Who We Are
Supernovas is a pan-European programme powered by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), with the mission to increase the number of women-led startups and female investors across Europe. Through a combination of education, networking, and community-building, Supernovas supports both women entrepreneurs and investors at key stages of their journey.
As part of this mission, Supernovas has launched the Supernovas Community—a dedicated network that connects women online and offline across both established and emerging innovation hubs. The Community is designed to foster strategic collaboration, shared expertise, and professional growth among female venture capitalists, angel investors, and ecosystem leaders.
“Our mission is to build a robust, high-impact community that reflects the full potential of Europe’s innovation economy—by amplifying the presence and power of women that are reshaping Europe’s investment landscape and innovation economy” – Ana I. Alcaine, EIT Community Project Manager
What We Do
The Supernovas Investors Community brings together women investors across Europe through both city-based and cross-border engagement. It offers members curated access to high-potential deal flow, relevant industry insights, and exclusive resources that support informed investment and shared learning.
In addition to fostering peer connections, the Community emphasizes professional growth and visibility within Europe’s innovation ecosystem. Members benefit from their proximity to the broader EIT network, gaining access to opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, food, and urban mobility, connected to and supported by EIT KICs, as well as collaboration with trusted Supernovas partners.
Why We Exist
Women are underrepresented in the investment world—but we’re changing that. Supernovas exists to foster professional growth, accelerate career trajectories, and amplify the collective impact of women investors through access, collaboration, and a high-impact ecosystem. We believe in the power of community to create structural change and shape a more inclusive future in innovation and finance.
Despite progress, the data remains stark: only 15% of deep tech startups in Europe are founded or co-founded by women. Just 2% of venture capital goes to all-female founding teams. On the investment side, 85% of VC investment committees remain all-male, and only 13% of partners in VC firms are women.
This imbalance is not just a missed opportunity—it’s a structural gap in how innovation is funded, built, and scaled. Supernovas works to close that gap by helping to build the next generation of women-led startups and increasing female presence both in VC and as business angels.
This work supports long-term systemic change. By empowering women to lead as investors, Supernovas helps expand both the scope of what gets funded – and who gets the opportunity to build the future.
Women in Venture – Join Us!
We invite you to join the Supernovas Community! Tap into a high-value network, advance your professional goals and investment strategy. Through networking and leadership, members are supported in growing their influence by a broader community. Combined with the resources of the EIT ecosystem, Supernovas is your launchpad for meaningful opportunities and long-term success in the investment space.
Join our community on Slack and let’s redefine investment across Europe.
Partner With Us
Supernovas openly partner with other Communities, VCs and organisations across Europe to work collaboratively towards our mission – to build an ambitious and supportive community that fosters diversity, innovation and growth among women in the sector.
Voices from the Community
Sigrún Jenný
City Ambassador – Reykjavik, Iceland
What does being part of the EIT Supernovas community mean to you as an investor?
Being part of this community provides me with a valuable network for collaboration with fellow women investors. It has granted me access to online investment forums, where I have the opportunity to listen to pitches from female-led startups. Additionally, it has connected me with investment groups such as Business Angels in Health Europe, which organizes pitch sessions specifically for female-led ventures, effectively expanding my pipeline of potential investment deal flow.
How has the community helped you grow professionally?
This community has significantly expanded my professional investment network. I’ve established connections with numerous colleagues in the global investment arena, which has been incredibly enriching.
Why should other women consider joining Supernovas?
I highly recommend that other women consider joining Supernovas to broaden their professional networks and engage with a more extensive and diverse community. This will open up opportunities to share deal flow and collaborate with a wider range of professionals.
Andra Stanciu
City Ambassador – Paris, France
What does being part of the EIT Supernovas community mean to you as an investor?
Breaking into the investment world is notoriously difficult—especially if, like me, you come from a non-traditional background. As an architect turned VC, Supernovas opened a different door: one where I met an incredible community of women from diverse industries who reminded me that having a unique perspective is actually a strength. The richness of this network is invaluable—not only for the support it offers, but for the insights it brings. I know I can always reach out to this community to learn about other markets and sectors, which is a huge asset in the investment world.
How has the community helped you grow professionally?
Supernovas offers high-quality training that covers both technical and soft skills—everything from deal structuring to negotiation and communication. What really stands out is that these sessions are led by industry professionals who genuinely care and stay involved. Many of them became long-term allies who continue to support and mentor us well beyond the formal programme.
Why should other women consider joining Supernovas?
Supernovas is more than a programme—it’s a growing, supportive ecosystem of women shaping the future of investment. What makes it powerful is the diversity of its participants: women coming from healthcare, education, food systems, housing, tech—you name it. By joining, you don’t just get access to knowledge and opportunities, you gain a platform to help build the world you want to see. Whether it’s fairer access to housing, better health outcomes for women, or more inclusive cities, this is a space where women can back what matters to them—and grow while doing it.
Benedetta Mariani
City Ambassador – Berlin, Germany
How has the community helped you grow professionally?
Two key takeaways for me were knowledge exposure and connection. During the VC Academy, I had the opportunity to explore a wide range of new topics and enhance my skills. Moreover, engaging in discussions with other fellows and experienced investors deepened my understanding of the space and contributed significantly to my growth.
What does being part of the EIT Supernovas community mean to you?
Being part of Supernovas constantly reminds me that human capital is the core of the industry. The community means a chance for me to create a Europe-wide network, just a click away and have a strong support system.
Why should other women consider joining Supernovas?
Communities, allies, and support systems are critical in a career. If you’re looking to develop not only your technical skills but also your perspective and sense of community, this is the place for you. You’ll gain access to knowledge and networks that extend beyond your city, country, and seniority level. Here, asking questions and embracing new approaches are not only accepted but also valued.
Serena Leka
City Ambassador – Copenhagen, Denmark
What does being part of the EIT Supernovas community mean to you as an investor?
To me, Supernovas is so much more than a network. It’s a space where we lift each other up while investing for the future. Being part of it means sharing insights, stories, and lessons learned in real time. It’s a place to connect with other brilliant minds and to build our own paths as investors. I’d say to any woman curious about getting started with us: Supernovas means joining a movement that breaks barriers and lights up possibilities.
Charlotte Josam
City Ambassador – Brussels, Belgium
What does being part of the EIT Supernovas community mean to you as an investor?
Itmeans being part of a safe, supportive space where I can learn from and exchange ideas with peers, while gaining valuable insights into the investment landscape.
How has the community helped you grow professionally?
Through the Supernovas Fellowship Programme, I had the opportunity to attend regular sessions with experienced professionals from various VC firms. This experience significantly deepened my understanding of the venture capital world.
Why should other women consider joining Supernovas?
Supernovas is an empowering community that unites people committed to shaping a more equitable investment and innovation ecosystem. It offers an environment for learning, connection, and personal growth.