Welcome to our guide highlighting the exceptional female venture capital (VC) partners making significant contributions to the startup ecosystem in the Netherlands. In this overview, we celebrate these influential women who are driving innovation and shaping the investment landscape with their expertise. Learn more about their backgrounds, notable investments, and valuable contributions to entrepreneurship in the Netherlands. Join us as we recognize and applaud the achievements of these trailblazing female VC partners.

Amy Novogratz - Co-Founder and Managing Partner at AquaSpark

Amy Novogratz co-founded Aqua-Spark, the first global investment fund for sustainable aquaculture, inspired by her work in ocean conservation with Sylvia Earle. Before Aqua-Spark, she directed the TED Prize, leading collaborations across various sectors. Amy is driven by bringing ideas to fruition, stakeholder engagement, and leveraging technology for a better future.

Anke Huiskes - Founder and Managing Partner at NP-Hard Ventures

Anke Huiskes is the Founder and Managing Partner of NP-Hard Ventures, focusing on early-stage tech investments in Europe and the US. She's also a Founding Partner at Planet Positive, investing in climate tech startups, and Co-Founder of ANGELS.vc, promoting gender diversity in investing. With a diverse portfolio of direct and indirect investments, Anke brings extensive experience to the table. She holds a Master of Science in Marketing and a Bachelor's in Communication Science from the University of Twente.

Briehan Burke - General Partner at Keen Venture Partners

Briehan Burke is a General Partner at Keen Venture Partners, a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam and London, where she has been since October 2022, supporting various startups across Europe. Prior to Keen, she held roles at Catalyst Investors and LOLA, gaining experience in B2B SaaS, tech-enabled services, and finance.

Dagmar van Ravenswaay Claasen - Senior Partner at LUMO Labs

Dagmar van Ravenswaay Claasen is a Senior Partner at LUMO Labs, an impact-driven VC fund focusing on emerging deep tech software technologies in Europe. With extensive advisory and board roles at companies like Deeploy, Silverflow, Fenergo, and Fiat Republic, she brings expertise in AI-driven solutions and compliance to the financial and tech sectors. She holds a Master's in Law from Universiteit Leiden and has pursued board member education at Nyenrode Business Universiteit.

Daniela Couto - Partner at BGV

Dr. Daniela Couto, a Partner at BGV since 2015, boasts a distinguished career in leading biotech ventures, including her role as managing director at Staten Biotechnology. With a background spanning academia and industry, she holds an MSc in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Minho and a PhD in BioEngineering from Instituto Superior Técnico in collaboration with MIT.

Eva De Mol - Managing Partner at CapitalT

Eva de Mol, Founding Partner at CapitalT, holds a PhD in economics from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and UC Berkeley. With expertise in human capital within venture capital, she collaborates with top VCs and promotes diversity through initiatives like #Fundright. Eva's influential work, featured in leading journals and the Harvard Business Review, underscores her commitment to industry inclusion.

Felice Verduyn.van Weegen - Partner at EQT Life Sciences

Felice Verduyn-van Weegen serves as a Partner in the EQT Life Sciences team, having transitioned from LSP when it merged with EQT. Prior to her venture capital career, she worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company in Amsterdam, following her tenure as a neuroscientist and statistical geneticist at the Broad Institute and Harvard Medical School. Felice holds a master's degree in Neuroscience from VU University Amsterdam and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Florentine Fokma - Partner at SHIFT Invest

Florentine Fokma is a Partner at SHIFT Invest, a Dutch impact venture capital fund focusing on food & agriculture, clean technologies, circularity, and smart materials. With nearly a decade of experience at SHIFT Invest, she has been instrumental in supporting start-ups and scale-ups aiming for both environmental impact and financial return. Florentine also holds previous experience as a Partner at NBI Investors and has served on the boards of various organizations, including NutriLeads and The Renewal Workshop.

Ida van Hasselt -Kuijken - Partner at Fortino Capital

Ida van Hasselt, a Partner at Fortino Capital, brings a global investment background, notably as the former head of M&A at OLX Group within Prosus. With extensive experience in private equity and growth investing, she focuses on expanding Fortino's network, deal execution, and portfolio management within the technology sector. Known for her supportive approach to entrepreneurs, Ida is passionate about fostering female entrepreneurship while pursuing her interests in tennis, ballet, and modern art.

