- You’ve been an angel investor for years. From your experience, what are the biggest misconceptions people—especially women—have about becoming an angel
I firmly believe that women make exceptional business angels, which is why I refer to them as “Angelinas.” Their unique perspective on business brings valuable insights, yet many women do not choose this path—often due to the multiple roles they navigate. For those still actively engaged in their careers, the business angel role tends to come last, following responsibilities as entrepreneurs, mothers, wives, and friends.
However, this dynamic is changing. Women today are more empowered than ever, increasingly eager to take control of their investment decisions and achieve outstanding results. One of the key barriers preventing women from stepping into angel investing is often a lack of self-recognition as capable investors, along with unfamiliarity with the investment process itself. As awareness and confidence grow, I am optimistic that more women will embrace their potential as business angels, bringing diversity and innovation to the investment landscape.
- What, in your opinion, are the practical steps that will actually move the needle for women investors—both at the national and European levels?
There are two essential steps in fostering women’s participation in investment. The first is to cultivate a strong network of support among women—facilitating peer connections, knowledge sharing, and mentorship. The second is to ensure equal access to investment opportunities by providing the necessary tools, resources, and platforms. Women are not a novelty in this space; if they were once considered “black sheep,” they are now an integral part of the investment landscape. What they need is not special treatment, but the same opportunities and instruments to navigate and succeed in the world of investing.
- Instead of creating separate spaces for women investors, how do we ensure they are fully integrated into the broader investment landscape while still addressing existing barriers?
Knowledge, knowledge, and more knowledge—this is the cornerstone of true empowerment. It is the most effective driver of confidence and capability. As a result, women gain the opportunity to actively participate in investment, fostering greater inclusion and long-term success in the field.
- There’s a lot of talk about women supporting women. In your view, what’s the right way to do this in angel investing without it becoming just a feel-good initiative but bringing concrete results?
I believe that women supporting women is valuable up to a certain point; however, when it comes to serious investment, diversity in teams is essential. Initiatives that foster female empowerment are beneficial, but they should remain tools for progress rather than evolve into exclusive movements that hinder broader collaboration. The distinction is subtle but important.
At the same time, women should not wait for permission or an invitation to enter the investment space—they should step in with confidence. In the end, investment is about results, and success comes from taking initiative and actively engaging in the process.
- Do you think the way we talk about women in investing is sometimes counterproductive? What narratives need to change?
Perhaps some responsibility also lies with us—we must move away from positioning ourselves as fundamentally different, as if we come from another world. The reality is, we do not. However, the way women perceive challenges, assess teams, recognize nuances, and trust their instincts is invaluable and irreplaceable.
Women have proven to be highly successful entrepreneurs, particularly in sectors such as IT, B2C, healthcare, and finance. Notably, the UK leads in supporting female-led companies through funding at Series C and earlier stages, followed by Spain, France, Germany, and Sweden. In Sweden, women dominate the IT sector, accounting for 92% of business value within the industry.
The real objective is not just increasing female participation but reshaping the broader investment ecosystem within each country. The markets that are making the most progress have implemented meaningful changes across key areas, including:
- Cultural Sensitivity & Public Policy: Shaping societal norms and governmental support structures.
- Corporate Management: Encouraging diverse leadership and inclusive business practices.
- Ecosystem Maturity & Venture Capital: Strengthening the investment landscape for women-led businesses.
- Targeted Financial Policies & Initiatives: Creating specific funding mechanisms to foster female entrepreneurship.
By focusing on these fundamental shifts, we can drive sustainable progress and ensure that women continue to thrive in investment and entrepreneurship.
- If there’s one thing you wish more women in business or leadership roles would start doing today to change the investment landscape, what would it be?
More women need to take the leap and lead companies—not only in traditional or craft-based industries (which are valuable in their own right) but also in high-growth, entrepreneurial ventures. Building and scaling a successful business is a natural pathway to becoming a business angel, enabling women to reinvest their expertise and capital into the next generation of entrepreneurs. Ultimately, it all comes down to perspective—and ours is one of success.
- In a male-dominated sector like angel investing, what role should men be playing in driving meaningful change? And how do we move beyond surface-level support to ensure they take action in all aspects of their professional and personal lives?
It’s simple—give women the opportunity to lead, and the results will speak for themselves. There’s no need for hesitation; we are not to be feared, but we are certainly capable of making an impact. When women are empowered, they succeed. And if opportunities are not given, they must be taken. Dare to lead!