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Inspiringfifty 2024

Klecha & Co. supports InspiringFifty, a European mentorship program dedicated to women in tech: Italian applications close on May 15th

The growth of women's presence in the technology sectors continues, but it remains limited.

Today, globally, 1 out of 4 startup founders is a woman1, but Europe still lags behind: although women make up 51% of the European population, they represent only 14.8% of startup entrepreneurs2. This percentage drops further when looking at Italy where, despite funding opportunities and specific objectives of the PNRR, female-led startups increased from 13.2% in 2021 to 13.7% in 20233.

Good news, however, on the European front in terms of funding for startups founded by women: 2023 was a record year for capital raised, accounting for 22.8% of total Venture Capital funding, and this trend is expected to continue into 20244. Female-led unicorns in Europe also grew, from 11.4% in 2021 to 15% in 20235.

Klecha & Co. supports gender equality, which was already achieved in 2023 and surpassed in 2024 by the investment bank. Since 2018, they have been supporting InspiringFifty, a global initiative launched by digital entrepreneurs Janneke Niessen and Joelle Frijters, now led by the EQL:HER network.


1 Statista
2 Istituto europeo di innovazione e tecnologia
3 Rome Business School
4 Fortune
5 Eurostat

The aim of the project is to contribute to gender diversity in the world of technology by involving and supporting women entrepreneurs, managers, influencers, researchers, and representatives from institutions who have distinguished themselves not only as excellence in the tech and innovation world but also for their commitment to promoting gender equality.

Nominations

Nominations

Until May 15, 2024, it is possible to apply or nominate your role model.

After that date, the applications will be reviewed by a jury, composed of prominent figures from the entrepreneurial, economic, and academic worlds, who will select the new 50 Italian role models for their ability to inspire, lead, and make a significant difference in the technological and innovation landscape.

In detail, the initiative aims to identify and reward 50 tech role models every year: the 2024 edition, following those of 2018 and 2021, is the third dedicated to Italy.

The new Italian role models will be awarded in Milan on September 7, 2024.