The European Investment Landscape is witnessing a transformative wave, thanks in large part to the pioneering efforts of female investors. Despite the historical underrepresentation of women in finance and investment, recent trends indicate a growing number of women aiming to increase their investments.
A 2022 survey by German neobank N26 across Austria, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy reveals that while European women currently invest 29% less than men on average, nearly two-thirds are keen on increasing their investments in the coming year.
Here, we spotlight 10 female investors in Europe who are driving significant change and opening up more opportunities for female professionals in finance.
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Reshma Sohoni
As the managing partner of European seed fund Seedcamp, Reshma Sohoni has significantly contributed to the region’s tech scene since co-founding Seedcamp in 2007. Her early investments in companies like UiPath, which achieved a $35B valuation upon listing, have led to several unicorns including Revolut, Wefox, and Sorare. Sohoni was honored with an MBE from the Queen of England in 2021 for her contributions to the British tech ecosystem.
Verena Pausder
Verena Pausder, founder of Fox & Sheep GmbH and HABA Digital GmbH, is dedicated to ensuring equal access to digital education for all children. Leading Fox & Sheep, Germany’s largest children’s app developer, Pausder’s commitment to the future of digital education is evident. She also founded StartupTeens and the Ladies Dinners startup network, and initiated the tech conference TheKidsWantMobile.
Julia Hawkins
Julia Hawkins, a Partner at LocalGlobe, brings a wealth of experience from her roles at Goldman Sachs, Last.fm, BBC Worldwide, and Universal Music. Specializing in mission-driven founders, Hawkins has a keen interest in consumer, entertainment, media, and health tech sectors. She also serves as a Board Trustee of Shwachman Diamond Syndrome UK.
Christina Caljé
Christina Caljé, following the acquisition of her video marketing technology company Autheos, is addressing the funding gap for underrepresented founders in Europe. Recognized as one of the Netherlands’ most inspiring women in tech, Caljé is committed to societal improvement areas such as financial empowerment, energy transition, and climate protection.
Annalise Dragic
As a partner at Sapphire Ventures, Annalise Dragic focuses on investing in Series B through pre-IPO B2B companies, particularly in fintech and B2B SaaS. Before joining Sapphire Ventures, Dragic worked at LinkedIn, Morgan Stanley, and Atomico, advocating for gender diversity in venture capital.
Deepali Nangia
Deepali Nangia, an angel investor and Partner at Speedinvest, is dedicated to fostering diversity in the investment space. With investments in PensionBee, Unlock, Adia Health, and Polipop, Nangia supports underrepresented founders. She co-founded the Alma Angels community to increase female investors in Europe.
Ashley Lundström
Ashley Lundström, a member of EQT Partners’ ventures team, brings expertise in physical sciences and business. Passionate about consumer-grade experiences, Lundström invests in companies like Instabox, Anyfin, CodeSandbox, and Varjo, focusing on consumer internet and SMB sectors.
Sonali De Rycker
Sonali De Rycker, a managing partner at Accel since 2008, has led investments in European unicorns like Spotify, Avito, Primer, Soldo, and Hopin. De Rycker has significantly impacted the consumer internet, software, and fintech sectors, shaping the European investment landscape.
Rana Yared
Rana Yared, managing director at Goldman Sachs, leads investments in financial technology, impacting market structure strategies and technology asset commercialization. She serves on various boards and committees, actively shaping the future of fintech.
Fiona Pathiraja
Fiona Pathiraja, managing partner at Crista Galli Ventures, leverages her medical expertise to invest in healthtech startups. An advocate for female empowerment, Pathiraja supports female founders, focusing on deep tech, digital health, chronic disease management, and personalized medicine.
These visionary female investors are not only reshaping the European investment scene but also paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse financial landscape.
