WomenINvestEU

Welcome to WomenINvestEU Toolbox

Looking to explore gender-focused investing in Europe?
You’re in the right place!

The WomenINvestEU Toolbox is your go-to resource to learn how you can become part of a growing network to increase women’s access to equity investment and boost innovation across Europe. Whether you're just starting or looking to sharpen your knowledge, this toolbox is designed to support your journey. Here’s what you can do:

Understand the landscape – Get the latest data and insights on Angel and Venture Capital (VC) investing, and why more women investors are essential for boosting Europe's innovation economy.
Learn from experience – Watch real stories from women investors about how they got started and what they’ve gained.
Discover your potential – Take a short questionnaire to explore whether Angel or VC investing fits your profile and motivation.
Break the myths – Get clear, practical guidance on what it really takes to invest ‒ and what it doesn’t.
Boost your knowledge – Dive into the A–Z Webinars and master the essentials of gender-smart investing.

Why is it important to invest?

Women-led businesses and female investors still face significant barriers in securing funding.

A large gender gap exists, with women entrepreneurs receiving far less investment than their male counterparts and fewer women holding investment roles. By investing in women, you are not only supporting promising and innovative businesses, but also contributing to the development of a more inclusive and diverse investment landscape.

Sources: BAE WA4E Opportunities and Barriers for Women Angel Investing, State of European Angels
Sources: Level 20 European Diversity Report 2024, Pitchbook 2024 report

Are you interested in becoming an investor to help more women access equity investment to build and grow successful businesses?

No, Angel or VC investing isn't for me.
No worries! This questionnaire is really for hose looking to invest. But if you’re curious, check out our Toolbox resources pages — you’ll find great info on Angel and VC investing, plus insights on gender focused investment.

Yes, I’m interested!
Would you prefer to invest your own personal funds (such as income or assets) directly into early-stage, high-risk, women-led businesses in return for shares or use a venture capital fund to make the investment?

I want to invest my own funds through Angel investing.
What’s driving you to become a gender- focused Angel investor? Pick as many as you like — no judgment!

Enable more women launch and grow innovative businesses.
Share your skills and business wisdom to help women entrepreneurs scale up.
Make the startup ecosystem more inclusive and diverse.
Boost your local or regional economy.

What experience or skills would you bring to Angel investing? We bet you have more than you think!

I’ve invested in small businesses.
I’ve been a CEO, CFO, COO, or held another leadership role.
I’ve started my own business.
I’ve successfully exited a business.
I’ve worked in financial or investment services.
I’ve mentored or advised small businesses or entrepreneurs.
I’ve sector expertise (like impact, sustainability, etc.).

I want to invest through a venture capital fund.
What’s driving you toward gender- focused VC investing? Check what resonates!

Ensure women- led ventures get equitable access to investment.
Help scale women- led innovation with institutional capital.
Make the startup ecosystem more inclusive and diverse.
Fuel economic growth by backing underrepresented founders.

What experience or skills could you bring to VC investing? It’s OK to be bold here!

Worked in financial or investment services.
Invested in small businesses.
Held leadership roles in big or small businesses.
Started or co- founded a business.
Successfully exited a business.
Completed postgrad studies in economics, finance or investments.
Have sector expertise — maybe science, tech, engineering?
Grown a business in a tech sector.
Mentored or advised small businesses or entrepreneurs

Your result!
If you check at least 1 motivation + 3 experiences/skills →Congrats! You may be well- suited for the Angel or VC path. Head over to our Angel Investing or Venture Capital page to hear from women who’ve walked this road — get their insights, tips, and real- world advice on how to start strong.

If you check fewer than 1 motivation OR fewer than 3 experiences/skills →It seems that Angel or VC investing might not be the right pathway for you at this moment. If you are still interested in the topic, we invite you to explore our Toolbox resources pages to build your knowledge, get inspired and explore ways to align your career or interests toward future investment opportunities.

Angel Investing Resources

Explore a collection of valuable insights from experienced women Angel investors. Learn about the advantages they have discovered throughout their journey, along with essential advice for beginners and key factors to consider when diving into Angel investing.

Venture Capital Resources

Discover first-hand experiences from women in Venture Capital. This page offers a deeper understanding of the benefits they have encountered, alongside practical advice and important things to keep in mind when starting a career in Venture Capital.

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you are considering Angel investing or entering the Venture Capital world, the resources were designed to support and guide you. Remember, investing is a continuous learning process and every step you take contributes to breaking barriers and promoting diversity in the investment world.

Keep learning, stay curious ‒ and let’s shape a more inclusive investment future together.

For further information in developing your Angel or VC Pathway, go to the WomenINvestEU Learning Resource Centre [coming soon!]. There, you will find supplementary resources and in-depth training materials to help you pursue your investment journey as an Angel or Venture Capitalist.

If you are already investing or you are a potential investor and want to build your opportunities to become an effective gender focused investor, join the WomenINvestEU Network. To find more information about who can be a part of the WomenINvestEU Network, visit our about page. If you meet one or more of the criteria to join the network, please email womeninvesteueura-ag [dot] de (womeninvesteu[at]eura-ag[dot]de) or reach out through our contact page.