TOP 100: The Most Influential Women in Europe’s Startup and Venture Capital Scene

International Women’s Day 2025: Accelerate Action for Gender Equality

On March 8, 2025, the world will celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) under the theme “Accelerate Action.” This theme underscores the urgent need to advance gender equality, highlighting that at the current rate of progress, full gender parity is projected to be achieved only by 2158—approximately five generations from now. The call to action is clear: swift and decisive steps must be taken to dismantle the systemic barriers and biases that women encounter in both personal and professional spheres.

The Economic Impact of Gender Disparities in Deeptech

One of the most pressing areas where gender disparities manifest is in the European deeptech sector. A recent study revealed that €198.8 billion in potential growth is lost due to these disparities in investment. Female-led deeptech startups are significantly underfunded, which not only represents a gender issue but also a substantial economic opportunity that remains untapped. The underrepresentation of women in this sector not only stifles innovation but also limits the economic growth that could benefit society as a whole.

Celebrating Women in Startups and Venture Capital

In alignment with the “Accelerate Action” theme, we present an annual list of 100 remarkable women who are shaping the European startup and venture capital landscape. These leaders—founders, investors, and industry pioneers—are actively working to close the gender gap in technology and investment. Their achievements not only strengthen the innovation ecosystem but also inspire future generations to pursue leadership roles in STEM, entrepreneurship, and venture capital.

Spotlight on Influential Women in 2025

Here are some of Europe’s most influential women in startups and venture capital in 2025, who are trailblazing paths, investing in change, and redefining the future of innovation:

• Agate Freimane: General Partner of Norrsken VC, the first impact VC in the Nordics. Agate is passionate about impact-focused startups and co-founded the edtech charity Bright Mentors.

• Alice Albizzati: Founding partner of Revaia, a Paris-based firm focused on sustainable growth investment. Alice has overseen the financing and structuring of over 35 growth companies.

• Alice Pelton: CEO and Co-Founder of The Lowdown, the world’s first review platform for contraception, empowering women to make informed health decisions.

• Aline Vedder: Principal at LakeStar, Aline leverages her PhD in Neuroaesthetics to identify strong leaders and teams for investment.

• Alisée de Tonnac: Co-founder and CEO of Seedstars World, a global startup competition covering over 85 emerging markets.

• Alix de Sagazan: Co-founder and CEO of AB Tasty, a leader in feature management and experimentation solutions.

• Ana Barjasic: Entrepreneur and angel investor, Ana established Connectology, a boutique agency specializing in finance access and investment readiness.

• Angelica Kohlmann: Founder of Bloom Diagnostics, enabling individuals to take control of their health through technology.

• Ann Mettler: Vice President at Breakthrough Energy, driving funding into transformative technologies.

• Anna Brailsford: Co-founder and CEO of Code First Girls, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming tech by empowering women.

• Aude Guo: Co-founder of Innovafeed, a startup reinventing nutrition through a circular agri-food chain.

• Audrey Tsang: Non-Executive Director of Clue, a leading FemTech company helping millions with reproductive health.

• BaoY Van Cong: Partner at Target Global, focusing on edtech and consumer industries.

• Briehan Burke: General Partner at Keen Venture Partners, championing diverse leadership in high-growth startups.

• Carlota Pi Amoros: Co-founder and Executive President of Holaluz, promoting a diverse team in the energy sector.

• Caroline Noublanche: Founder of Apricity, the world’s first virtual fertility startup.

• Caroline Plumb: Group CEO of Gravita, with a track record of building successful businesses.

• Charlotte Baumhauer: Investment Manager at SquareOne, backing tech companies influencing climate change.

• Chelsea Slater: CEO of InnovateHer, empowering young girls to pursue careers in tech.

• Cindi Lindsborg: Head of Business Support at Tyréns AB, experienced in strategy and innovation.

• Claire Novorol: Co-founder and CMO of Ada Health, transforming health outcomes through technology.

• Claudia de la Riva: CEO of Apolo Kids, an edtech startup motivating children through autonomous learning.

• Cristina Bentue: Co-founder and COO of IriusRisk, advocating for more girls in STEM.

• Cristina Fonseca: General Partner at Indico Capital Partners, supporting high-potential startups in AI and DeepTech.

• Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill: Olympian and founder of Jennis, a femtech startup focused on women’s health.

• Danila De Stefano: Founder and CEO of Unobravo, a mental health platform leading in Italy and Spain.

• Deepali Nangia: Partner at Speedinvest, advocating for female entrepreneurs.

• Diliara Lupenko: Co-founder of Impress, a leading orthodontic clinic chain in Europe.

• Ekaterina Almasque: General Partner at OpenOcean VC, advocating for women in venture capital.

• Eleanor Kaye: Board Member of Newton Venture Program, promoting diversity in venture investing.

• Erika de Santi: Co-founder of WeRoad, specializing in group adventure travel for millennials.

• Eva-Valerie Gfrerer: Founder of Morphais, investing in exceptional founders.

• Fariha Shah: Founder and CEO at Cominty, promoting diversity and inclusion in investment.

• Dr. Fiona Pathiraja: Partner at Crista Galli Ventures, committed to healthcare innovation.

• Francesca James: Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, championing entrepreneurial stories.

• Gina Domanig: CEO of Emerald, a leading VC firm focused on CleanTech.

• Grace Beverley: CEO and Founder of TALA and SHREDDY, recognized for her influence in retail and e-commerce.

• Hélène Falchier: Partner at Portage Ventures, backing innovative fintech companies.

• Hélène Huby: Founder of The Exploration Company, shaping sustainable space journeys.

• Inka Mero: Founder of Voima Ventures, focusing on purpose-driven startups.

• Itxaso del Palacio: General Partner at Notion, investing in B2B SaaS companies.

• Jacqueline Ruedin Rüsch: Founder of Privilège Management SA, supporting entrepreneurs.

• Jacqueline van den Ende: Founder of Carbon Equity, raising funds for impactful climate technology.

• Jane Reddin: Partner at AlbionVC, supporting enterprise and healthcare innovation.

• Janneke Niessen: Founding Partner at CapitalT, advocating for diversity in investment.

• Jenny Saft: Co-founder of Apryl, supporting employee fertility benefits.

• Jessica Holzbach: Founder & CEO of Pile, the first Neo Treasury in Europe.

• Joanna Torngren Redebran: Founder of Nyfikna, supporting early-stage startups in Sweden.

• Julia Bijaoui: Founder at Frichti and Climate House, with vast entrepreneurial experience.

• Julia Hawkins: General Partner at LocalGlobe & Latitude, focusing on health and creative industries.

• Karoli Hindriks: Founder at Jobbatical, recognized as one of Europe’s most inspiring women.

• Katharina Unger: CEO of LIVIN farms, revolutionizing protein production.

• Katrina Walker: Founder of CodeOp, addressing gender disparity in tech.

• Kerry Baldwin: Managing Partner of IQ Capital, with extensive VC experience.

• Kinga Stanislawska: Founder of European Women in VC, advocating for gender diversity.

• Laura Urquizu: CEO of Red Points, recognized for transforming business.

• Lena Hackelöer: Founder & CEO at Brite Payments, innovating in the payment space.

• Leila Maidane: Founder of Femmes Fieres, supporting women entrepreneurs.

• Lina Chong: Partner at HV Capital, focusing on SaaS and consumer products.

• Linnéa Kornehed Falck: Co-founder at Einride, championing sustainable shipping.

• Lisa Barclay: Executive Director of Nesta Impact Investments, passionate about impact investing.

• Lisa Carter: Founder of Discussion Box, uniting stakeholders for impactful conversations.

• Lubomila Jordanova: Founder and CEO of Plan A, focusing on carbon accounting.

• Luciana Lixandru: Partner at Sequoia Capital, investing in impactful founders.

• Lucile Cornet: Partner at Eight Roads, backing promising companies.

• Lupina Iturriaga: Founder of Fintonic, advocating for dynamic teams.

• Manon Sarah Littek: Founding General Partner at the Green Generation Fund, promoting food tech.

• Marcia Kilgore: Founder of Beauty Pie, revolutionizing the beauty industry.

• Margo Polishchuk: Co-founder and President of proSapient, delivering actionable intelligence.

• Marie-Helene Ametsreiter: General Partner at Speedinvest, advocating for diversity.

• Mariya Gabriel: Former Deputy Prime Minister of Bulgaria, focusing on innovation and education.

• Marta Krupinska: CEO & Co-Founder of CUR8, tackling carbon removal solutions.

• Melanie Gabriel: Co-founder of Yokoy, leveraging AI in fintech.

• Merit Valdsalu: Early employee at Pipedrive, now driving corporate environmental action.

• Mette Lykke: Founder of TooGoodToGo, combating food waste.

• Michaela Jeffery-Morrison: Managing Director of the Women in Technology World Series.

• Miriam Wohlfarth: Serial entrepreneur transforming the lending industry.

• Montse-Suarez: Founder of IRIS Ventures, with a distinguished career in VC.

• Namrata Sandhu: Co-founder and CEO of Vaayu, focusing on sustainability.

• Nana Addison: Founder and CEO at Styleindi & CURL CON, advocating for inclusivity.

• Nicola McClafferty: Partner at Molten Ventures, founder of Covetique.

• Nora Bavey: General Partner at Unconventional Ventures, supporting diverse founders.

• Nikita Thakrar: Co-Founder & CEO of Included VC, democratizing access to venture capital.

• Paulina Jänsch: Founding partner at Leanox Impact Capital, championing sustainability.

• Rachel Delacour: Founder of Sweep, combating climate change through technology.

• Rafaela Andrade: Partner at Mundi Ventures, supporting inclusive startups.

• Raja Skogland: Angel investor and founder of The Visionary Company.

• Roberta Lucca: Co-founder of Bossa Studios, a BAFTA-winning games developer.

• Roxanne Varza: Director of Station F, a global startup campus in Paris.

• Sana Afouaiz: Gender expert and advocate for women’s rights.

• Sara Resvik: Early-stage investor and partner at Endeit Capital.

• Sarah Barber: Managing Partner of Jenson Funding Partners, supporting startups.

• Selma Prodanovic: Influential speaker and investor in Europe’s startup ecosystem.

• Shrestha Chowdhury: Co-Founder and CTO at Razor, a Berlin-based unicorn.

• Simone Brummelhuis: Founding Partner at the Borski Fund, investing in diversity.

• Sophie Hersan: Co-founder of Vestiaire Collective, promoting sustainable fashion.

• Talia Rafaeli: General Partner at KOMPAS, focusing on sustainability in tech.

• Vera Elizabeth Baker: Partner at 4P Capital, driving positive change through investment.

• Vivienne Hsu: Co-founder and CEO of Anasbasis Partners, mentoring women in fintech.

• Yonca Braeckman: Founder and CEO of Impact Shakers, supporting inclusive entrepreneurship.

• Yvonne Bajela: Partner at LocalGlobe, investing in underrepresented entrepreneurs.

The contributions of these remarkable women are vital in reshaping the landscape of startups and venture capital in Europe. Their leadership and innovation not only pave the way for future generations but also challenge the status quo, ensuring that gender equality becomes a reality sooner rather than later.

To stay updated on Europe’s entrepreneurial stories, tech events, and funding opportunities, consider joining the EU-Startups CLUB!