For the first time, companies led by women make up more than half of the 128 finalists selected to compete in MassChallenge, the Boston-based startup accelerator.
Though the scales have tipped only slightly, it’s a major milestone, organizers say, since the fledgling companies are key to the future of innovation in the city. Up from 48 percent last year, companies with at least one female founder now make up 51 percent of this year’s class of finalists.
“MassChallenge was founded with the belief that the best ideas can come from anyone, in any industry, from anywhere around the world,’’ managing director Kiki Mills Johnston said in an e-mail.
Over the next several months, the contenders will be narrowed to a field of 26, which will compete for $1.5 million in investment money.
While the program has made strides in its efforts to create equal opportunities for startups run by women, “we know there’s still work to be done,’’ Mills Johnston said. She said MassChallenge also is working to improve racial diversity.
This year, companies founded by people of color account for 47 percent of the finalists.
“We are encouraged by this data,’’ Mills Johnston said.
MassChallenge has also begun working with the Women Founders Network, which is aimed at providing funding, mentorship, and visibility to female founders.
51%
Women-led companies chosen as finalists for this year’s competition.
47%
Finalists whose companies were founded by people of color.
IN THE FINALS
A sampling of this year’s female-founded MassChallenge finalists:
Black Girls NutritionMassachusetts
A geo-social network customized for black women and their daughters who are battling obesity.
Bluelaces Theater Company
New York
An immersive, multisensory theatrical experience for audiences with autism and other developmental differences.
Dig
Louisiana
The dog person’s dating app — it brings together the booming pet industry with the growing world of online dating to find pet owners a compatible match.
Lumme Inc.
Massachusetts
It combines machine learning and behavioral psychology to help smokers quit.
Food for All
Massachusetts
An app that allows users to buy meals from restaurants just before closing time, at a discount.
Margeaux Sippell can be reached at margeauxsippell@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargeauxSippell.
