On average, women entrepreneurs start more companies and
their main business makes more in revenue, according to a new global survey. French
bank BNP Paribas and consultancy firm Scorpio Partnership surveyed more than
2,500 entrepreneurs from the U.S., Europe, Asia and the Middle East. They
focused on individuals worth at least $2 million, excluding their main
residence, though the average respondent was worth more than $7 million.
The survey found that the average female entrepreneur
launches 4.9 companies. Men launch 4.3. Women entrepreneurs also have more
success growing their main business, reporting average annual sales of $9.1
million. Their male rivals manage $8.4 million.
Respondents said success or failure depended mainly on an
entrepreneur's vision and drive, but noted that women could be held back by a
lack of confidence.
One factor seems common to most successful entrepreneurs,
however, regardless of gender. The survey found that 62% of female respondents
came from a family with a history of running businesses. The same was true for
59% of male entrepreneurs. That family history matters more in some countries
than others.
More than 75% of entrepreneurs in Taiwan, Spain, Poland,
Turkey and the Gulf countries have such a background. In the U.S., the figure
drops to 57%.
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