“I never really thought I could be doing this with my money, my investments.”
That is what her Dutch friend whispered into Azin’s ear after watching the movie ‘Show Her The Money’.
It’s a line that captures the heart of what this episode is about. Venture capital often feels like a closed world. Azin Radsan van Alebeek wants to open it up and show women how money can fuel change. In Episode 123 of Women Disrupting Tech, she shares her journey from boutique consultancy, to stay-at-home mom, to venture capitalist reshaping outcomes.
You can listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. Or scroll down for the lessons, magic moments, and reflections from our conversation.
3 Lessons From This Conversation
This conversation is about using capital as a way to create change. And these three lessons all circle around one point: if capital fuels ideas, then we need to pay attention to which ideas get fuel.
Capital Can Be Used as a Tool for Change
Azin sees venture capital not just as a way to make returns, but as a lever to change behavior. Money has the power to align attention and focus. Used well, it can shift founders, investors, and even entire markets toward outcomes that matter.
Fueling a Broader Range of Ideas Builds a Better Future
Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. If we only fund a narrow group of founders, we only build part of their future. Funding women and other underrepresented groups is not just fair, it is necessary if we want innovation that reflects all of us.
The Size of the Vision Shapes the Outcome
Being able to think big is essential when raising capital. Too often, women are conditioned to present smaller, safer ideas, and that directly affects how investors respond. Expanding the scale of the vision can change the scale of the outcome.
These three lessons matter because they show venture capital does not have to stay the way it is. If we choose to fund more broadly, think bigger, and use money as a tool for change, we can build a future that works for more people.
The funding gap won’t close through numbers alone. It starts with conversations like this one. Share this episode with someone shaping the future of venture capital.
And if you want more lessons like this? Follow the podcast or subscribe to updates for a weekly dose of female founder inspiration.
Or scroll down for magical moments, practical takeaways, and my own observations.
- 3 Lessons From This Conversation
- Highlights and timestamps
- 3 Magic Moments In The Episode
- Practical Takeaways for Founders
- The Quote From The Episode
- 3 Things That Changed The Way I Think
- A Question for You 🤔
- Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
- Listen to Episode 123 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
- Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech
- About Azin Radsan van Alebeek
- About Emmeline Ventures
- Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
- What I Want To Leave You With
Highlights and timestamps
| Time | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 03:30 | Introduction and Background |
| 06:23 | The Importance of Gender Representation in Venture Capital |
| 09:43 | Azin’s Journey into Angel Investing |
| 13:38 | Cultural Perspectives and Personal Experiences |
| 18:06 | The Impact of Underrepresentation in Venture Capital |
| 23:26 | Statistics on Female Founders and Funding |
| 27:16 | Changing Perspectives on Gender Roles |
| 29:14 | Using Venture Capital for Change |
| 31:14 | Show Her The Money: Film and Book Overview |
| 34:42 | Inspiring Stories of Female Founders |
| 39:00 | The Role of Male Investors in Supporting Female Founders |
| 43:05 | Emmeline’s Focus on Women’s Health |
| 44:49 | Understanding Women’s Health Disparities |
| 47:09 | Investing in Female-Centric Solutions |
| 48:50 | The Ideal Founder Profile |
| 51:26 | Integrity in Investment Relationships |
| 52:22 | Comparing Support for Female Founders in Europe and the US |
| 55:15 | What Makes a Pitch Deck Stand Out? |
| 59:13 | Defining Venture-Ready Proposals |
| 1:03:06 | Encouraging Women to Think Bigger |
| 1:05:03 | Upskilling for Stay-at-Home Moms |
| 1:12:55 | The Future of Venture Capital for Women |
3 Magic Moments In The Episode
There were many moments in our conversation that lit up for me. I wanted to share three moments that show what becomes possible when we start funding women’s businesses.
