Women-led startups have grown in Europe, but they still capture a small share of funding

Breakfast&Learn with WA4STEAM

Only 10 % of startups in Europe have been founded exclusively by women and these companies have attracted only 2 % of total funding. However, between 2022 and 2025 , startups led by women or mixed teams grew by 13 % , confirming the key role of female talent in the future of innovation.

With the aim of reflecting on this challenge and providing tools to improve access to capital, the TECSAM Network , in collaboration with WA4STEAM (Women Angels for STEAM), has organized a Breakfast & Learn focused on how to prepare innovative projects and access financing . During the session, Blanca Ochoa, co – founder of WA4STEAM and member of the Executive Committee, shared the operation and impact of this investment community born in Spain in 2018, which has currently reached 170 investment partners.

Beyond funding, WA4STEAM members have provided seed capital , mentored projects and become strategic shareholders of women – led start – ups in the STEAM field .

Since its creation , the community has invested 3.8 million euros , participated in 71 financing rounds and promoted 27 STEAM startups founded by women , consolidating a network of investment and support that contributes to transforming the innovation ecosystem.

You can watch the video of the session here