DTC, beauty, food, wellness.
Europe
Founders, designers, and distributors across London, Paris, Amsterdam, Milan.
China
Vetted factories & sourcing partners in Shenzhen, Yiwu, and Guangzhou.
§ Who we fund
We say yes to builders with proof.
A great fit
- You're a female founder (or female-led team).
- You have an MVP — something real people can use or buy.
- You have traction: revenue, users, pre-orders, or a waitlist that converts.
- The capital unlocks a clear next step: a batch, a launch, a hire.
- You have a BV (or equivalent entity) registered in the EU, Hong Kong, or China.
Not yet
- Pre-idea or pre-MVP concepts.
- Pure R&D with no path to revenue in 12 months.
- Founders looking to give up equity for a small check.
§ Reinvestment
Where does your accumulated interest go?
Every euro of interest we receive goes right back into the fund.
We don't take dividends or management fees. All accumulated interest is reinvested so we can support more female founders. The goal is simple: more women building real businesses, with capital that never asks for a seat at the table.
50
Startups funded by end of 2026
250
Startups funded by end of 2027
100%
Interest reinvested
§ FAQ
Questions, answered.
The honest details on equity, risk, eligibility, and what shortlisting really means.
Do you take equity in my company?
No. We offer loans only. You keep 100% ownership of your business. There is no equity dilution at any stage.
What happens if I can't pay back the loan?
The risk is similar to defaulting on a standard bank loan within the EU. An EU bailiff can handle the process, and there are legal stipulations in place. We work with you first, but the loan is legally enforceable.
Does being shortlisted by SheUp mean I automatically get the loan?
No. Shortlisting is the first step, not a guarantee. Every founder goes through a verification and final selection process (Stage 2 and Stage 3). Only founders who pass both receive a loan offer.
What stage does my business need to be in to apply?
You should have a proof of concept and have tested initial sales or an MVP. We help you create your first batch of inventory — we don't fund raw ideas without validation.
Can I apply if my company is based outside the EU?
We currently only give loans to BVs (limited companies) operating within EU regulatory frameworks. If you're based elsewhere (e.g., Hong Kong, China, or the US), we are actively researching compliance — check back or contact us for updates.
§ Next cohort open
Tell us about your company.
No buzzwords needed. Takes less than 5min — we reply personally within ten startup days.