Ilonka Jankovich - Partner at Rubio Impact Ventures

Ilonka Jankovich, a Partner at Rubio Impact Ventures, is a serial entrepreneur with successful exits in the Worktech space and a recognized thought leader. With decades of experience in scaling startups and a focus on empowering individuals in their professional lives, she has made impactful investments in Worktech startups across Europe and the US. At Rubio, Ilonka leads the People Power team, leveraging her passion for entrepreneurship and commitment to personal empowerment.

Janneke Bik - Managing Partner at SHIFT Invest

Janneke Bik serves as the Managing Partner of SHIFT Invest, a venture capital fund focusing on sustainable mobility, energy transition, and green industries. With nearly a decade of experience at SHIFT Invest, she is instrumental in supporting start-ups and scale-ups striving for both environmental impact and financial return. Janneke holds a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Delft University of Technology.

Janneke Niessen - Founder at CapitalT

Janneke Niessen, a Founding Partner at CapitalT, is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and diversity advocate with a strong presence in the technology sector. With successful exits from two international tech companies, she actively promotes diversity in both technology and venture capital, co-initiating initiatives like #Fundright and InspiringFifty. Janneke's impactful contributions have earned her recognition as one of Harper's Bazaar Women of the Year.

Laura Rooseboom - Managing Partner at StartGreen Capital

Laura Rooseboom, Co-founder and Managing Partner of StartGreen Capital, has a strong background in sustainable investing, previously directing DOEN Participaties, the venture capital fund of the DOEN Foundation. Pioneering early investments in green companies in the Netherlands, her expertise extends from private banking to finance, supported by her education in Business Administration from Erasmus University and a post-doctoral degree as a Chartered Financial Analyst from VU Amsterdam.

Machtelt Groothuis - Founder and Partner at Rubio Impact Ventures

Machtelt Groothuis holds a Master's degree in Economics, Finance, and Spatial Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam. With over a decade of experience, she is the Founder of Rubio Impact Ventures, focusing on investing growth capital in innovative and sustainable solutions. Additionally, Machtelt holds various board positions in prominent organizations, including Amsterdam Commodities N.V. and a.s.r. verzekeringen, contributing her expertise to foster systemic change and effective governance.

Magdalena Pawłowska - Partner at Level2 Ventures

Magdalena Pawlowska, Partner at Level2 Ventures, brings extensive marketing and communications experience, particularly in the tech and food sectors. With a strong track record in strategic business development and PR, she held pivotal roles at FAMUR GROUP and ZETO Katowice Sp. z o.o. Magdalena holds an MBA in Economics from Uniwersytet Ekonomiczny w Katowicach and has studied Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Uniwersytet WSB Merito Chorzów.

Marie Weijler - Partner at TIN Capital

Marie Weijler, Partner at TIN Capital, brings expertise in fund management and investor relations, with a focus on cybersecurity and IoT security. With an MBA from Quantic School of Business and an LL.M in Corporate Law from Universiteit Leiden, she combines multidisciplinary knowledge with hands-on experience from roles at LipoCoat and Cottonwood Technology Fund, earning recognition like being honored on Venture Capital Journal's 40 Rising Stars Under 40 list.

Monique Meulemans - Partner at Pymwymic

Monique Meulemans, a Partner at Pymwymic, specializes in impact investing for ecosystem preservation. With a Master's in Finance from EADA Barcelona and additional training in Corporate Finance from the European Business School, she brings extensive experience to her role. She has also contributed to consultancy projects focused on social profit and conducted policy research for corporations and public bodies.

Nanna Lüneborg - General Partner at Forbion

Nanna Lüneborg, a General Partner at Forbion, brings extensive experience in late-stage biopharma investments, having previously worked at Novo Ventures. With a background in venture capital and a PhD in Neuroscience from University College London, she has led successful investments in companies like BioInvent and F2G. Nanna holds an MBA from the University of Cambridge and a BA in Physiology and Psychology from the University of Oxford.

Pauline (Zaanen) Wink - Founding Partner at 4impact

Pauline Wink is a Founding Partner at 4impact, a digital tech4good venture capital fund focused on early-stage businesses driving societal and sustainable impact. Prior to this, she held roles as Partner and Managing Director at Hayfin Advisors B.V., where she managed alternative lending efforts, and as Executive Director at Goldman Sachs International, specializing in principal investing and lending. Pauline holds a Master's in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University of Technology.

Sabine Schoorl  - Senior Partner at LUMO Labs

Sabine Schoorl is a Senior Partner at LUMO Labs, an impact-driven multi-stage investment fund focusing on startups in AI, IoT, AR/VR, blockchain, and security. She holds an Executive MBA from London Business School, specializing in High-Performance People Skills for Leaders. Sabine also completed the VC Fundamentals program as part of the Newton Venture Program, covering key areas such as the VC ecosystem, deal flow, and negotiations.

Saskia van den Ende - Associate Partner at Antler

Saskia van den Ende is an Associate Partner at Antler, managing scouting, marketing, and HR for portfolio companies. She previously held senior roles at Antler and led talent acquisition at OYO and Uber. She has a Master’s in Industrial Psychology and an Executive Certification from Harvard Business School Online.

Sheila Struyck - Venture Partner at SHIFT Invest

Sheila Struyck is a Co-founder and Venture Partner at SHIFT Invest, the largest Dutch impact venture capital fund. She specializes in sustainable gastronomy, advocating for plant-forward cooking, and contributes as a culinary columnist and ambassador for healthy eating initiatives. Sheila holds certifications from INSEAD, London Business School, The Wharton School, and Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University.

Simone Brummelhuis - Fund Director & Partner at Borski Fund

Simone Brummelhuis serves as a partner at Borski Fund, where she manages portfolio company selection and investor relations. With expertise in M&A and startup advisory, she co-founded IENS, later acquired by TripAdvisor. Brummelhuis holds an LLM from Columbia Law School and studied Dutch corporate law at the University of Amsterdam.

Tamara Obradov - Fund Manager & Partner at Tablomonto VC

Tamara Obradov, a Managing Partner, brings entrepreneurial zeal to tech, e-commerce, and digital media. With a track record in consultancy and project leadership at major firms like P&G and Heineken, she led Wehkamp's e-commerce strategy, culminating in its acquisition by Apax Partners. She holds an MBA in General Management from Harvard Business School, where she built expertise in fashion and flash sales models, and also authored aCase on the Gilt Groupe.

Willemijn Verloop - Founding Partner at Rubio Impact Ventures

Willemijn Verloop, a Founding Partner at Rubio, is a leading figure in Dutch social entrepreneurship, with extensive experience in founding and growing impactful ventures. With a background in history and international affairs from the University of Amsterdam and Universiteit Leiden, she's dedicated to advancing the global Social Enterprise movement. Additionally, she has received training in governance from Nyenrode Business Universiteit and leadership development from Phoenix Opleidingen.

Teska van Vuren - Managing Partner at DeepTechXL

Teska Van Vuren is currently the Managing Partner at DeeptechXL, with prior experience as a Partner at NautaDutilh, specializing in civil law and corporate M&A. With over 29 years of experience in the legal industry, she brings a wealth of expertise to her roles, complemented by her educational background in Dutch law and notarial law from the Universiteit Utrecht.

Anne Portwich - Partner at EQT Life Sciences

Anne Portwich serves as a Partner in the EQT Life Sciences team, having previously worked with LSP until its merger with EQT. Before her tenure at LSP, she held roles as a Scientist and Project Leader at OctoPlus in Leiden, Netherlands. Anne's academic background includes an MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Hanover and a PhD from the Max-Planck Institute of Marine Microbiology in Bremen.

Marina Pellón-Consunji - Partner at Ampersand Capital Partners

Marina Pellón-Consunji is a Partner at Ampersand, having joined the firm in 2013. Previously, she served as an Associate Director in Healthcare Investment Banking at UBS, where she focused on various financial transactions for middle-market healthcare companies. Marina earned a B.A. with Honors from Wellesley College, majoring in Biological Chemistry and International Relations, and gained experience working at biochemistry laboratories at Harvard Medical School after completing her degree.

Mirjam Terhorst - Partner at Move Energy

Mirjam Terhorst is a seasoned venture capital partner based in the Netherlands, with over two decades of experience in investment, finance, and legal counsel. Currently a partner at Move Energy and FundIQ, she has played a pivotal role in driving investments in the energy sector and fostering innovation in venture capital. Her previous roles include partner at YARD ENERGY Group, director at Rabo Private Equity, and associate at Norton Rose Fulbright. Mirjam also serves as chairperson of the Mediaraad at NH Media and advises the Netherlands Enterprise Agency on seed capital for technostarters. A graduate of Leiden University, she is known for her strategic insight and dedication to supporting startups and SMEs.

Jehanne de Walque - Partner & CFO at M80 Partners

Jehanne de Walque, Partner and CFO at M80, previously held roles at Pacific Crest Group and NewTree America, focusing on finance and accounting for Silicon Valley startups. With 15 years of experience as an analyst at Puilaetco and Dexiam, she brings extensive expertise in financial markets. Jehanne holds a Business engineering degree from the University of Louvain-la-Neuve, an MA in International Management from CEMS, and is a certified European financial analyst.

Laurina Nieukerke - Founder and Managing Partner at INCLUSIF

Laurina Nieukerke, Founder of Inclusif Social Capital, is a visionary leader in impact investing, with over 12 years of experience and a focus on reshaping the investment landscape for greater equity. She pioneered innovative finance mechanisms like Social Impact Bonds and has expertise in impact investments, M&A strategy, and addressing shifts in labor markets and technology, supported by her educational background from institutions like Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, and IC University of Applied Sciences - Amsterdam.

Iris Hesselink - Partner at Pontex Investment Partners

Iris Hesselink, Partner at Pontex Investment Partners, co-founded the current Pontex Team during her tenure at NIBC Investment Partners in 2014. With prior experience in Leveraged Finance at NIBC Bank and North Westerly CLO funds, she specializes in providing acquisition financing for Dutch and international private equity funds. Her expertise lies at the intersection of strategy and finance, cultivated during her Masters in Finance and Strategic Management at Tilburg University.

Emily Jeffries - Partner at Avedon Capital Partners

Emily Jeffries-Boezeman is a Partner at Avedon, having joined the firm in 2015. Before that, she spent six years at McKinsey & Company, specializing in strategic and commercial projects for various Dutch clients spanning industries such as transport, banking, software, and logistics. Emily holds an MSc in Mathematics from the University of Amsterdam and an MBA from Oxford University.

Julia Padberg - Partner at SET Ventures

Julia Padberg serves as a Partner at SET Ventures, where she leads efforts to advance digital innovation for reducing the energy sector's climate impact. With a strong background in finance, energy, and cleantech, Julia has been pivotal in expanding SET's European presence since 2016 and driving new investments. Previously, she held roles in corporate finance and investment advisory, specializing in cleantech and energy, and holds a Master's degree in Environmental & Resource Economics from University College London.

Lotte Smit van Ditshuizen - Partner at Arches Capital

Lotte van Ditshuizen is a Partner at Arches Capital with a background in venture capital and M&A boutique advisory. She has facilitated funding for over 30 entrepreneurs across various sectors and expanded investor networks. Lotte holds a Premaster's degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing Management from Tilburg University and a Bachelor's degree in Commercial Economics from Fontys University of Applied Sciences. She is known for her excellence in professionalism and personal leadership.

In conclusion, the presence and impact of female venture capital partners in the Netherlands are instrumental in fostering innovation and growth within the startup community. Through their diverse expertise, strategic investments, and dedicated support, these women are not only shaping the future of entrepreneurship but also paving the way for more inclusive and dynamic investment practices. As we continue to celebrate their achievements and contributions, let us acknowledge the importance of diversity and gender equality in driving innovation and creating a thriving startup ecosystem. Cheers to the continued success and empowerment of female VC partners in the Netherlands and beyond!