Celebrating Women in Fintech: Europe’s Trailblazers in Technology
In the dynamic world of fintech, women are making significant strides, and their contributions are being recognized on a grand scale. The inaugural 100 Women in Tech in Europe 2025 list by Sifted highlights the remarkable achievements of women across various sectors, with nine standout figures from the fintech and insurtech industries. This recognition not only celebrates their individual accomplishments but also underscores the growing influence of women in shaping the future of digital finance.
The Power of Recognition
The 100 Women in Tech in Europe 2025 list was curated from over 2,500 nominations, showcasing women who are not just participants but leaders in their fields. A panel of esteemed tech figures from organizations like Wise, Starling, and HV Capital played a crucial role in selecting these trailblazers. Their impact on the European tech ecosystem is profound, inspiring the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Leading Figures in Fintech
Among the honorees, nine women are making waves in the fintech and insurtech sectors. They represent a diverse range of companies, from startups to established firms, and are driving innovation while advocating for gender equality in their industries.
Elin Bäcklund, CTO of Gilion
Elin Bäcklund is at the forefront of technological innovation as the CTO of Gilion, a company that provides loans to high-growth SaaS companies across Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Germany. With a background in machine learning, Bäcklund previously led the development of Motherbrain, EQT’s platform for identifying promising investment opportunities. Her leadership is pivotal in steering Gilion towards a future of financial inclusivity.
Gabriele Papievyte, Head of Ventures at XTX Markets
As the Head of Ventures at XTX Markets, Gabriele Papievyte is instrumental in leveraging machine learning to optimize financial markets. Her role involves investing in late-seed to Series A companies, supporting nearly 30 active portfolio companies. Papievyte’s extensive experience in technology mergers and acquisitions, along with her commitment to mentorship, positions her as a key player in the fintech landscape.
Hedi Mardisoo, Co-Founder and CEO of Cachet
Hedi Mardisoo is transforming the insurance industry with Cachet, a Techstars portfolio company that offers personalized insurance solutions for gig workers. With over 20 years of management experience, Mardisoo’s leadership is crucial in navigating the complexities of the platform economy, ensuring that insurance adapts to modern work realities.
Kärt Siilats, Co-Founder of Mojo Capital
Kärt Siilats co-founded Mojo Capital, an investment firm focused on backing European digital technology growth organizations. Her role as a venture partner at SuperAngel and her involvement in various angel investment initiatives highlight her commitment to fostering innovation and supporting diverse startups across Europe.
Katharina Wilhelm, Partner at Index Ventures
As a partner at Index Ventures, Katharina Wilhelm focuses on B2B startups that tackle complex enterprise challenges. Her investment strategy is centered on supporting companies that simplify compliance and enhance customer onboarding, making her a vital contributor to the growth of the European tech ecosystem.
Lina Chong, Partner at HV Capital
Lina Chong leads investments in B2B SaaS and enterprise software at HV Capital. With a track record of scaling successful startups, her experience as a founder and investor uniquely positions her to empower the next wave of enterprise innovators in Europe.
Miriam Wohlfarth, Founder and Co-CEO of Banxware
Miriam Wohlfarth is the driving force behind Banxware, a company providing embedded finance solutions for digital businesses. With a history of founding successful ventures, Wohlfarth’s leadership extends beyond her company as she actively participates in various supervisory boards and advisory roles, advocating for the startup community.
Triin Hertmann, Angel Investor
Triin Hertmann’s journey as an angel investor and co-founder of Grünfin reflects her commitment to sustainable investment. With a rich background in tech and fintech, her focus on impact-driven and female-founded startups is reshaping the investment landscape, promoting inclusivity and sustainability.
Triin Linamagi, Founder and CEO of Sie Ventures
Triin Linamagi is on a mission to close the gender funding gap through Sie Ventures, a platform dedicated to supporting female-founded businesses. Her extensive experience in investment and her passion for empowering women in tech make her a pivotal figure in fostering a more equitable startup ecosystem.
The Future of Fintech
The recognition of these nine women is a testament to the evolving landscape of fintech in Europe. Their contributions are not only shaping the future of digital finance but also inspiring a new generation of women to pursue careers in technology. As the fintech sector continues to grow, the influence of these trailblazers will undoubtedly pave the way for further innovation and inclusivity in the industry.
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