Supernovas: EIT’s Initiative Addressing the Gender Gap in Startups

The EIT community has introduced the Supernovas program, designed to address the gender disparity within entrepreneurship and the investment ecosystem.

This initiative comprises a range of activities aimed at empowering and supporting women entrepreneurs, with the ultimate goal of narrowing the gender gap and fostering greater inclusivity and diversity within the startup landscape. Through targeted efforts and support mechanisms, the Supernovas program seeks to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women in entrepreneurship, ultimately driving innovation and economic growth.

With only 2% of VC funding allocated to female-founded teams and women comprising just 13% of venture capital partners, there’s a clear underrepresentation of women in the startup ecosystem. However, proactive initiatives are underway to address this disparity. Notably, the EIT community has launched the Supernovas program, aimed at reducing the gender gap in entrepreneurship and investment.

Launched in 2022, the Supernovas program has expanded its scope over time, now comprising five projects tailored to specific objectives. These projects target women in STEAM fields and women investors, facilitating connections and support networks to foster synergy and collaboration.

The program caters to two primary interests: women in investment and women in entrepreneurship, each offering specialized projects. Women involved in these sectors are encouraged to explore the program’s initiatives and join relevant projects, contributing to the broader goal of promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the startup and investment landscape.

In a bid to enhance accessibility for women in the investment sector, EIT has led the charge with a range of initiatives. Through the Supernovas program, which has seen two editions thus far, over 200 women have undergone training to become angel investors, participate in venture capital funds, and pursue further advancements in the realm of investing.

The Women Investment Network (WIN) serves as a platform where female investors, including both Venture Capitalists and Business Angels, convene to enhance their professional development, access investment opportunities in female-led startups, and expand their network. This network caters specifically to women who are VC investors, angel investors, or leaders of female-founded startups, providing a supportive environment for learning, collaboration, and growth within the investment ecosystem. By fostering connections and facilitating access to investment opportunities, WIN aims to empower women to play a more prominent role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship and investment.

The Supernovas Data Room, accessible to participants in the Women Investment Network (WIN), serves as a dedicated platform for collecting and analyzing updated data on female-led startups supported by EIT. Given that only 30% of all startups and 15% of deeptech startups in Europe are led by women, the Data Room aims to enhance visibility and accessibility for female-founded startups, particularly in the high-tech and deeptech sectors. By aggregating data from over 500 female-founded companies and over 1,300 associated funding rounds, the Data Room facilitates deal sourcing for investors and supports media coverage of women’s entrepreneurship.

Women2Invest, another initiative under the Supernovas program, focuses on supporting women in STEAM fields in launching careers in venture investment. Recognizing the industry’s lack of entry-level positions, especially for women, Women2Invest provides training, internship opportunities, and full-time placements with VC funds. Notably, 20 interns have been placed in top European Venture Capital funds through the program’s two editions.

EIT spokesperson emphasized the importance of increasing the presence of investors with STEAM backgrounds to bring gender perspectives to investment decisions and ensure diversity in funded innovations. The program targets recent STEAM graduates, undergraduates, or PhDs interested in VC, startup, or corporate investment, fostering partnerships with venture capital firms committed to improving gender balance and diversity in their teams. This collaborative effort aims to drive meaningful change and foster inclusivity within the investment ecosystem.

The Venture Capital Academy offers specialized training programs tailored to female venture capital professionals at both junior and senior positions. These programs address a range of key topics pertinent to the investment process, professional development, and career advancement. By catering to different levels of experience and expertise, the academy ensures that participants receive targeted instruction and support to excel in their roles within the venture capital industry.

The Women Leadership Programme, designed for female researchers and entrepreneurs within the EIC and EIT ecosystems, serves as a platform to support, inspire, and empower female leaders. Open to founders, managers (including CEOs, CTOs, CFOs, COOs, CCOs, etc.), and EIC female researchers aiming to transition their research into business, the program offers a range of opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Selected participants benefit from a series of tailored trainings and networking events aimed at enhancing their skills, knowledge, and connections within the entrepreneurial landscape. Additionally, they receive business coaching and mentoring support to facilitate their career development and entrepreneurial endeavors.

By fostering a supportive and collaborative environment, the Women Leadership Programme encourages participants to build lasting relationships and networks through access to an Alumni group. This network serves as a valuable resource for maintaining contacts, seeking advice, and accessing ongoing support throughout their careers. Overall, the program aims to equip female leaders with the tools, resources, and networks needed to thrive and succeed in their respective fields within the EIC and EIT ecosystems.