The Gender Gap in European Tech: A Closer Look
In 2019, a staggering 92% of all funds raised by European companies from venture capital firms went to all-male founding teams. This statistic highlights a significant imbalance in the tech industry, raising questions about the role of women in technology, venture capital, and leadership positions. Even in 2020, amidst a global pandemic where women have been at the forefront of healthcare and essential services, the conversation around gender equity in tech remains pressing.
Shifts in Leadership
Despite the overwhelming statistics, there are signs of change. Women are increasingly occupying leadership roles globally, from elected prime ministers to cabinets led by women. Countries like New Zealand and Finland are leading the way, showcasing how diverse leadership can positively impact governance and policy-making. This shift is not just limited to politics; it extends into the tech sector as well.
Women in Tech Communities
The tech landscape is witnessing a growing number of women who are vocal and active in various communities. International conferences and initiatives, such as the European Women in Tech, have emerged to amplify women’s voices and foster networking opportunities. In the European startup and venture capital scene, more women are stepping into founding roles and decision-making positions, signaling a gradual but meaningful shift.
Progress in Fintech
The fintech sector, while still lagging in some respects, is also experiencing a transformation. New communities and initiatives, like Fintech Ladies and Rise Up, are emerging to support women in this space. According to the UK FinTech Census 2019, women represent 29.5% of the workforce in fintech, and 25% of fintech companies have at least one female co-founder. These figures, while still needing improvement, indicate a positive trend.
The Dutch Fintech Scene
In the Netherlands, the gender gap persists, but efforts are underway to address it. The 2019 Gender Diversity Startup & Scaleup Report revealed that only 11.6% of founders in the Netherlands were women. Since 2008, a mere €19 million (3.5%) of investment has gone to mixed or female-founded startups, while 0.8% has been allocated to startups with only female founders. Additionally, only 6% of decision-makers in Dutch venture capital firms are women. Initiatives like Fundright and the Borski Fund aim to bridge this gap and promote gender diversity in the startup ecosystem.
Inspirational Women in Dutch Fintech
Amidst these challenges, several women are making significant strides in the Dutch fintech industry. Here are five inspirational figures who are leading the charge:
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Angelique Schouten: As an Executive Board Member at Ohpen and a bestselling author, Angelique has played a pivotal role in establishing the company’s British branch. Ohpen is known for reinventing banking software, and Angelique’s leadership has fostered a balanced male-female workforce.
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Bernadette Wijnings: The founder and CFO/COO of Blanco Fintech, Bernadette is an entrepreneur at heart. Her expertise spans multiple ventures, and she is currently focused on KYC, portfolio management, and securities administration.
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Conny Dorrestijn: A founding partner at BankiFi, Conny advocates for gender, age, and cultural inclusion. Her company offers a data-driven banking model, and she serves on various boards, promoting diversity in financial services.
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Daria Rippingale: As the CEO of Bankingblocks, Daria has established a wholesale banking and payment provider for fintech companies. Her leadership has been recognized with the Emerging Fintech Leader award by the European Women Payments Network.
- Sara Koslinska: The CEO and co-founder of Limitless, Sara has a diverse background in tech startups across multiple countries. She is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and actively promotes the hiring of women in technology.
Continuing the Conversation
For those interested in following influential women in the European venture capital and startup scene, the TOP 50: Europe’s Most Influential Women in the Startup and Venture Capital Space publication offers a comprehensive look at women who are shaping the future of European tech. These leaders are not only founding successful startups but also investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape.