Blazing Their Own Trails: The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs in Slovenia

On centre-stage: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Slovenia

#WomenInTech #InnovateSlovenia #SLoHeros

Slovenia, nestled amidst the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, is becoming a hotbed for entrepreneurial spirit. And, within this vibrant ecosystem, a force is rising: women entrepreneurs. From tech startups to sustainable fashion brands, Slovenian women are shattering glass ceilings and carving their own unique paths to success. They are exploring the business areas, overcoming challenges, driving innovations, creating an impact on Slovenia’s economy and society.

Get ready to be inspired by their passion, resilience, and determination as we shine a light on the remarkable women shaping Slovenia’s entrepreneurial landscape. We’ll delve into their aspirations, the challenges they navigate, and the unique paths they forge, proving that gender is no obstacle on the road to entrepreneurial success. 

So, join us as we celebrate the rise of Slovenia’s aspiring women entrepreneurs – a force to be reckoned with, both in their home country and on the global stage.

> Marta Turk, President of the Ljubljana Regional Chamber of Commerce Slovenia

Ms. Marta Turk, President of the Ljubljana Regional Chamber of Commerce Slovenia, began her entrepreneurial career in a unique way. A mother of four, she was faced with the challenge of balancing her work life and her personal life. She asked her boss to secure childcare at the work place for afternoons and evenings as well, but her boss did not accommodate her needs.

So, she started her own business – working from her basement, on a typing machine during the night. Now, her family has their own printing house. She also strongly feels that an entrepreneur is also responsible for the development of the society.

This is achieved by giving back to the society, but also by helping others. She puts four rules upfront : first – having trust in yourself; second – everything can be achieved when there is will; three – investing in knowledge is crucial; and fourth – networking, which goes both ways and includes cooperation with the competition too.  

> Tatjana Zabasu Mikuž, Managing Partner, South Central Ventures

Tatjana Zabasy Mikuž is a Slovenian female entrepreneur, backed by more than 20 years of experience. She started her career while working at the Ministry of Economy of Slovenia and Deloitte. Later, she held the position of Member of the Management Board at Shout. In 2007 Tatjana began working as a Partner at RSG Capital, a Slovenian venture capital management company, focusing on early-stage companies from CEE with high growth potential.

Moreover, since 2015 she has been a Managing Partner at South Central Ventures, a Serbian venture capital firm, investing in tech startups from South-Central Europe. 

> Jasna Suhadolc, Founder, Actuado

With a vast expertise in digital marketing, Jasna Suhadolc is passionate about new technology and communication. In the past, she was President at IABC Slovenia, a not-for-profit membership association for business communications professionals.

Additionally, Jasna worked at DMS (Društvo za marketing Slovenije) and IABC. Since 2012 she has been a Managing Director at Actuado, an international inbound marketing agency. Moreover, Jasna is the author of the book called “New Opportunities in E-communication”.

> Nika Kristina Butina, Co-Founder & CEO of Epidemic

Nika Kristina Butina has graduated from Aston University and the University of Lubljana. Soon after graduating, she began her career, working as a Marketing Assistant at Generali Investments Slovenia, an asset management company. She also founded and was the CMO of Boomerang media.

In 2019 Nika co-founded Epidemic, a marketing platform, providing solutions leveraging peer recommendations about brands’ products. What is more, the company was listed as one of the TOP 10 in this year’s edition of the CEE Startup Challenge by Vestbee!

> Vesna Mardonovic, Founder, Business Genome

Vesna Mardonovic graduated from the University of Ljubljana and from the London School of Executive Coaching, after which she began her professional career, during which she worked for multiple companies such as GSK, A1 Slovenija d.d., Omnicom Media Group UK, and UNICEF.

Additionally, Vesna has been working as the President of Effie Slovenia. In 2020 she founded Business Genome, a culture decode and design consultancy company dedicated to building corporates’ DNA and values.

> Urška Sršen, Co- Founder & CCO, Bellabeat

Urška Sršen is an experienced artist and female entrepreneur, who pursues new innovations with keen interest.

She a Co-founder and CCO of Bellabeat, which is a fem-tech business, targeting a global health-conscious community. The company is not only providing healthcare services for women, but also is developing technology that easily tracks their overall health, and aids in achieving a mind and body connection throughout different stages in life.

Additionally, for her huge contribution to the development of the start-up ecosystem in Europe, Urška Sršen was listed on the 30 under 30 Europe by Forbes. 

Source:
https://www.vestbee.com/blog/articles/top-25-women-from-vc-and-startup-ecosystem-in-slovenia