Dutch technology leaders urge for more robust support for women entrepreneurs.

      In the lead-up to every International Women’s Day (IWD), new statistics regarding gender inequality in technology are unveiled. Often, the results are disheartening. This week, one report indicated that only 12% of last year's total venture capital funding in Europe went to female founders. Another report estimated that neglecting women-led deep tech companies over the last decade resulted in an economic loss of €198.8 billion.

      However, there are also grounds for optimism. One reason is that the investment environment is beginning to show signs of advancement. The Female Innovation Index reported a 7% increase in round sizes and a 15% rise in mergers and acquisitions for tech companies founded by women last year.

      Another encouraging factor is the groundbreaking technologies being developed by these women. As we approach IWD, we interviewed four women driving significant innovations in TNW's home country, the Netherlands, about their work and the need for greater gender equity in the tech sector.

      Anne Berends, co-founder and CTO of SunLED Life Science, possesses a unique combination of academic knowledge and business acumen. As a materials scientist and program director at Dutch LED innovator Seaborough, she validated a key hypothesis: that near-infrared light can enhance our health and well-being. Under her guidance, this idea evolved into a new spin-off: SunLED Life Science, where she influences the technological and strategic direction as co-founder and CTO. Berends strongly advocates for supporting women in tech.

      “Half of the population is female, and girls consistently outperform boys academically,” she states. “The truth is that while numerous women have exceptional entrepreneurial ideas, they remain underrepresented in the startup landscape. This is more than just a diversity issue; it's a missed opportunity. When female founders are scarce, significant innovation and economic potential go unrealized.” She argues that to unlock this talent, access to funding must improve.

      “It’s time for venture capitalists and private equity firms to acknowledge this and actively invest in the next generation of women-led ventures—because the talent is waiting to be tapped.”

      Kiki Lauwers, CEO of Thorizon, similarly has an impressive background in business and science. She holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Delft University of Technology and an MBA from INSEAD. After roles at McKinsey, online retailer bol.com, and audiovisual firm Kinly, she became the CEO of deep-tech scale-up Thorizon in 2023. The company is working on a nuclear reactor that utilizes an unconventional power source: molten salt, aiming for sustainable and green nuclear energy.

      Lauwers experiences both advantages and challenges as a woman leader in tech.

      “Being ‘different’ has its perks—people remember you, and with all-male panels becoming less common, I have more chances to speak. But I also contend with biases. I’m not here because I’m a woman; I’m here in spite of it,” she explains. “Every day, I confront assumptions that I am less technical, smart, persistent, or experienced. In a recent interview, I was referenced as the ‘Belgian woman,’ while my peer was simply called the ‘engineer from Delft.’ I am an engineer with an MBA and extensive management experience, yet I sometimes wonder if it would be easier to secure funding if my name were Peter.”

      In addition to the ethical considerations, Lauwers underscores the business rationale for increased equality.

      “Europe’s deep tech sector needs all available talent, which means encouraging more women to enter STEM fields and showcasing engineering role models.” She expresses pride in Thorizon employing over 30% women.

      Esther Bisschop, co-founder of Th3rd, is an entrepreneur skilled in storytelling. She applied these skills to propel her startup—Th3rd—into a global leader in 3D scanning software. Th3rd's digital models gained popularity among clothing brands, and social media giants recognized the technology's potential. In 2022, Snap acquired the Amsterdam-based company to integrate AR into e-commerce.

      Bisschop discusses the societal advantages of diversity in technology.

      “The most urgent challenges facing the world cannot be tackled by a select few; they require collective efforts. To create a better future, we need founders of various genders, backgrounds, ages, and cultures to drive innovation,” she states. “Investing in women founders does not only promote fairness; it unlocks the full entrepreneurial potential.”

      Lea Milovich, CEO and co-founder of FlowBeams, brings over 15 years of experience as a senior business development manager, team leader, and startup coach. In 2023, she also became a founder. FlowBeams began with the concept of removing tattoos without needles and evolved into a non-invasive injection system for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.

      Milovich emphasizes the advantages of being a woman in leadership.

      “Being a female founder means exploring uncharted territories filled with both obvious and implicit biases. Yet, this