Women2Invest, one of Supernovas’ flagship programmes, continues to empower women with a background in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) to explore career opportunities in venture capital. Following one of its most recent editions, several participants shared how the programme helped shape their professional path.
From Stockholm to Paris, the impact of Women2Invest is reflected in the career moves, internships and growing confidence of its participants. Here are some of their reflections on what the programme meant to them:
Today, I work for the leading startup incubator SSE Business Lab and its VC fund, SSE Ventures. Finding the role I have today was the result of a year-long process consisting of hundreds of applications, hard work, and countless rejections. The one constant during this process was the Women2Invest program.
The program helped me not only meet exceedingly bright women, but also gave me the perspective on the VC landscape I needed to find my way to the dream role I have today. I got a global view on different VC models, honest insights into how the industry works, and learnings that I will carry with me for the rest of my career.
Elsa Giolito (Sweden)
Women2Invest gave me a solid VC overview, expanded my network, and opened new career paths. It’s been instrumental in my journey.
Lu Zheng
The Women2Invest program was a fantastic opportunity, and it enriched my individual career development by providing me with the skill set necessary to make valuable contributions to the venture capital investment process, while showing me ways how to leverage my scientific background in the space. It has opened doors to be involved in different initiatives and networks while I continue to develop my career as a scientist with a strong interest in entrepreneurship. And even more important, it allowed me to build countless connections with fantastic, ambitious women from all over Europe.
I recommend Women2Invest to any women who wants to be part of developing the European technology innovation ecosystem.
Anja Ehrmann (Denmark)
Looking back, I know that being part of the W2I 2023 cohort was a bold power move towards a career/future that I deeply wanted
Abigail Forson (Netherlands)
Women2Invest was the first time I was a part of an interactive program in venture capital. I was lucky to be a part of it with such bright and motivated women from the STEAM scientific fields. EIT gave us the opportunity to learn from the best in the world across a wide range of industries, which personally helped me understand what my contribution can be once I defend my thesis this year. I am beyond thrilled to start my internship with Sofinnova Partners in Paris in November, it will be an exciting first step into the world of venture capital.
Ivana Trivunovic (France)
I applied to join W2I at the end of my Master’s in Sustainability Management. I knew that to become a sustainable finance expert I needed investing experience. By supporting startups, venture capital provides the most valuable contribution to the kind of businesses that drive sustainable development. What W2I offers is thorough venture capital training coupled with the support of an incredible community. If you’re currently speculating on taking the leap I can tell you that it is 100% worth the effort.
Josephine Nyemenim (Italy)
After trying in my own way to get a foot in the door in VC, W2I provided me a springboard. It was a great crash course in understanding the basics of the VC industry. The best part I would say were the casual drop-ins by successful VCs talking to us about their journey, experiences, their thought process and preferences. AMAs from Victoria were the highlight!
Shruti Kuber (Germany)
Being part of the Women2Invest program from EIT Supernovas has been a transformative journey for me. I’m immensely grateful for this platform that champions women, offering not just invaluable knowledge and practical skills, but also the chance to connect with an incredible community. These connections have been pivotal, leading me to a venture capital firm in my sector, a dream I’ve cherished. The program has exceeded my expectations, enriching my professional path in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I am beyond satisfied and look forward to leveraging these new opportunities to their fullest potential.
Maria Costa (Portugal)
I am deeply grateful and satisfied to have participated in Women2Invest program. It is a high-quality, very practical and oriented training for women in the steam field to start their career in the VC industry.
I would highlight that apart from all the theoretical learning; the development and methodology of the program invite you to reflect on your professional strengths and thus be able to find the opportunity where your profile contributes differential value to the ecosystem.
Finally, the group made up of participants, speakers and guests accompanied me in the first steps of this career path, becoming a valuable network of contacts always willing to help, guide and support us.
Nuria Carrillo (Spain)
I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in the EIT Women2Invest program which helped advance my skills in VC. The program offered a very well-structured course on venture capital, covering everything from deal sourcing and due diligence to term sheet negotiation and exit strategies. The program also connected me with a network of inspiring mentors and fellow W2I participants. These are some seriously impressive women, and I’m so grateful for the chance to learn from them and build new relationships. I am looking forward to give back and share my experience with W2I alumni and new cohort participants!
Evangelia Tzika (Germany)
Inspired by their journeys?
Applications are now open for the next edition of Women2Invest.
If you have a STEAM background and are curious about venture capital, this is your chance to join a growing community of women shaping the future of innovation in Europe.