On centre-stage: Some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Spain
In recent years, Spain has emerged as a trailblazer in the pursuit of gender equality, notably in the realm of entrepreneurship. A groundbreaking law, mandating a 40% gender quota for company boards, reflects Spain’s commitment to fostering diverse leadership and equal decision-making power. This proactive step is a significant stride towards dismantling gender barriers in both politics and business.
It’s empowering through equality. Complementary initiatives, such as increased investment in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), underscore Spain’s determination to bridge the gender gap in traditionally male-dominated sectors. By cultivating an environment that encourages women’s participation in STEM-related fields, Spain is actually creating avenues for innovation and progress.
A platform for progress: Entrepreneurship
Over the past decade, Spain has witnessed a remarkable 36% reduction in the gender gap, signaling a positive shift in perceptions around women entrepreneurship. Although Spain still lags slightly behind the European average in terms of female entrepreneurship (6.3%), the trend is encouraging. Insights from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report highlight the catalyzing effect of women interacting with fellow entrepreneurs, demonstrating the pivotal role of networks in fostering female-led businesses.
Encouraging shared spaces means a lot. Recognizing the importance of collaboration and shared experiences, Spain is actively encouraging spaces where women can connect, share knowledge & inspire each other in the business realm. Whether in political or cultural environments, the presence of women is proving to be a catalyst for entrepreneurial activity; it is breaking down barriers and paving the way for aspiring women entrepreneurs.
In a nation where progress is measured not just by economic growth but also by the inclusivity of its opportunities, Spain is carving a path toward a future where women entrepreneurs play a critical role in shaping the business landscape.
#WomenEntrepreneurs #SpainInnovation #GenderEquality #EntrepreneurialSpirit #BreakingBarriers
Here’s presenting some inspiring women entrepreneurs from Spain.
> Diana Ballart Cerdán, CEO & Co-founder, The Smart Lollipop
Diana Ballart Cerdán co-founded The Smart Lollipop in 2018 – a unique, non-intrusive medical device capable of detecting multiple diseases with a single saliva sample. Experienced in creation and creative consulting, and she leads innovation processes through ‘Design Thinking’ and ‘Design Doing’ methodology.
The Smart Lollipop was part of UNICEF Lab, a startup accelerator from ISDI Accelerator and UNICEF Spain – aimed at projects that positively impact children in the Spanish-speaking world; and it worked with a mission to revolutionize medical diagnosis by making it accessible, saving time for professionals, and providing the information that truly matters.
Significantly, she was a finalist in the “Best Female Founder” category at the Lean-In Women Business Angels EU Community Annual Conference and Awarding Ceremony.
> Dr. Almudena de la Mata, Founder & CEO, Blockchain Intelligence
Dr. Almudena de la Mata is a founding partner of Blockchain Intelligence, which is a leading blockchain technology knowledge and training center; and she is also Impact Hub Madrid’s founding partner, and Innovation for Change’s co-founder. Backed by a rich experience of leading many European projects to transfer blockchain tech to SMEs and develop blockchain solutions with citizen participation and sustainability, she has also held different executive positions in international companies and advised the Bundesbank and the European Commission.
Besides, she is a corresponding academic of the Royal Academy of Jurisprudence and Legislation and a professor at several European universities. For sure, she has a solid base to succeed as a female in a competitive and changing environment of tech development as she has a solid back-up of her Ph.D. in Law from the University of Hamburg, a master’s degree in European Law from the Europa Institut of the University of the Saarland, and various certificates in business development and coaching.
> Lorena Canals, Founder & Designer, Lorena Canals
A very committed designer of sustainable and socially responsible products, Lorena Canals is indeed highly creative. As Founder of the company that also bears her name, it was her practical sense that led her to create the first washable rug in the world. Totally focused on details, quality and originality her brand has become one of the most innovative brands in the market.
Tracing back to her designing her first rug in 1998 in her garage, she has moved ahead and expanded her business to more than 70 countries worldwide. Interestingly, as an entrepreneur, she founded her own artisan factory in India and has offices in Barcelona, New Delhi, and New York.
Most importantly, Lorena Canals brand is inspired by the beauty of everyday things, handcrafted products & human connections. Her unique products, such as the leaf-shaped rug or the children’s play rug that mimics a forest path have been true eye-openers for interior designers and professionals in the sector.
> Clara Campàs Moya, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, Asabys Partners
Clara Campàs Moy co-founded Asabys Partners in 2018, which is a professional investment firm. The company works intimately with entrepreneurs to build health and innovation companies, using technologies and products designed to transform people’s lives and provide disruptive solutions to current health challenges.
Currently she serves on the board of directors of several companies, including – Ona Therapeutics, Origo Biopharma, Sidekick Health and Nuage Therapeutics. Prior to this, she served as the Strategy & Development Director at Kern Pharma and held several positions at Advanced, including that of managing director.
Asabys Partners invest in early-stage companies operating in – healthcare innovation, covering various areas including biotech therapeutic companies, medtech, health technologies, disruptive services, and digital health. Their focus is on countries such as Spain, the EU, Israel, and the UK; and they consider themselves investors, partners, and collaborators to their portfolio companies. Substantially qualified, she received her Doctorate in Pharmacy in 2004 and a Master’s in Pharmacy from the University of Barcelona in 1999.
> Vanesa Lucchesi Co-Founder & CBO of Easycommerce®
Vanesa Lucchesi wears many hats. She is an entrepreneur, businesswoman and Co-founder and CBO of Easycommerce® – an omnichannel e-commerce platform for unified online trade and business expansion that focuses on providing innovative solutions for the digitalization of companies and organizations.
Highly involved in the technology community, she actively participates in various tech associations in Spain and Latin America. Besides, she serves on the Boards of Directors of several prominent organizations, including ALETI (Latin America), CESSI (Argentina), ASAEDE (Spain), ATICMA (Mar del Plata, Argentina), AMETIC (Spain), and CACE (Argentina).
Backed by rich experience in both the public and private sectors, she is actively involvement in tech associations showcasing her expertise and dedication to advancing the technology industry in Spain and Latin America.
At Easycommerce®, she helps drive the team’s focus on building and customizing B2C, B2B, or B2B2C experiences across multiple digital channels, offering various options for different companies and sectors.
> Natalie Batlle, Founder & CEO, Juno House
Natalia Batlle is Founder of Juno House – Barcelona’s first members’ club for women. Before becoming an entrepreneur, her focus was in a wide variety of areas – like strategic partnerships, communications, business development, brand building and events management for B2B SaaS companies and startups.
Originally from Chicago, Claudia worked across EMEA on international brands for over a decade and decided to settle in Barcelona to find the club. The club aims to focus on holistic well-being and professional development; and specifically, from career growth to work-life balance, the club is a hub for creativity, productivity and international synergies.
What was her background for setting up her business? After experiencing the difficulty of balancing a career with the needs of a young child during maternity leave, she realized that many women faced similar challenges, and that the quest for work-life balance was a common pain point!
Connecting with more women, it became clear that there were a number of common challenges; and this realization was the inspiration for creating Juno House – to provide a support system for women to achieve their professional aspirations while also being present for their families. So, the organization believes providing this support can create a better world for women & their families.
Source: https://novobrief.com/15-female-founders-and-executives-building-the-future-of-
spain/10602/
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