01 / RESEARCH
The SOFE Report 2026
Read the public, source-labelled edition: 50 authored-ranked destinations across 47 countries, with source notes and official country starting points.
Read the Public Data EditionTHE PIPELINE FOUNDATION / OUR PUBLIC LAUNCH
Research first.
Action with purpose.
We are opening a public programme of research, conversation and practical collaboration on women’s economic opportunity.
WHY WE ARE HERE
Understand the conditions
before choosing the response.
Since our registration in 2024, The Pipeline Foundation has researched the state of female entrepreneurship to understand where women are building businesses, what conditions shape their choices and where useful work can begin.
We are launching with The SOFE Report 2026 and the SOFE Summit. The report makes selected evidence and its limits visible. The summit creates a place for founders, researchers, institutions and partners to bring their experience into the conversation.
START WITH THE WORK
02 / CONVENING
The SOFE Summit
For founders, researchers, institutions and destination partners who want to exchange evidence and practical perspectives. LEC hosts current event information, opportunities and registration.
Explore the Summit03 / ENTERPRISE
Ladies Entrepreneurship Club
LEC brings women’s enterprise, professional learning and community into the Foundation’s work. Its event and programme pages hold current details.
Explore LECYOUR QUESTION / YOUR ROUTE
Find the material
for the decision you face.
A company founder deciding where to grow needs different guidance from a manager introducing AI at work, an investor assessing context, or a funder shaping a programme. Choose the path closest to your role.
Founders and company builders
Explore practical questions about markets, tools and starting work in a new country.
Go to the founder route ↗Leaders inside organisations
Bring evidence and task-level questions into decisions about teams, skills and change.
Go to the leadership route ↗Researchers and institutions
Review sources, scope, limitations and routes to a defined collaboration.
Research partners · Institutions and fundersInvestors and destination partners
Use country context as a starting point for your own diligence and local enquiry.
Investor route · Destination partnersA FOUNDATION / A WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE PLATFORM
Research and practice
in the same conversation.
The Pipeline Foundation acquired the Ladies Entrepreneurship Club from its sister organisation, Apples and Pears. LEC now connects women’s enterprise and professional exchange with the Foundation’s research programme. Apples and Pears remains a multi-country consultancy with complementary work in business strategy, leadership, AI adoption, digital transformation and economic diplomacy.
Our launch is a beginning: research, summit conversation and practical learning will shape what we develop next. We will publish programme eligibility, dates and application details when they are confirmed.
Discuss a defined collaborationQUESTIONS ABOUT THE LAUNCH
What to expect
Is the report an official government ranking?
No. The SOFE destination order is authored by The Pipeline Foundation and Ladies Entrepreneurship Club using their selected framework. Read the report’s methodology and source notes alongside the order. Source observations are presented separately and do not calculate the authored ranking.
Where do I register for the Summit?
The Foundation’s Summit page links to LEC, which hosts current event information, opportunities and registration. Check LEC’s event page for the latest details.
Are programmes accepting applications now?
Programme development is underway. We will publish dates, eligibility and application routes when they are confirmed.
Can a partner sponsor a conclusion or buy a research result?
No. Advertising and partner promotion are labelled and kept separate from research conclusions. Contact the Foundation to discuss a clearly scoped collaboration.