Every year, Women2Invest receives applications from talented women across Europe who are eager to break into the world of venture capital. While many candidates have impressive backgrounds and strong potential, there are a few common mistakes that can significantly impact the evaluation process.
If you are planning to apply to Women2Invest, here are five important recommendations to help you submit a stronger and more competitive application.
Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria
Before starting your application, carefully review the programme requirements. Women2Invest is specifically designed for women with a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM).
In addition, applicants must come from eligible European Union or Horizon Europe countries. You can consult the official list of associated countries here: Horizon Europe associated countries. Applications that do not meet these requirements unfortunately cannot move forward in the evaluation process, regardless of motivation or professional achievements.
Taking a few minutes to double-check eligibility can save valuable time and help ensure your application receives proper consideration.
Clearly expain your motivation for entering venture capital
One of the most important aspects of the application is your motivation.
Women2Invest is looking for candidates who genuinely want to gain their first experience in venture capital and investment ecosystems. The evaluation committee carefully reviews how applicants explain:
- why they want to enter VC
- what drives their interest in investment
- how they hope to contribute to the ecosystem
- what they aim to learn from the programme
Strong applications usually include authentic and concrete motivations rather than generic statements.
“It is just as important to have women founding startups and building businesses with pioneering technologies as it is to have women making investment decisions and sitting on key investment committees. Europe needs both sides of the coin to be fully active, and that is precisely what Supernovas aims to achieve,” said Celia Alija Pérez, Supernovas Project Manager.
Women2Invest is designed for first-time investors
The programme is intended for women who are taking their first steps into the investment world.
If you already work professionally in venture capital, private equity, or investment roles with significant hands-on experience, the programme may not be the right fit. The selection process prioritises candidates who are looking to gain foundational exposure and practical learning opportunities in the VC ecosystem for the first time.
Being transparent about your level of experience is extremely important during the evaluation process. For experienced investors, check out our programmes, VC Academy and Business Angel Academy.
Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and aligned with your application
Your LinkedIn profile matters more than many applicants realise.
During the evaluation process, LinkedIn is often used as a real-time professional profile to verify educational background, work experience, achievements, and ecosystem involvement mentioned in the application form.
Applications may raise concerns when:
- studies or work experiences mentioned in the application do not appear on LinkedIn
- dates are inconsistent
- profiles are incomplete or outdated
- professional information cannot be easily validated
Before submitting your application, make sure your LinkedIn profile accurately reflects the information included in your application.
Be specific, thoughtful and authentic
The strongest applications are often those that combine both a polished presentation and genuine motivation.
The evaluation committee values applicants who clearly communicate:
- their ambitions
- their curiosity
- their long-term goals
- their interest in contributing to more inclusive investment ecosystems
Take time to reflect before answering the application questions. Specific examples, honest motivations and a clear vision for your future in investment often stand out far more than generic responses.
The evaluation committee can usually recognise when motivations rely too heavily on AI-generated or overly templated language. While it is completely fine to use tools for inspiration or proofreading, we strongly encourage applicants to write their answers in their own voice and focus on authentic experiences, reflections and goals. Genuine applications are often the most memorable.
Final thoughts
Women2Invest is a unique opportunity to access practical, hands-on and immersive learning in venture capital through live online sessions, case studies, applied assignments, simulated investment processes and collaborative group work.
If you are a woman with a STEAM background who is passionate about entering the world of investment and contributing to the future of Europe’s innovation ecosystem, we encourage you to prepare your application carefully and authentically communicate your motivation, ambitions and goals.
Make sure to review all eligibility requirements and submit your application before 7 June 2026 at 23:59 CEST.
