In the wake of every international women’s day (IWD), new data are issued for gender inequality in technology. Often, the findings are discouraging.
This week, one report estimated that female founders in Europe provided only 12% of last year’s total VC funds. Another calculated that by view women -led Deep technology firms over the last decade cost the economy 198.8bn €.
However, there are reasons for optimism. One is that the investment landscape is showing signs of progress. According to the Women’s Innovation Index, last year there was a 7% increase in round size and a 15% increase in M&A activity for women -founded technology firms.
Another source of hope is the transformative technologies that emerge from their companies. As IWD approaches, we spoke to the four women pushing strong innovations to the birthplace of TNW, the Netherlands, for their work – and why the technology sector should do more for gender equality.
Anne Berends, co -founder and CTO on Sunled Life Science
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Anne Berends has a rare mix of academic expertise and nous business. As a material scientist and the Dutch program director led by Pioneer Seaborough, she proved a compelling hypothesis: infrared light could improve our health and well -being.
Under its observation, the idea grew into a scientific program and eventually a new spin-off: Sunled Life Science. As co -founder and CTO, Berends forms the company’s technological and strategic direction.
Berends makes a powerful opportunity for encouraging women in technology.
“Half the population is female, and girls are constantly overcoming boys at school,” she says. “The reality is that while there are countless women with excellent, entrepreneurial ideas, they remain under the world of startup. This is not just a matter of diversity; it is a lost opportunity. When female founders are rare, valuable innovation and economic potential are left untapped.”
To really bring out this secret talent, entry financing needs to be improved.
“Time time for VCs and [private equity] Firms to recognize this and actively invest in the next generation of women-led enterprises-because the talent is there, waiting to be unlocked. “
Kiki Lauwers, CEO in Thorizon
As beers, kiki lauwers has a glow Youth of business and science Credentials. She has a master’s degree in Space Engineering from Delft University and an Insad.
After working in McKinsey, the retailer on the Internet Bol.com, and the audiovisual technology firm cinely, she joined the Deep Tech Scaleup Skeleup as CEO in 2023. The company is developing a nuclear reactor with an unusual energy source: Salt Molten. Access can create a combination of dreams of secure, durable and green nuclear energy.
Lauwers sees the two sides in her position as a woman leader in technology.
“Being” different “has its advantages-people remember you, and with panels with all the men who fade, I have more opportunities to talk. But I also have to fight prejudices. I’m not here because I’m a woman; I’m here despite this,” she says.
“Everyone, I push against the prejudices that I am less technical, smart, persistent or experienced. In a recent interview I was quoted as’ Belgian woman, and my peer was cited as’ Delft Engineer ‘. Peter. “
Beyond ethical issues, Lauwers emphasizes the business issue for greater equality.
“Europe’s deep technology sector needs all the talent they can get, which means encouraging more women to follow the stem and highlight engineering role models,” she says. “I’m proud to have Thorizon has over 30% female employees.”
Esther Bisschop, co -founder of Th3rd
Esther Bisschop is an entrepreneur with a gift for stories. She placed these skills to return her start – Th3rd – in a global leader on the 3D scan software.
Th3rd digital models quickly became a hit with clothing brands. Social media giants also recognized the impact. In 2022, SNAP won the Amsterdam -based business as part of an impetus to put gold into the e -commerce.
Bisschop points to the social benefits of diversity in technology.
“The most pressing challenges in the world will not be resolved by some elected, they seek all of us. To build a better future, we need the founders of genders, backgrounds, ages and cultures to promote innovation,” she says.
“Investing in the founding women is not just about justice, it is about unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurship.”
Lea Milovich, CEO and co -founder in Flowbeams
Lea Milovich has over 15 years of experience as a senior business developer manager, team lead and starting coach. In 2023, she added “founder” to her wide list of professional achievements.
The company she built – Flowbeams – began with the idea of removing tattoos without needles. concept evolutionary In a non-invasive injection system for cosmetic and pharmaceutical treatments.
Milovich highlights the benefits of being a woman leader.
“Being a female founder means navigating unexplored waters with hidden and declared prejudices. However, for me it has brought a unique perspective where resistance pushes much stronger innovations, ”she says.
“I really believe that, to unlock the potential of the technology ecosystem, we must actively invest in bold and excellent women who are ready to endanger their time and reputation, not as a gesture, but as a strategic imperative.”
This year’s TNW Conference contains a women’s ticket in technology. The passage provides 50% off event deduction, which takes place on June 19-20 in Amsterdam.
TNW is also expecting a lunch of a founding woman on March 15. You can sign up here to participate.