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How The Angel Initiative Is Closing the Gender Funding Gap with Laurie Lancee | Show notes for episode 99 of Women Disrupting Tech
Most investors say they want to close the gender funding gap.
But if you don’t fund female-led startups, how can you really claim to back the future?
In episode 99 of Women Disrupting Tech, Laurie Lancee, managing director of the Angel Initiative, shares how she’s building a movement of female angel investors so that more women founders get funded, supported, and seen.
Key Takeaways from episode 99
Here’s what you’ll learn by listening:
🔍 How even the CEO can be overlooked when she’s a woman
📊 Why lowering investment thresholds opens doors for first-time female angels
💡 What Laurie learned when shifting from cautious planner to bold founder.Ready to hear what real disruption sounds like? Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
How The Angel Initiative Is Closing the Gender Funding Gap with Laurie Lancee | Ep. 99 – Women Disrupting Tech
Events for Women Disrupting Tech
Below are some events worth visiting in the coming months. You’ll find a full overview of all events, including links to buy tickets, on the events page.
Female Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business
Date: 4 June 2025
Location: voco® The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
Tickets: buy your tickets (sold out)FemTech Unite!
Date: 14 May 2025
Location: Equals, Amsterdam
Time: 15:30 – 19:00
Tickets: On LumaThe Angel Initiative Pitch Event
Date: 15 May 2025
Location: VU StartHub
Time: 14:30 – 17:00
More info and tickets: on the websiteDiverse Leaders in Tech Events
Date: 28 May 2025
Location: B. Amsterdam
Start: 17:00 – 19:30
More info and tickets: on the websiteThe Culture Code
Date: 3 June 2025
Location: Club ACE, Amsterdam
Time: 12:00 – 19:30 hours
Tickets: On the Culture Code Website- Key Takeaways from episode 99
- Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic In Episode 99 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Practical Takeaways
- About Laurie Lancee
- About The Angel Initiative
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Next week on Women Disrupting Tech
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes, including a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
🚀 Exclusive Research about what it takes to get a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
🚀 Access to exclusive events that we sponsor or co-organize.The Magic In Episode 99 🪄
The magic in this episode is in the way Laurie’s work echoes the mission behind Women Disrupting Tech: to make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032. And, like me, she wants to build a solution that does not depend on her.
Here are three highlights of our conversation:
She Turns Frustration Into Fuel
When investors overlooked her as a CEO and sent invitations to her male team member instead, Laurie didn’t just shake her head. She took action. That experience became the spark for her work with The Angel Initiative. It’s a powerful reminder that the moments that challenge us most often lead to our most important work.
She Builds a New Way In
Startup investing is often associated with big checks from rich white men. Laurie is unlocking opportunities for women who’ve never seen themselves as part of the world. She believes access should not be tied to wealth alone, but to willingness, purpose, and community. That’s inclusion in action.
She’s Designing a Future That Doesn’t Need Her
Laurie’s goal is to make the gender funding gap invisible. She imagines a future where female-only initiatives are no longer needed because equity is finally embedded in the system. That vision resonates deeply with my own mission for this podcast. We both want to build something that becomes unnecessary one day because the world has caught up.
When women invest in women, they don’t just move money. They build momentum.
🎧 Listen to episode 99 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify. And share what you believe is holding back funding in the poll below.
Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the new normal by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
Three Practical Takeaways
In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, Laurie shares how she’s building a more inclusive investment landscape. Here are three practical takeaways from our conversation:
Make Investing More Accessible
To allow women to participate, The Angel Initiative has a minimum ticket size of just €2.5K and a target of 20K over five years. Practical training and peer support help new investors build confidence and clarity. This opens the door to women who may never have seen themselves as angels before.
Being An Angel Is Not Only About Money
The initiative encourages every angel to develop an investment thesis. Not just about sectors and amounts, but also about the added value they bring. Angels are seen as partners, not just funders. They offer their network, knowledge, and experience to help startups grow.
Redefine What a “Good” Founder Looks Like
The startup world often rewards loud pitches and big projections. Laurie brings a different lens: one that values substance over style and sees the importance of creating room for the “not-so-usual suspects” to get funded. That includes founders in impact, femtech, and consumer sectors—areas often overlooked by traditional investors.
And if there’s one thing Laurie wants investors to remember, it’s this:
“With every question that you ask, think for yourself: is this also a question that I would ask a male founder?”🎧 Hear the full story on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image below to listen on YouTube. And don’t forget to share your thoughts about the episode in the comments.
“I really hope that in 10 years’ time, The Angel Initiative is not needed anymore.”
Laurie Lancee, Managing Director of The Angel InitiativeAbout Laurie Lancee
Laurie Lancee is the managing director of The Angel Initiative, a foundation on a mission to close the gender funding gap by increasing the number of female angel investors and funding more female-led startups.
Drawing from her own experience as a founder who faced unexpected bias during fundraising, Laurie now leads efforts to make angel investing more accessible, with low entry thresholds and hands-on support.
When you’re a female founder or investor, make sure you connect with Laurie on LinkedIn.
About The Angel Initiative
The Angel Initiative wants to close the gender funding gap by making investing in female-led startups more accessible.
Through community, education, and strategic matchmaking, the Angel Initiative helps reshape the early-stage investment landscape, making it more diverse, more inclusive, and ultimately, more effective.
Their goal is to activate at least 100 female angels and fund 25 startups in 2025, focusing on companies where at least 25% of the cap table is owned by women.
Learn more about The Angel Initiative on its website and by following its page on LinkedIn. And you’ll find the pitching event we discussed in the episode in the list of events above.
Share what’s on your mind!
What’s the biggest barrier to funding female-led startups?
a) Lack of female investors
b) Unconscious investor bias
c) Male-dominated networksLet me know what you think in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Next week on Women Disrupting Tech
Next week, it is time for episode 100. Two true diversity champions will be my guests to educate us on how you can become one too.
Audio clip from episode 100 of Women Disrupting. Click play to listen. After that, it is time for a new season of Women Disrupting Tech. Subscribe to my Substack to discover who my guests will be.
Until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome!
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Three Essential Tips for Female Founders to Fundraise Effectively
It takes more than a great idea to raise money. Especially if you’re a female founder.
You already know the numbers. What you need now is a strategy that works for you.
On Women Disrupting Tech, I’ve heard stories from founders and investors who’ve been in the arena. And three things keep coming up when we talk about getting VCs to believe in your vision.
These are not tricks. They are mindset shifts. And they work.
1. Relationships Matter More Than Pitches
Treat fundraising like dating. It’s not just about the money. It’s about the match.
Jolanda Kooi built a system to keep investors updated long before she needed their money. Stacey Engle and Michelle Ter Laak both recommend showing up to events and reaching out on LinkedIn.
Sergio Panday suggests hosting intimate dinners or private events. Why? Because real relationships spark from human moments, not pitch decks.
2. Do Your Homework on VCs
You don’t just want any investor. You want the right one. For you.
So, don’t waste time convincing the wrong people.
Jolanda Kooi keeps track of investor focus, stage, and fund status so she can reach out with the right message at the right moment.
Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami add something powerful: match with people who see the world as you do. Not just in business, but in values as well.
They also ask other founders how they feel before they meet with their investors. If they dread the meetings, maybe it’s not a good fit.
This is where power comes from: alignment. And it starts with doing your homework.
3. Show Real Progress, Not Just Potential
“Ideas are cheap, execution is hard,” said Guy Kawasaki once.
More importantly, execution builds trust.
That doesn’t mean you need to have it all figured out. But you do need to show progress.
Because investors aren’t just betting on your product. They’re betting on your momentum.
Natasha Syed says pre-seed investors now expect early revenue. Esther Bisschop and Dieuwertje Drexhage showed that having a mixed or diverse team can boost credibility.
Michelle Ter Laak looks for founders who bring data that proves the problem is real.
And when your team reflects different perspectives, it sends a message: we are ready to build for everyone.
TDLRL: This isn’t about playing the game better
Build real relationships. Know your audience. Show them results.
It won’t guarantee you funding. But it will help investors take you seriously—and see the full value you bring.
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
Interested in hearing more about Women Disrupting Tech? Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community on Substack for more about the podcast.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes, including a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
🚀 Exclusive Research about what it takes to get a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
🚀 Access to exclusive events that we sponsor or co-organize. -
Making Health Data Work for Everyone with Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami | Show notes for episode 98 of Women Disrupting Tech
What if accessing your own health data was as easy as logging into Spotify?
And what if that data could help you find better treatment options, faster?
In episode 98 of Women Disrupting Tech, Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami share how they’re building OASYS NOW, a platform that makes personalized medicine more inclusive, secure, and accessible.
Key Takeaways from episode 98
Here’s what you’ll learn by listening:
🌱 Health data is the last frontier of personal data
Our health data is often the least accessible to the people it matters most to: patients themselves.
🤖 DNA data is biased — and that’s a systemic health risk
Over 95% of existing DNA data is from Western populations, making personalized medicine dangerously one-sided.
🤝 Scaling the solution starts with values, not just markets
Their plan to expand globally includes underserved regions like Iran and Africa, not just Western markets.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
Making Health Data Work for Everyone with Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami | Ep 98 – Women Disrupting Tech
Events for Women Disrupting Tech
The event season has started, so allow me to highlight some inclusive events that are worth visiting.
Female Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business – 4 June 2024 at VOCO Hotel The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
The Women Founders Table aims to empower and connect women entrepreneurs by providing a platform for meaningful conversations, mentorship, and shared experiences.
At this event, organized by Female Ventures Delft / The Hague in cooperation with #WiTNL- Women in Tech NL and yours truly, you’ll hear from three accomplished female founders how to start and scale a business, while balancing priorities at home and at work.
Did I mention that you can stay for dinner? voco® The Hague offers participants the possibility to network and connect over a delicious 3-course dinner following the event at €35 per person.
You can buy your tickets to the event on Eventbrite.
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 find their events on the website. Joining your first event is free.
- Key Takeaways from episode 98
- Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic In Episode 98 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- Four Practical Takeaways
- About Sara Okhuijsen
- About Nima Salami
- About OASYS NOW
- Share what’s on your mind!
- Next week on Women Disrupting Tech
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes, including a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
🚀 Exclusive Research about what it takes to get a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
🚀 Access to exclusive events that we sponsor or co-organize.The Magic In Episode 98 🪄
In this episode, I spoke with Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami, co-founders of OASYS NOW. Their mission is to make personalized medicine more accessible to everyone. What stood out to me is how they combine deep tech with deep purpose. Here are three pieces of magic from our conversation:
A gala dress and a conversation that sparked something big
They first met at a student board gala. Nima saw Sara in a glittery dress and walked over. They ended up talking all night about how to improve education. No pitch. No agenda. Just connection. Two years later, Nima spotted a post from Sara on LinkedIn and reached out. That moment led to OASYS NOW.
The platform that empowers people with chronic illness
OASYS NOW is designed with patients in mind, especially those living with chronic or rare conditions. These are people who often feel left behind by traditional healthcare systems. Many of them are women. The platform helps them access their health data, match to clinical trials, and connect with others in similar situations. This kind of inclusion is baked into the design, not added later.
The technology that caught the eye of Google and NVIDIA
Their platform is built on encrypted computing. It offers strong privacy without requiring trust. The tech is so forward-looking that both Google and NVIDIA reached out to learn more. That kind of validation shows what happens when mission and technical excellence go hand in hand.
🎧 Want to hear how a gala night turned into a global mission for healthcare equity?
Listen to episode 98 of Women Disrupting Tech on Spotify.
Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the norm by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
Four Practical Takeaways
In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami show what it looks like when technology meets real-life problems. These are not just startup lessons. They are principles for building with purpose.
Here are a few takeaways that stayed with me:
Start with value before privacy
They learned not to lead with the technology. First show how the product helps people. Then explain how privacy is protected. That shift made all the difference in how their message landed.
Data bias is not just unfair. It’s bad product design
Ninety-five percent of DNA data comes from Western populations. That means medicine based on that data might not work for most of the world. Their insight is clear. Diversity is not a bonus. It is a requirement.
Fundraising is emotional work
Nima pitched their story over 200 times before winning Slush. He also admitted to crying after some tough rejections. Behind every “no” was another learning. Behind their “yes” was years of practice and clarity.
Belief creates leadership
Sara did not start out as CTO. She doubted she was technical enough. But her team encouraged her to step up. They believed in her before she did. That kind of culture is how you build not just products, but people.
🎧 Hear the full story on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image with the quote to watch the episode on YouTube. And don’t forget to share your thoughts about making health data accessible in the comments.
“We need each other’s perspective to build a future that is inclusive and approachable to everyone.”
Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami, co-founders of OASYS NOWAbout Sara Okhuijsen
Sara Okhuijsen is the co-founder and CTO of OASYS NOW and listed in the 2025 Forbes 30 under 30. With a background in DNA data and nanobiology, she’s passionate about building ethical infrastructure that makes personalized medicine more inclusive. Sara brings deep technical knowledge and a strong mission focus to her work, leading a team that puts patients first and privacy at the core. She believes that when technology is shaped by diverse teams, the outcomes are better for everyone. You can connect with Sara on LinkedIn.
About Nima Salami
Nima Salami is the co-founder and CEO of OASYS NOW. After seeing his mother struggle to access medical care across borders, he set out to fix what he saw as a fundamental data problem. With a background in AI and cybersecurity, Nima combines technical expertise with a global perspective. As a refugee founder, he brings both resilience and vision to the company’s mission of making personalized medicine accessible to people everywhere. You can connect with Nima on LinkedIn.
About OASYS NOW
OASYS NOW is a health tech company on a mission to make personalized medicine accessible to everyone. Founded by Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami, the platform empowers patients to securely access, manage, and share their health data to discover treatment options, including clinical trials.
Built on cutting-edge encrypted computing, OASYS NOW prioritizes privacy and patient control. By addressing the lack of diversity in DNA data and solving the clinical trial recruitment gap, the company is redesigning healthcare from the ground up with equity, data security, and user agency at its core.
You can support OASYS NOW by following the journey on LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube, and learn more on the website. You can find Nima’s winning pitch at Slush 100 2024 in Helsinki on YouTube.
Share what’s on your mind!
What does fair access to healthcare look like in the age of data?
a) Patients own their data
b) Trials include more people
c) Data reflects everyone
d) Privacy is built inLet me know what you think in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.Next week on Women Disrupting Tech
In episode 99, Laurie Lancee will be my guest to share how The Angel Initiative is helping female founders to close the gender funding gap. You can listen to a short clip of the episode below.
After that, it is time for episode 100. Subscribe to my Substack to discover who my guest (or perhaps guests) will be.
Until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome!
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How Women Disrupt Tech Even When the System Pushes Back with Dirkjan Hupkes | Show notes for episode 97 of Women Disrupting Tech
The state of inclusion in tech is shifting. Slowly. Unevenly. And not without resistance.
So where is it going? And what are the options for the Women Disrupting Tech?
In episode 97 of Women Disrupting Tech, I’m going solo. No guest. Just a mic, my notes, and my reflections on the trends that are shaping the future for women in tech.
Key Takeaways from episode 97
Here’s what you’ll learn by listening:
🌱 Progress is happening, even if it does not look like it
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion might be under fire, but we are likely in a transition phase. This is how every shift starts.
🤖 AI is a huge opportunity for women in tech
You do not need a degree in computer science to make an impact. There are many ways in.
🤝 Role models and support networks are still the game changers
From bootstrapped founders to angel investors, visibility and community are opening doors.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
How Women Disrupt Tech Even When the System Pushes Back with host Dirkjan Hupkes | Ep. 97 – Women Disrupting Tech
Events for Women Disrupting Tech
The event season has started, so allow me to highlight some inclusive events that are worth visiting.
Female Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business – 4 June 2024 at VOCO Hotel The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
The Women Founders Table aims to empower and connect women entrepreneurs by providing a platform for meaningful conversations, mentorship, and shared experiences.
At this event, organized by Female Ventures Delft / The Hague in cooperation with #WiTNL- Women in Tech NL and yours truly, you’ll hear from three accomplished female founders how to start and scale a business, while balancing priorities at home and at work.
Did I mention that you can stay for dinner? voco® The Hague offers participants the possibility to network and connect over a delicious 3-course dinner following the event at €35 per person.
You can buy your tickets to the event on Eventbrite.
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 find their events on the website. Joining your first event is free.
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes, including a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
🚀 Exclusive Research about what it takes to get a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
🚀 Access to exclusive events that we sponsor or co-organize.- Key Takeaways from episode 97
- Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic In Episode 97 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- Three Practical Takeaways
- Links to the episodes that I refer to.
- The books I mention in the episode
- Share what’s on your mind!
- What’s coming up?
The Magic In Episode 97 🪄
After 96 interviews with women building the future of tech, I took a step back. I reflected on what’s really going on right now and what gives me hope. Here are three moments that stood out.
1. DEI isn’t dead. It’s in a transition
DEI programs are under pressure. Budgets are shrinking. But this might just be the resistance phase. The messy middle of every big shift. The backlash is a signal that power is being challenged. And that is when deep change becomes possible.2. You can’t be what you can’t see
Representation still shapes who we believe we can become. Lieke Hölscher is proof. She never imagined herself in tech leadership until she saw someone break the mold. She went on to lead a 200-person team at Rabobank.3. Self-made women build what they need
Every founder I’ve interviewed built something they wished they had. It wasn’t about chasing trends. It was about solving a problem they understood deeply. That kind of purpose fuels everything. And it creates role models for others.When you’re ready to listen and learn the answer, check out episode 97 on Spotify!
Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the norm by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
Three Practical Takeaways
This episode wasn’t just about ideas. It was about action. If you’re a woman in tech, or want to become one, here are three things you can take away and apply right now.
1. Bias is sneaky. Interrupt it on purpose
Hiring or funding someone? Ask yourself one simple question. Would I ask this same thing if they were a man? If not, time to rethink.2. You don’t need a tech degree to work in AI
AI isn’t just for coders. It needs data analysts, product thinkers and people who can ask better questions. Start learning. Upskill. There are loads of free and affordable resources out there while communities like Alyx, Blockverse and SkilledIn Green help women reskill and thrive.3. Support networks matter more than ever
There are many support networks for female founders, women in tech and entrepreneurship. The episode features a number of examples, like Dutch Women in Tech, The Next Women, Female Ventures, Diverse Leaders in Tech and Joanna Invests. Find one that fits you.Want to know more? Check out the episode on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image with the quote to watch the episode on YouTube.
“You will not hire a woman in a leadership position if you’ve only seen white men named Peter be a CEO.”
Dirkjan Hupkes – Host of Women Disrupting TechLinks to the episodes that I refer to.
During the episode I refer to some specific episodes of Women Disrupting Tech. Here’s a non-exhaustive list:
- Episode 82 with Karim El Oteify about the need for systemic change. Another episode that covers this topic is my conversation with Constantijn van Oranje Nassau.
- In episode 89, Femke Cornelissen shares her journey to becoming Chief Copilot. She is also a co-founder of the Dutch Women in Tech community.
- Episode 57 with Wafa M’Ribah on role models and how to build a career in AI as a woman. She is one of the women leading Women in AI.
- Episode 46 with Mayam Miradi about how AI can be a catalyst for women to find their way into tech. Check the show notes for links to free training resources on AI.
- Episode 76 with Stacey Engle on the use of AI to preserve our legacy.
The books I mention in the episode
In the first part of the episode, I discuss two books: The Patriarchs by Angela Saini and about Men Machine and Modern Times by Elting E. Morisson. You can get them on Amazon, Bol.com, and anywhere else where books are sold.
Share what’s on your mind!
Should I do solo episodes more often?
1️⃣ Yes, I’m interested in more insights from you
2️⃣ No, I want you to feature role modelsLet me know what you think in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.What’s coming up?
In episode 98, we’ll hear from Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami how they’re making health data work for everyone. And believe me when I say that this episode is pure magic.
Listen to this clip from the episode After that, we continue the journey to 100 episodes with more amazing role models from the tech ecosystem. So stay tuned for more inspiring stories.
Until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome!
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How tex.tracer’s Supply Chain Transparency Empowers Fashion Brands with Jolanda Kooi | Show notes for episode 96 of Women Disrupting Tech
What does it take to really make fashion sustainable?
For Jolanda Kooi, the answer is transparency.
With tex.tracer, she gives brands the data they need to back up their promises, all the way down to the raw material.
Key Takeaways from the episode
Here’s what you’ll discover by listening to episode 96:
🔍 How hidden parts of the supply chain fuel greenwashing and inequality, and how data stops it
📊 Why transparent, resilient supply chains drive both profit and sustainability.
💡 What it takes to fundraise as a female founder in fashion tech.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
How tex.tracer's Supply Chain Transparency Empowers Fashion Brands with Jolanda Kooi | Ep. 96 – Women Disrupting Tech
Events for Women Disrupting Tech
The event season has started, so allow me to highlight some inclusive events that are worth visiting.
Female Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business – 4 June 2024 at VOCO Hotel The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
The Women Founders Table aims to empower and connect women entrepreneurs by providing a platform for meaningful conversations, mentorship, and shared experiences.
At this event, organized by Female Ventures Delft / The Hague in cooperation with #WiTNL- Women in Tech NL and yours truly, you’ll hear from three accomplished female founders how to start and scale a business, while balancing priorities at home and at work.
Did I mention that you can stay for dinner? voco® The Hague offers participants the possibility to network and connect over a delicious 3-course dinner following the event at €35 per person.
Follow Female Ventures and/or me to be the first to learn when a limited number of early bird tickets come online.
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 find their events on the website. Joining your first event is free.
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes, including a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
🚀 Exclusive Research about what it takes to get a more inclusive tech ecosystem.
🚀 Access to exclusive events that we sponsor or co-organize.Enter your email below to join the community today.
Processing …Yes! You're now part of the movement!Oopsie, something went wrong at our end. Please reload the page and try again.- Key Takeaways from the episode
- Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic In Episode 96 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- What stands out
- About Jolanda Kooi
- About tex.tracer
- Share what’s on your mind!
- What’s coming up?
- More episodes like this?
The Magic In Episode 96 🪄
Most fashion brands want to be sustainable. But if you don’t know where your products come from, how can you truly stand behind that promise?
In this episode, Jolanda Kooi, CEO and co-founder of tex.tracer, shares how she’s reshaping fashion by making supply chains fully transparent.
By listening, you’ll discover:
– How transparency empowers brands
– Why data changes everything in fashion
– What dating and fundraising have in commonJolanda’s journey started with a question that matters: What if brands, suppliers and consumers could all see the same truth?
When you’re ready to listen and learn the answer, check out episode 96 on Spotify!
Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the norm by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
What stands out
What if you could see everything? Every stitch, every hand, every story behind the clothes you wear. Imagine a world where fashion brands don’t just claim sustainability; they prove it.
This is where tex.tracer comes in. And in episode 96, Jolanda reveals 3 hidden threads:
🪄 Transparency is the New Competitive Edge
Many companies view supply chain data as a burden, something collected only to meet legal requirements.Jolanda sees it differently. Verified, real-time data is what will separate future-ready brands from those left behind. It allows businesses to anticipate risks, improve sourcing decisions, and even unlock new revenue streams through circular economy initiatives.
🪄 Data is the Antidote to Greenwashing.
Sustainability claims without proof are a ticking time bomb. With growing scrutiny from consumers and regulators, fact-based data is essential.Tex. tracer helps brands move beyond vague sustainability messages by providing verifiable data on sourcing, labor practices, and environmental impact. This transparency builds credibility and strengthens supply chains, allowing brands to anticipate risks and adapt before crises hit.
🪄 Building the Future of Fashion Industry Standards.
Jolanda knows the fashion industry lacks unified standards for data and labeling. That’s why Textracer is collaborating with competitors to set these standards and create a global data-sharing platform. This will reduce audit fatigue and lighten the load for suppliers, creating a more efficient, transparent industry.Are you ready to learn how Jolanda is proving that real data, not marketing slogans, will define the next era of fashion? Check out the episode on Apple Podcasts.
Or click the image with the quote to watch the episode on YouTube.
“It’s also for me to choose which investor best suits our company.”
Jolanda Kooi, CEO and co-founder of tex.tracerAbout Jolanda Kooi
Jolanda Kooi is co-founder and CEO of tex.tracer. Her passion for the industry stems from her parents’ background as retailers and her own textile engineering degree, which led her to focus on optimizing the industry’s processes rather than design.
Jolanda was inspired to create change in the fashion industry after witnessing the Rana Plaza factory collapse in 2013. Her extensive experience in garment development and production in the Far East for 20 years further highlighted the need for significant improvements.
If you want to learn more about Jolanda, you can connect with her on LinkedIn.
About tex.tracer
tex.tracer is a registered B-Corp that tackles the fashion industry’s transparency problem by helping brands track their entire supply chain, from raw materials to final products. Using private blockchain technology, tex.tracer ensures data accuracy and enables brands to verify social and environmental impact. By offering free access to its supply chain partners, tex.tracer encourages collaboration, reduces power imbalances, and supports a more ethical fashion industry. It also enables digital product passports, giving consumers reliable product insights.
You can learn more about tex.tracer by checking out their website and by following them on LinkedIn.
Share what’s on your mind!
So, let’s be honest, have you ever checked where your clothes were made?
1️⃣ Yes, always
2️⃣ Sometimes
3️⃣ Rarely
4️⃣ NeverTell me what you do in the comments.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.What’s coming up?
In episode 97, I’m going solo to share some of my observations from 96 episodes of Women Disrupting Tech.
After that, we continue the journey to 100 episodes with more amazing role models from the tech ecosystem. So stay tuned for more inspiring stories.
Until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome!
More episodes like this?
If you want to listen to the stories of others about building a sustainable business, you should check out the following three episodes:
– In episode 13, Florentine Gillis shares how the clothes in your closet can have another life.
– In episode 77, Angela Ursem reveals how she is growing food for skin, wallet and planet.
– In episode 95, Natasha Syed shares how she is contributing to sustainable jobs by fixing the talent gap. -
How SkilledIn Green Is Fixing the Sustainability Talent Gap with Natasha Syed | Show notes for episode 95 of Women Disrupting Tech
What if the biggest obstacle to a sustainable future isn’t a lack of talent but the way we hire?
When I sat down with Natasha Syed, founder of SkilledIn Green, I thought we’d talk about the growing demand for sustainability jobs. Instead, I discovered a hiring system that is failing both companies and job seekers.
In Episode 95 of Women Disrupting Tech, we dive into why traditional recruitment isn’t working for green careers and how Natasha is fixing it.
Key Takeaways from the episode
Here’s what you’ll discover by listening to episode 95:
✔️ The problem isn’t a talent shortage. It’s how we define ‘qualified.
✔️ You need a global platform to connect talent with green careers and education.
✔️ Bootstrapping a startup gives you freedom, but it demands resilience.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
How SkilledIn Green Is Fixing the Sustainability Talent Gap with Natasha Syed | Ep. 95 – Women Disrupting Tech
Events for Women Disrupting Tech
The event season has started, so allow me to highlight some inclusive events that are worth visiting.
EmpowHer – 10 april 2025 at Strandpaviljoen De Staat in Scheveningen.
Start: 14:00 hours – Finish: 18:00 Hours
This event is organized by Qualogy. Qualogy believes in the power of women in IT and they offer a platform where women in IT come together to learn from each other’s experiences.
During this event, you can learn how to network on purpose with authenticity and ease, from AI scientist turned entrepreneur Marina Velikova. After that, Wendy Moree will share The Importance of Role Models and Neurodiversity. And of course, there are possibilities to network and share experiences.
You can get your free tickets on Eventbrite.
Female Venture’s Founders Table: Empowering Women in Business – 4 June 2024 at VOCO Hotel The Hague
Start 15:00 – Finish: 18:30
The Women Founders Table aims to empower and connect women entrepreneurs by providing a platform for meaningful conversations, mentorship, and shared experiences.
At this event, organized by Female Ventures Delft / The Hague in cooperation with #WiTNL- Women in Tech NL and yours truly, you’ll hear from three accomplished female founders how to start and scale a business, while balancing priorities at home and at work.
Did I mention that you can stay for dinner? voco® The Hague offers participants the possibility to network and connect over a delicious 3-course dinner following the event at €35 per person.
Follow Female Ventures and/or me to be the first to learn when a limited number of early bird tickets come online.
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
Join to receive updates, including:
🚀 Early access to new episodes
🚀Exclusive insights and research
🚀 a weekly email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.Enter your email below to join the community today.
Processing …Yes! You're now part of the movement!Oopsie, something went wrong at our end. Please reload the page and try again.- Key Takeaways from the episode
- Events for Women Disrupting Tech
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic in This Episode 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- What stands out
- About Natasha Syed
- About SkilledIn Green
- Share what’s on your mind!
- What’s coming up?
- More episodes like this?
The Magic in This Episode 🪄
Why do you need a master’s degree and 25 years of experience to work in sustainability?
That’s the question Natasha Syed asked when she saw a job listing for a Chief Sustainability Officer.
With SkilledIn Green, she is proving that the problem is not a lack of talent. It is outdated thinking.
In Episode 95 of Women Disrupting Tech, Natasha shares how she is helping professionals upskill and connect with sustainability careers.
💡 A sustainability hiring platform needs to do more than list jobs.
There are plenty of job boards for sustainability roles, but most of them focus only on job listings. SkilledIn Green goes beyond that by offering structured learning pathways and a skills-first approach. Instead of just matching candidates to roles, it helps professionals upskill, highlights transferable skills, and provides clear entry points into the green economy.💡 The sustainability hiring gap is global, but the challenges vary by region.
In some markets, sustainability roles are well-defined but hard to fill. In others, like the Gulf Region, governments are investing in sustainability, but local expertise is still developing. Natasha sees a massive opportunity for international knowledge-sharing, where regions further ahead in sustainability practices can help train and upskill professionals in emerging markets.💡 You are never fully ready to become an entrepreneur—so start anyway.
Natasha’s advice to women thinking about starting a business? Do not wait until you feel fully prepared. Entrepreneurship is a journey of learning, adapting, and building resilience. If you have an idea, take the first step. You will figure out the rest along the way.
🎧 Listen to the full conversation for more insights on sustainability, hiring, and entrepreneurship on Spotify!Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the norm by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
What stands out
When Natasha Syed started her career in finance, she never imagined she’d pivot into sustainability. But a deep curiosity and a single online course sparked a journey that led to founding Skilled in Green. In this episode, Natasha shares powerful lessons on building a sustainable workforce.
At the start of the episode, Natasha shares that she always wanted to become an astronaut. She believes the perspective change (looking at the Earth from a distance) would persuade everyone to protect it.
When we talk about the role of HR in sustainability, she says that with the many problems in HR, it can also be a change agent. But that does require a perspective change as well. One where we start focussing on curiosity and ability and not only on the number of years of experience.
And at the end of the episode, we go back to her own learnings as an entrepreneur. The biggest? “You’re never fully ready to become an entrepreneur.”
Listen to Natasha’s story by tuning into the episode on Apple Podcasts using the button below.
Or click the image with the quote to watch the episode on YouTube.
“Developing gender blindness is crucial”
Natasha Syed, Founder of SkilledIn GreenAbout Natasha Syed
Natasha Syed is the founder and CEO of SkilledIn Green, a gamified talent marketplace dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their potential and pursue careers in the green economy.
With a diverse professional background, Natasha holds a CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting and a Certified Work Futurist accredited by the Institute for the Future. Her expertise spans economics, UX design, and cybersecurity, reflecting her commitment to integrating multidisciplinary approaches in fostering sustainable career pathways.
At SkilledIn, Natasha leads a diverse team of engineers and marketers united by a vision to revolutionize the way people learn, work, and grow in the sustainability sector.
You can connect with Natasha on LinkedIn.
About SkilledIn Green
SkilledIn Green is an innovative platform designed to serve as the ultimate expert hub for green skills, thriving sustainability careers, and future-proofed pathways. By offering a comprehensive Learning Hub with courses, masterclasses, and programs, SkilledIn Green enables individuals to start or advance their careers in the green economy. The platform also fosters a vibrant community where green talents, mentors, experts, and climate startup founders can connect and collaborate, driving collective progress toward a sustainable future. Through its gamified approach, SkilledIn Green makes the journey towards sustainability engaging and accessible for all.
Visit the website to learn more about their innovative approach, or follow SkilledIn Green on LinkedIn or Instagram.
Share what’s on your mind!
After listening to the episode, what do you believe is the biggest challenge in hiring for sustainability roles?
1️⃣ A lack of qualified candidates
2️⃣ Employers focusing too much on experience
3️⃣ Unclear career pathways in sustainability
4️⃣ Other (comment below!)Tell me what you think in the comments. There are no wrong choices here.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.What’s coming up?
In episode 96, Jolanda Kooi shares how she helps fashion brands build a more sustainable and resilient supply line.
Clip from episode 96 with Jolanda Kooi After that, we continue the journey to 100 episodes with more amazing role models from the tech ecosystem. So stay tuned for more inspiring stories.
And until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome!
More episodes like this?
If you want to listen to the stories of others about building a sustainable business, you should check out the following three episodes:
– In episode 22, Elianne Leeffers lets you discover how young parents can save money and the planet by reinventing potty training.
– In episode 61, Wyke Potjer and Asceline Groot reveal how you can live a sustainable life, too.
– In episode 80, Virginia Scheele shares her journey to more inclusive and sustainable travel experiences -
Funding and Building the Future of Venture Capital With Michelle ter Laak | Show notes for episode 94 of Women Disrupting Tech
Does having more women in venture capital lead to better investments?
Michelle Ter Laak was fascinated by entrepreneurship and innovation from a young age. That curiosity led her to finance, but it was in VC that she found her true passion: helping startups grow, navigating imperfect information, and making investment decisions that go beyond the numbers.
In episode 94 of Women Disrupting Tech, I speak with Michelle about how she’s building the future of venture capital.
Key Takeaways from the episode
Here’s what you’ll discover by listening to episode 94:
💡 AI is a disruptor, in more ways than one.
💡 Diversity is a competitive edge.
💡 Women funding women is not the goal, but a stepping stone.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
Funding and Building the Future of Venture Capital with Michelle ter Laak | Ep. 94 – Women Disrupting Tech
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
Join to receive updates, including early access to new episodes, exclusive insights and research, and a personal email with moments that inspired me and key takeaways.
Enter your email below to join the community today.
Processing …Yes! You're now part of the movement!Oopsie, something went wrong at our end. Please reload the page and try again.- Key Takeaways from the episode
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic in This Episode 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- What stands out
- About Michelle ter Laak
- About Arches Capital
- Share what’s on your mind
- What’s coming up?
- More episodes like this?
The Magic in This Episode 🪄
Some conversations leave you with thoughts that stick long after you’ve hit pause. Here are three moments that stood out from the conversation with Michelle Ter Laak:
💡 1. Investing is a community effort.
At Arches Capital, investment decisions aren’t just about financials. They are about mentorship and connection. Their model links startups with experienced angels who provide hands-on support, not just capital. Strong investments are built on relationships.💡 2. We need more role models, for men too.
Here’s a shocking truth: many male investors struggle to bring women into the game because they have never seen female investors or business angels. Without role models, change is harder. This proves why it is so important to showcase the women who are already out there. Visibility creates opportunity.💡 3. Celebrating progress in inclusion.
Michelle reflects on how much has changed for women in VC and tech. She shares a personal story about playing on the first female soccer team in her neighborhood and how, years later, stadiums are now full of young girls watching women’s matches. Change is happening, and “we should be proud of how far we’ve come.”
The work isn’t done, but moments like these remind us why we must keep pushing forward.🎧 Ready to discover all this and more? Tune into the episode on Spotify!
Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the norm by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
What stands out
As always, there’s more to the story than what made it into the final version. So, I’m sharing the hidden gems from this episode.
💡 The Invisible Barrier to More Female Investors
Michelle shared a surprising truth: many male investors struggle to bring women into venture capital—not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t know any female business angels.Think about that for a second. If you’ve never seen women investing, how do you know to invite them in? This is exactly why representation matters.
💡 Why Diverse Opinions Matter, Also In VC
Behind every investment decision is a massive knowledge gap. Founders often believe that VCs have a crystal ball, but Michelle made it clear: they don’t. At the early stage, there’s no way to know if a startup will succeed.The only way to make better decisions? Gather as many perspectives as possible and challenge every assumption.
💡 Women Funding Women: A Necessary Evil?
Michelle is clear on this: the goal isn’t for women to only fund women. The goal is a balanced system where gender isn’t a factor.But right now? Women-led funds and initiatives are necessary to close the gap. It’s a stepping stone, not the destination.
Listen to Michelle’s story by tuning into the episode on Apple Podcasts using the button below.
Or click the image with the quote to watch the episode on YouTube.
“We should be proud of how far we’ve come, and believe in what we can make happen in the future.”
Michelle ter Laak, VC investor at Arches Capital.About Michelle ter Laak
Michelle Ter Laak is an early-stage venture capitalist with a passion for entrepreneurship, innovation, and impact investing. As an investor at Arches Capital, she focuses on B2B SaaS startups, helping founders navigate the complexities of funding, competition, and AI-driven disruption.
With a background in finance and a deep interest in venture capital, Michelle believes that investing is about more than just numbers; it’s about building strong relationships and fostering community. She actively works to bridge the knowledge gap in VC, making the investment world more accessible for founders and aspiring investors alike.
Michelle invites you to connect with her via LinkedIn.
About Arches Capital
Arches Capital is a fast-growing group of business angels that is bridging the gap between Venture Capitalist (VCs) and how angels operate today, by joining the best of both worlds for its members.
Arches Capital invests in early-stage and scaling companies. It differentiates itself from angel syndicates or funds by supporting the next growth stage as well.
You can learn more about Arches Capital on its website and by following Arches on LinkedIn.
Share what’s on your mind
Should I interview opponents of inclusion in tech on the podcast?
👍 Yes, that is what inclusion is about
👎 No, I don’t consider the podcast safe anymoreTell me what you think in the comments. There are no wrong choices here.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.What’s coming up?
In episode 95, Natasha Syed shares how she is building a green talent pipeline with SkilledIn Green.
After that, we continue the journey to 100 episodes with more amazing role models from the tech ecosystem. So stay tuned for more inspiring stories.
And until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome!
More episodes like this?
If you want to listen to the stories of other investors in female ventures, you should check out the following three episodes:
– In episode 92, Sophie Heijenberg shares how she is taking VC beyond the bias.
– In episode 37, Tessa de Flines shares how she is an ambassador for female founders.
– In episode 8, Claire Tange reveals what you’re missing as an investor by not investing in female founders. -
The Message That Changed the Future of Th3rd with Esther Bisschop | Show notes for episode 93 of Women Disrupting Tech
Not every startup success story is carefully planned. Sometimes, one bold move changes everything.
That’s exactly what happened to Esther Bisschop, an exited founder, investor, and business leader who has leveled up at every stage of her career. From employee to employer. From founder to investor. From nearly going bankrupt to selling her company, Th3rd, to Snap Inc.
Key Takeaways from the episode
This episode is a true masterclass in reinventing yourself throughout your career. By listening, you’ll discover:
✅ Leveling up requires a shift in mindset before a change in title.
✅ Bootstrapping means balancing short-term survival with long-term vision.
✅ Bold outreach can change everything—be ready when opportunity knocks.Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
The Message That Changed the Future of Th3rd with Esther Bisschop | Ep. 93 – Women Disrupting Tech
Click the play button to listen on Spotify Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
The Women Disrupting Tech Community is a growing community driving inclusion in tech by providing founders and leaders with access to insights, role models, and real-world strategies for success.
Enter your email below to join the community today.
Processing …Yes! You're now part of the movement!Oopsie, something went wrong at our end. Please reload the page and try again.- Key Takeaways from the episode
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic in This Episode 🪄
- Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- What stands out
- About Esther Bisschop
- The Book
- Share what’s on your mind
- What’s coming up?
- More episodes like this?
The Magic in This Episode 🪄
This is an episode where you’ll want to have a pen and notebook ready. It’s packed with practical advice and real-world insights. Esther’s story proves that resilience, strategy, and seizing the right moment can change everything.
In a long but engaging conversation filled with unexpected turns, Esther shares how she reinvented herself again and again, from employee to employer, from founder to investor.
Here’s some of the magic we’ll uncover:
🔹 The power of ownership
Esther started as an employee at TinQwise but made a pivotal decision to buy into the company. That shift in mindset from working in a business to owning it changed her career forever.
🔹 Surviving setbacks
When COVID hit, Th3rd’s clients froze their innovation budgets overnight. Instead of giving up, the team of founders persevered and stayed resilient. Esther used her freelance work to keep the lights on, while her two co-founders kept the business afloat.
🔹 One bold message
A carefully crafted 140-character LinkedIn outreach led to a meeting with Snapchat. What started as a partnership conversation turned into an acquisition offer.She also shares how a visit to India is sparking yet another phase of reinvention.
🎧 Ready to discover all this and more? Tune in to the episode on Spotify!
Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the norm by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
What stands out
If you’re a startup founder, I recommend that you have a notebook and pen nearby when listening. This episode is loaded with advice on pretty much any stage of startup life. Here are three things that stood out to me.
Family Ties.
To say that family played an important role would be an understatement. Both her parents were entrepreneurs, and she became a co-founder in her brother’s startup.
Growing up, she saw firsthand that gender didn’t determine ability. That mindset stayed with her as she built her career. The partnership with her brother gave her the solid foundation that helped them to succeed. But it wasn’t always smooth sailing.
You can’t plan startup success.
We all love a good startup exit story. The press loves to paint them as perfectly planned. But the truth is that Th3rd wasn’t actively looking to sell when Snapchat came knocking. They were just trying to find a partner to persuade investors. Then, a well-crafted LinkedIn message led to an unexpected response. And suddenly, they were in acquisition talks.
The Power of Pausing.
Many exited founders will tell you that after an exit, you will need to take time to decompress and plot your next move. Esther is “comfortably in limbo”, as she calls it. She uses that time for reflection and learning new skills so that she is ready to reinvent herself.
🎧 Ready to discover the rest of the magic in this episode? Tune in to the episode on Apple Podcasts using the button below.
Or click the image with the quote to watch the episode on YouTube.
“If you want to build for everybody, you need everybody on board of you team to fill these gaps and perspectives.”
Esther Bisschop, Co-founder of Th3rd and Angel Investor.About Esther Bisschop
Esther Bisschop is an entrepreneur, investor, and business leader with a track record of building and scaling innovative companies. As co-founder of Th3rd, she helped shape the future of high-quality digital twins, working with brands like Nike, Adidas, and Timberland. In 2022, Th3rd was acquired by Snap Inc., marking a pivotal moment in her journey.
She started her journey at TinQwise, where she transitioned from employee to co-owner, gaining firsthand experience in leadership and business operations.
With a background in Cultural Anthropology and Social Informatics, she brings a unique perspective to digital innovation. Today, she continues to explore new opportunities, invest in startups, and embrace what she calls being comfortably in limbo, using this time to reflect, learn, and prepare for what comes next.
You can connect with Esther on LinkedIn, and you can learn more about Human Alloy (how Th3rd started) here.
The Book
At the start of the episode, I mention Robert Kiyosaki’s book ‘Rich Dad’s Cash Flow Quadrant.’ You can find it on Amazon, Bol and anywhere else where books are sold.
Share what’s on your mind
What is the biggest factor in startup success?
1️⃣ Smart risk-taking
2️⃣ The right network
3️⃣ Resilience in crisis
4️⃣ A bit of luckTell me what you think in the comments. There are no wrong choices here.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.What’s coming up?
In episode 94, we continue hearing from role models in VC as Michelle Ter Laak is my guest to share her journey as a VC from passion to profession
When you’re considering a career in VC, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
After that, we continue the journey to 100 episodes with more amazing female founders and investors. So stay tuned for more female role models in tech, and until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome.
More episodes like this?
If you want to listen to more founders turned investor, you should check out the following three episodes:
– in episode 54, Kimberly Ofori shares how she is harnessing the power of financial inclusion for a better planet.
– In episode 41, Lumo Labs’ Sabine Schoorl reveals how she is using curiosity to find exceptional founders with exceptional impact.
– In episode 14, Adine Tjeenk Willink breaks down her recipe for more diversity in the startup ecosystem. and spoiler alert: quotas are not on the list. -
Taking Venture Capital Beyond Bias with Sophie Heijenberg | Show notes for episode 92 of Women Disrupting Tech
What if bias in Venture Capital wasn’t a problem but part of the solution?
Sophie Heijenberg has seen firsthand how bias shapes the investment world. From navigating bias as a young woman in finance to rethinking how VC firms invest, Sophie proves that venture capital can and should be different.
Key Takeaways from the episode
Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:
💡 Not every great founder checks the right boxes
💡 Funding women is everyone’s business
💡 Networks open doorsReady to hear how Sophie is taking venture capital beyond bias? Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
Taking Venture Capital Beyond Bias with Sophie Heijenberg | Ep. 92 – Women Disrupting Tech
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
One of the important things about changing the funding landscape is access to the right communities. That’s why I’m building The Women Disrupting Tech Community.
The Women Disrupting Tech Community is a growing community driving inclusion in tech by providing founders and leaders with access to insights, role models, and real-world strategies for success.
Enter your email below to join the community today.
Processing …Yes! You're now part of the movement!Oopsie, something went wrong at our end. Please reload the page and try again.- Key Takeaways from the episode
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic in This Episode 🪄
- The Two Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- What stands out
- About Sophie Heijenberg
- About No Such Ventures
- About Women in VC NL
- Your Opinion Matters!
- What’s coming up?
- More episodes like this?
The Magic in This Episode 🪄
Sophie Heijenberg, investor at No Such Ventures, is on a mission to rethink how funding works. She has been the only woman on a trading floor, walked into meetings where she was mistaken for the assistant, and now makes investment decisions that challenge the status quo.
Here are three magical insights from our conversation:
✅ Diversity in investment is not about charity but about smart business.
Sophie and her team at No Such Ventures look beyond rigid checklists to back high-potential founders others might overlook.
✅ Change requires collective effort.
Supporting female founders is not just a women’s issue. It takes investors of all backgrounds to make funding truly inclusive.
✅ Representation drives results.
Sophie actively seeks out female founders because she knows that more women in VC means more women getting funded. The best ideas don’t always show up in traditional networks. Sometimes, you have to go looking for them.Ready to hear how Sophie is taking venture capital beyond bias? Listen to episode 92 on Spotify by clicking the button below.
The Two Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the norm by 2032? Here’s how:
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars on Spotify or Apple. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
What stands out
Sophie Heijenberg is proof that VC can and should be different. While listening to her story, three moments stood out to me:
1. The Subtle Ways Women Are Still Undermined in Business
About seven minutes into our conversation, Sophie shares that some founders still ask her when they will meet a partner. Even though she is the one making the investment decision.This moment is a perfect example of unconscious bias in action. Even when women hold decision-making power, they are often assumed to be junior. Instead of backing down, Sophie confidently asserts her position.
2. The biggest misconception people have about the startup world.
When we talk about Sophie’s work in educating other women about venture capital, we land on the misconceptions that she faces. Many women still see the startup ecosystem as an alpha male space. A world shaped by tech bros like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk.But Sophie highlights a different reality. Most founders in her portfolio are genuine people who are passionate about what they are building. They are not just creating businesses. They are shaping diverse and inclusive teams.
3. The mindset shift that VC needs
“We are still living in a society that’s rating people based on years of experience instead of the value that they actually add. Yeah, that’s just shitty and something that we hopefully will change over time.”So many investors overlook talent simply because someone does not fit the traditional mold of mandates and checklists. Real change starts with rethinking what makes someone ‘qualified’. It requires VCs to look at grit and passion. To see uniqueness as an asset, not a risk.
🎧 Ready to discover the rest of the magic in this episode? Tune in to the episode on Apple Podcasts using the button below.
Or click the image with the quote to watch the episode on YouTube.
“We’re still living in a society that is rating people based on years of experience, instead of the value that they add.”
Sophie Heijenberg, Venture Capital Investor at No Such Ventures.About Sophie Heijenberg
Sophie Heijenberg is a venture capital investor at No Such Ventures, where she challenges traditional investment models to fund high-potential founders regardless of background.
With a career spanning finance, private equity, and strategy consulting, she brings a fresh perspective to VC by looking beyond rigid checklists and embracing a more flexible, founder-first approach.
Sophie is passionate about closing the gender gap in venture capital, and she actively builds networks of female investors and mentors women looking to break into the industry. You can connect with Sophie on LinkedIn.
About No Such Ventures
No Such Ventures is a VC form that offers an alternative to the rigid, passive investment approach that prevails across Europe. They fund software first companies in the EU in the seed and series A stages. All employees participate in their investments with their own money to ensure that they have skin in the game. To learn more, visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.
About Women in VC NL
Women in VC NL is a vibrant and empowering community dedicated to fostering connections, collaboration, and career growth amongst women in the venture capital industry in the Netherlands. The community has around 500 members, including 100 female investors. You can learn more about them on LinkedIn.
Your Opinion Matters!
What is one outdated assumption in venture capital or startup funding that you think needs to change?
1️⃣ Only founders with a certain background (elite schools, big-name companies) deserve funding.
2️⃣ Women-led businesses are a ‘diversity play’ rather than a smart investment.
3️⃣ Startups need to act like traditional ‘tech bros’ to succeed.
4️⃣ Other, share your thoughts in the comments!Tell me what you think in the comments. There are no wrong choices here.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.What’s coming up?
So, now you’re wondering about the magic we’ve got coming up, right?
First, Esther Bisschop is our guide on her journey from being an employee to employer to founder to investor. It’s a journey of reinvention.
After that, in episode 94, we continue the role models in VC as Michelle Ter Laak is my guest to discover what VC will look like 5-10 years from now.
So, stay tuned for more inspiring stories on Women Disrupting Tech!
Until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome.
More episodes like this?
If you want to listen to other episodes that explore the world of Venture Capital, you can check out the following three episodes:
– In episode 73, Fleur van Leijsen shares how she developed conversation starters that lead to a more equal investment climate. This episode is in Dutch.
– In episode 41, Lumo Labs’ Sabine Schoorl reveals how she is using curiosity to find exceptional founders with exceptional impact.
– In episode 14, Adine Tjeenk Willink breaks down her recipe for more diversity in the startup ecosystem. and spoiler alert: quotas are not on the list. -
Using Intuition as a Superpower in Business and Leadership with Daphne Laan | Show notes for episode 91 of Women Disrupting Tech
What if intuition is a superpower in business?
Intuition and technology might seem like opposites. But in this episode, Daphne Laan shares how blending intuition with strategy helped her lead global teams and deals at Google, launch an impact-driven tech platform, and champion women in tech.
Key Takeaways from the episode
In episode 91, Daphne and I explore:
💡 Why intuition is a superpower in business
🌍 How inclusion starts with making the room bigger, not separate
🎨 The surprising role of creativity and art in techWhen data drives everything, trusting your intuition can set you apart. Listen now on Spotify, Apple, YouTube, or Amazon. Or hit the play button below👇.
Using Intuition as a Superpower in Business and Leadership with Daphne Laan | Ep. 91 – Women Disrupting Tech
Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
The Women Disrupting Tech Community is a growing community driving inclusion in tech by providing founders and leaders with access to insights, role models, and real-world strategies for success.
Enter your email below to join the community today.
Processing …Yes! You're now part of the movement!Oopsie, something went wrong at our end. Please reload the page and try again.- Key Takeaways from the episode
- Join the Women Disrupting Tech Community
- The Magic in This Episode 🪄
- The Two Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
- What stands out
- About Daphne Laan
- About Planetir
- Your Opinion Matters!
- What’s coming up?
- More episodes like this?
The Magic in This Episode 🪄
Intuition and technology might seem like opposites. But in this episode, Daphne Laan shares how blending heart intelligence with strategy helped her lead global teams and deals at Google, launch an impact-driven tech platform, and champion women in tech.
In this episode of Women Disrupting Tech, Daphne and I explore:
💡 How intuition helps leaders make smarter decisions
🌍 Why inclusion means making the room bigger, not creating separate rooms.
🤝 How Planetir is using AI to put the heart back into techPlus, you’ll discover something that connects us: art. Daphne believes that, just like business, art helps us imagine what’s possible before we can fully define it. And in a world shaped by technology, creative thinking is more important than ever.
When you’re ready to learn the art of putting the heart into tech, listen to episode 91 on Spotify by clicking the button below.
The Two Zero-Cost Ways to Support Women Disrupting Tech
Want to help make inclusion in tech the norm by 2032? Here’s how:
- Share the podcast with friends, family, and co-workers. This way, you give the women disrupting tech the platform they need to make it happen. Use the buttons below to share.
- Follow the podcast on your favorite podcast platform. Better yet, leave a rating or review from one up to five stars. You’ll help other people discover the podcast and help me improve.
What stands out
Throughout this episode, one word keeps surfacing: intuition. In a world obsessed with data, we’re slowly unlearning to trust our feelings. So this episode is about relearning that skill: tuning into what feels right and letting intuition guide your path.
Take Daphne’s story. She met her Planetir business partners on a dancefloor in Barcelona. They took the next step a few months later, only to realize their skills complemented each other perfectly.
It proves that overplanning doesn’t work. Success isn’t linear. It’s about showing up, leading into the unknown and using your intuition to recognize opportunities when they arise.
Another example is how Daphne and I discover our shared love for art. I only found out while preparing for the podcast and trusted my intuition to bring it up. Because real connection leads to better conversations.
It made me wonder: could trusting our intuition be the real superpower in business and leadership? I sense that in a world driven by data, intuition and creativity are emerging as essential factors for success.
🎧 Ready to discover the rest of the magic in this episode? Tune in to the episode on Apple Podcasts using the button below.
Or click the image with the quote to watch the episode on YouTube.
“We’re bringing the heart and magic into technology.”
Daphne Laan, co-founder of PlanetirAbout Daphne Laan
Daphne Laan is a tech leader turned entrepreneur who believes intuition is a superpower in business. After nearly a decade at Google, where she led global deals and teams, and championed women in tech, she founded The Board Whisperers, a collective that helps leaders uncover what’s beneath the surface to accelerate change. She is also the co-founder of Planetir.
I invite you to connect with Daphne on LinkedIn, Instagram and Art Talks
About Planetir
Planetir is putting the heart into tech. It is an AI-powered ecosystem that connects individuals, organizations, and communities to drive impact. Their mission is to unite a global ecosystem to equip changemakers with the skills and opportunities to collaborate and take planetary action.
You can learn more about the work that Planetir is doing on their website, by following them on LinkedIn and by listening to their podcast ‘Let The Journey Begin‘ on Spotify. And when you’re ready to be part of the future, join Planetir.
Your Opinion Matters!
What skill do you think is most underrated in business?
1️⃣ Intuition
2️⃣ Creativity
3️⃣ Human Connection
4️⃣ Strategic ThinkingTell me what you think in the comments. There are no wrong choices here.
And if you would like to suggest a guest or a theme for the podcast, please let me know via email or send a DM on LinkedIn.What’s coming up?
Do we have some magic coming your way in the next few weeks? Yes, we do!
In episodes 92 and 93, we explore the journeys of two women in early-stage startup investing.
First, we learn how Sophie Heijenberg found her way into VC as a woman. Then Esther Bisschop is our guide on her journey from being an employee to employer to founder to investor.
So, stay tuned for more inspiring stories on Women Disrupting Tech!
Until we meet again in the next episode, keep being awesome.
More episodes like this?
If you want to listen to other episodes that explore the intersection of technology and human connection, you can check out the following three episodes:
– In episode 76, Stacey Engle discusses how we can preserve our legacy in the AI age.
– In episode 52, Kim Carson reveals how conceptual technologists can uplift humanity.
– In episode 51, Alice Pavin reveals how we can balance feminine and masculine values in business and investment.
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast
The Podcast Closing the Funding Gap for Women in Tech.
Women Disrupting Tech | The Podcast 