Author Archives: Dirkjan Hupkes, Host of Women Disrupting Tech

In my podcast Women Disrupting Tech, I give a platform to the women who work in tech so they can be a role model for others. The goal is to promote more diversity, equity and inclusion in the tech sector. I believe that this will lead to better solutions to the three problems of our time: the climate crisis, exploding demand for healthcare services and poverty.

Women Disrupting Tech | Events

The event season is in full swing, so allow me to highlight some inclusive events that are worth visiting. BTW, if you are a man and afraid that you’ll be the only one in the room, fear not. I will be there to support you. Diverse Leaders in Tech Events If you like being in…More

Behind the Mic of Women Disrupting Tech: Lessons Worth Sharing

When you’re starting something new, not knowing what’s ahead can be a blessing. This applies to starting a company and also to starting a podcast. When I launched Women Disrupting Tech, I tried not to overthink it. I had a message I cared about, a mic, and just enough tech to hit record. If I…More

How the Netherlands Enterprise Agency Funds Inclusive Innovation with Bibi van Gijzel and Merel Zimmerman | Show notes for episode 102 of Women Disrupting Tech

In Episode 102 of Women Disrupting Tech, Bibi van Gijzel and Merel Zimmerman from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency discuss how public funding promotes inclusive innovation. They emphasize the importance of diversity in funding criteria and visibility for women, especially in tech, while explaining the Innovation Credit and Seed Capital schemes.More

Anna Christie on episode 103 on the future of Women’s Health that she’s building with Flouria.

Why Men Should Embrace Gender Equality, and How They Can

Dirkjan Hupkes reflects on his responsibility towards gender equality. Acknowledging the systemic inequalities rooted in history, he emphasizes the importance of listening to women’s experiences. Progress requires collective efforts from all genders, as diverse systems benefit everyone. True allyship involves active participation and awareness in fostering inclusivity.More

How to Use Cultural Intelligence as a Leadership Superpower with Gwen Kolader | Show notes for episode 101 of Women Disrupting Tech

In episode 101 of Women Disrupting Tech, Gwen Kolader discusses leading across cultures and fostering inclusion in teams. Key insights include the importance of cultural intelligence, the relationship between inclusion and diversity, and strategies for challenging bias. Kolader shares unique leadership lessons learned from the Maasai in Kenya.More

RVO’s Bibi van Gijzel on becoming a role model for women in tech as a non-techie.

Three Ways We Can All Be an Ally in Tech

Allyship in tech is vital but often neglected. It’s not an option but a responsibility, especially for those in positions of influence. Practical ways to be an ally include sharing the mic to amplify unheard voices, asking individuals what support they need, and inviting reflection on biases respectfully. Every action counts towards building an inclusive culture.More

How The Angel Initiative Is Closing the Gender Funding Gap with Laurie Lancee | Show notes for episode 99 of Women Disrupting Tech

In this conversation, Laurie Lancee shares her journey from a corporate finance background to becoming the managing director of the Angel Initiative, focusing on empowering female investors and supporting female-led startups. She discusses the challenges faced in fundraising, particularly as a woman. She emphasizes the importance of closing the gender funding gap. The conversation also explores the unique perspectives and investment strategies of female investors, the mission of the Angel Initiative, and the pitching process for female founders. In this conversation, Laurie Lancee discusses the challenges and opportunities for female founders in the startup ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive investment spaces. She shares insights on the selection process for startups, the criteria used for investment, and the positive feedback received from both founders and investors. The discussion also touches on the future of angel investing, the need for gender equity in funding, and strategies for engaging male investors in the conversation.More

Audio clip from episode 100 of Women Disrupting. Click play to listen.

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…More

Making Health Data Work for Everyone with Sara Okhuijsen and Nima Salami | Show notes for episode 98 of Women Disrupting Tech

In this conversation, Sarah Okhuijsen and Nima Salami, founders of OASYS NOW, share their journey in creating a platform aimed at making personalized medicine accessible to everyone. They discuss their backgrounds in DNA and bioinformatics, the challenges faced in clinical trials, and the importance of a patient-centric approach to data privacy and security. The conversation also touches on their vision for scaling the platform globally and the significance of building trust within the healthcare ecosystem. In this engaging conversation, Sara and Nima share their experiences in pitching, fundraising, and building a diverse team in the health tech sector. They discuss the importance of crafting a compelling pitch, the challenges of fundraising, and the significance of investor relationships. The duo emphasizes the value of diversity in their founding team and how it contributes to their mission of creating inclusive technology. They also reflect on the challenges they face as startup founders and the intrinsic motivation that drives them to persevere.More