Key points:
- A number of women from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are making significant impacts in the global venture capital (VC) landscape.
- These professionals come from diverse backgrounds and bring a unique perspective, supporting the growth of tech startups and business innovation.
Leading the charge in the UK are Andrea Zitna, Partner at Speedinvest’s London office that boasts over €1B for investment in tech startups across Europe; Irina Elena Haivas, Partner at Atomico, which focuses on investing in technology companies from their earliest stages all the way to IPO; Sequoia’s European Partner, Luciana Lixandru; and Mina Mutafchieva Van Ingelgem, Partner at Dawn Capital. Each of these women have played significant roles in the growth and success of various tech startups, with each contributing their unique expertise and vision.
The US scene also boasts a strong line-up of influential CEE women. Standouts include Dafina Toncheva, General Partner at U.S. Venture Partners, who specializes in enterprise software and security investments; Jana Iris, an investor at TQ Ventures; Slava Venture’s Managing Partner, Marianna Bonechi; Milena Bogdanova Bursztyn, a venture investor and startup advisor with both Portfolia and Newtype Ventures; Oana Olteanu, Partner at Signal Fire; and Tina Dimitrova, a Partner at Bain Capital Ventures.
The progress and success of these professionals reflect their diverse experiences, ranging from early-stage investments to corporate development. They each bring a unique perspective to the table, demonstrating an exceptional level of professionalism that transcends geographical boundaries. Their stories not only reflect their individual accomplishments but also serve as inspiring narratives for the wider landscape of women in tech and venture capital.
The contributions of these women help in shaping a more inclusive and forward-thinking tech industry. Their stories serve as inspiring narratives for the wider landscape of women in tech and venture capital, highlighting that the tech startup environment continues to evolve and benefit from greater diversity and unique perspectives.