The Whisper at the Premiere
When I ask her about a moment where she knew that creating ‘Show Her The Money’ was the right thing, Azin shares the anecdote about the premiere. When the credits roll over the screen, her Dutch friend confesses: “I never really thought that I could be doing this with my money.”
Hopeful Signals
Azin notes that more traditional male investors are stepping into this space and she calls them smart for doing so. It is a sign that mindsets are shifting, even from within the system.
Reframing Women’s Health
When she talks about pregnancy, Azin flips the perspective: women’s health does not just affect half the population. It affects 100 percent. That one reframe makes it clear why these markets are central, not niche.
These moments matter because they make it clear that change is already happening, and that inclusion is not just an aspiration but a practice.
So what was your magical moment from the episode? Put it in the comments. I’d love to hear.
Practical Takeaways for Founders
One of the things I value in these conversations is when advice goes beyond theory. Azin has been both an angel investor and a venture capitalist. Her advice is practical and direct, and it is the kind of guidance founders can apply right away.
Know Why You Need VC
Not every company needs venture funding. Ask yourself why VC dollars are the right path before you start pitching. Especially if your goal is steady, thoughtful growth, venture capital may not be the right fit.
Keep Your Deck Sharp and Concise
The purpose of a pitch deck is not to explain every detail. It should spark curiosity and secure a call. One page for the problem and one page for the solution is enough. Particularly in the pre-seed and seed stages.
Show How Investors Make Money
Investors want to back impact, but they also need to see returns. Make sure your deck clearly shows how they will make money from your business. It also shows empathy which is important when building a long-term relationship.
These takeaways matter because they come straight from someone who sees dozens of pitches. They remind founders that clarity, fit, and vision are what turn a meeting into an opportunity.
Know a founder who is fundraising? Tag them in the comments or share these tips with them directly!
Or scroll down to discover an inspiring quote and learn about my own takeaways.
The Quote From The Episode
This quote captures why Azin invests and why funding diversity is not just fair, but necessary for innovation.
“Capital fuels ideas. And if we’re not fueling a cross section of ideas, we’re building a future that does not allow all of us to be our best self.“
Azin Radsan van Alebeek, cofounder and managing partner at Emmeline Ventures
3 Things That Changed The Way I Think
Even after 123 episodes, every conversation shifts something for me. Sometimes it is a new perspective, sometimes it is a reminder of something I had overlooked. With Azin, three reflections stood out because they made me rethink how I look at founders, investors, and even myself.
The Outsider Perspective
Azin grew up as one of the few kids of color at school. She told me that being an outsider made her open to other people’s views. “If you approach it with openmindedness, your world becomes so much larger.” I have felt like an outsider too, even as a white man. As a founder, maybe that is an advantage. Because you are used to being misunderstood and pushing against norms.
Motherhood as Strength
Her comments about the unique skills you gain as a mom made me pause. I realized I have often overlooked how those experiences translate into leadership and pitching. What is often called a gap might actually be a strength. And I hope Azin’s words inspire the women who are on the sidelines to look at it as an enriching part of their lives.
Storytelling as a Superpower
Azin has a story for everything, whether it is an analogy, an example, or a way to make a point stick. It made me realize that founders should write down their stories, so they can bring them out when it counts. Not just the origin stories but the everyday analogies can make your story more relatable (and they make for great social content too).
These reflections matter because they reminded me that inclusion is not abstract. It shows up in lived experiences, in unexpected strengths, and in the way we tell our stories.
So I’d love to hear what shifted your thinking. Share your learnings in the comments. Or scroll down for links to the episode and a preview of what’s coming up.
And if you’re ready to discover what else Azin and I cover, listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.
A Question for You 🤔
How might the startup world look different if more stay-at-home parents became founders?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments or message me directly. I’d love to hear your take.
Coming Up On Women Disrupting Tech
In episode 124, another investor takes the mic. Anieke Lamers, operating partner at Borski Fund, share how her experience as a founder makes her a better investor.
