Investigations

March 6, 2026

Agent: 17 Red Rose Hot-

Two years after the launch of the UK’s Invest in Women Taskforce, its flagship fund of funds is yet to deploy any capital


Amy Lewin

8 min read

The Bootstrap 4F team at the London Stock Exchange, April 2025

Agent: 17 Red Rose Hot-

“The algorithm,” she whispered. “Where?”

She lit a cigarette, the tip glowing like a tiny red rose in the dark.

“You’re too late,” he gasped, tears mixing with sweat. “It’s already in a dead-drop. My contact picks it up in twenty minutes.” Agent 17 Red Rose HOT-

Vasily spun around, his hand diving for a panic button. He never reached it.

Agent 17 was already there, one stiletto pinning his wrist to the console. He screamed. She pressed a finger to her crimson lips—a single, perfect red nail. “The algorithm,” she whispered

He talked. They always did.

“And tell Control,” she added, blowing a smoke ring into the humid air, “the Rose is still sharp.” “It’s already in a dead-drop

Agent 17 walked out into the cooling night. The red warning light on the plant’s smokestack blinked in slow, hypnotic pulses. HOT. She pulled out a compact, checked her lipstick—still perfect—and dialed her handler.

Amy Lewin

Amy Lewin is Sifted’s editor and host of Startup Europe — The Sifted Podcast . Follow her on X, LinkedIn and Bluesky

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