And she’s has some pretty interesting lessons to share of her own.
So stay tuned for more Women Disrupting Tech. And until the next episode, as always, Keep Being Awesome!
Dirkjan
PS If you fear missing out, subscribe to updates or follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube.
Listen to Episode 123 on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube
How Showing Her the Money Changes Venture Capital with Azin Radsan van Alebeek | Ep. 123 – Women Disrupting Tech
Other ways to amplify the voices of Women Disrupting Tech
Want to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how you can help:
Follow the Women Disrupting Tech Podcast
Follow the podcast on your favorite platform. Every follow brings these stories to more people.
Give the show a rating or review on Spotify or Apple.
It only takes a moment, but it tells others this podcast is worth listening to. And helps the voices of my guests carry further.
Share the stories that move you.
Send this episode to a friend, a colleague, or someone who needs to hear it. Every share helps to build a more inclusive tech future and supports my guests in getting the stage they deserve.
So when you know someone who should hear it, pass it on when you’re done.
About Azin Radsan van Alebeek
Azin Radsan van Alebeek is the co-founder and managing partner of Emmeline Ventures, an early-stage fund investing in female-led startups across tech-enabled, FemTech, FinTech, and sustainability sectors.
With over 30 years of executive and advisory experience in the US and Europe, she brings strategic insight and coaching skills to help entrepreneurs grow their companies and create lasting impact. Azin is dedicated to empowering women to be financially sovereign and regularly mentors on financial literacy, angel investing, and leadership.
You can connect with Azin on LinkedIn. And if you want to learn more about the movie ‘Show Her The Money’, check out this website.
About Emmeline Ventures
Emmeline Ventures is an early-stage venture fund that invests in female-founded and female-led companies with bold ideas in FemTech, sustainability, and tech-enabled solutions. The firm backs founders who are building businesses that improve lives, health, and opportunities for women, while delivering strong returns for investors. Emmeline’s mission is to expand who gets to play in the venture ecosystem by fueling companies that combine innovation with purpose.
You can check out their portfolio companies, including Alloy, Ema | AI for Women’s Health, and WealthMore on the Emmeline website. Or follow Emmeline Ventures on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Events that Women Disrupting Tech Must-Attend
The fall is loaded with great events, and I’ve found some cool ones. Below is one event you definitely want to check out. For a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, please check the events page.
Diverse Leaders in Tech Events
If you like being in the know about what is happening in the DEI space, Diverse Leaders in Tech is the place to be.
Every last Thursday of the month, they have monthly in-person meetups for tech people, HR leaders and supporters of diversity to exchange insights, tackle challenges, and take action. It’s a vibrant, safe space where diversity is celebrated.
You can register for events on the DLiT website. Did I mention that joining your first event is free?
ImpactFest – 10th edition – 30 October 2025
The place to be for impact makers, period. Meet 1,500 impact makers from more than 35 countries during one of the 100+ sessions in the 10th edition of ImpactFest. You can learn more about being part of ImpactFest on their website.
Understanding Women’s Health – 3 December 2025
During this final 3mbrace Health event of 2025, you’re invited to better understand the importance of women’s health and the powerful role it plays in our personal, professional, and societal well-being. Men are expressly invited to join. And yes, I will be there too. More info and tickets can be found here.
What I Want To Leave You With
During the episode, I mention that I see venture capital as part of the problem. The incentives do not always align with what I feel should be the goals, and I see the funding gap as proof of that.
What struck me in this conversation is how Azin approaches it differently. She uses venture capital as a lever to change behavior and create wealth at the same time. She shows it can be part of the solution if money is aligned with the right vision.
If capital fuels ideas, then fueling a broader cross-section of ideas is how we build a future that lets all of us be our best selves.
And on a personal note, I want to thank Katty Hsu for inviting me to that first screening of Show Her the Money. Without that, this conversation might not have happened.
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast 