Last week, our founder Annegien Blokpoel had the privilege of attending two transformative events in Brussels: the Empower Equity III Conference and sessions with the European Investment Fund (EIF) and European Investment Bank (EIB). The focus? Driving diversity in investing—starting with equality in representation for women and men in decision-making and selection processes within venture and private equity capital. It’s an inspiring cultural shift within EU policymaking, one that holds immense potential to benefit our investor community, European citizens, and society at large. At Catalyst Impact Investment Club, we don’t just talk about diversity—we act on it. With a community of more than 50 investors, equally split between men and women, and an Investment Committee of 6 members (3 men and 3 women), we are proud to lead by example. As far as we know, we are the only 50/50 gender-diverse business angel syndicate. Congratulations to Annegien for receiving the Golden Aurora Award for Female Business Angel 2024-2025 at the Business Angels Europe ceremony. A testament to her dedication to empowering female-led innovation and connecting ecosystems across Europe.
What a great European Investment Fund (EIF) and European Investment Bank (EIB) events in Brussels. Great to meet so many old and new friends, learn, connect and build. For more diversity, on all aspects, in investing. Starting with equality in representation in decision and selection making process of men and women in investing, venture and private equity capital. Loved hearing about the cultural shift, that was announced yesterday. It is a privilege to witness this real impactful shift within the EU policy making, and I look forwards seeing the effects on our investor community. To the benefit of our European citizens and society. Yonca Braeckman Elodie Donjon Victoria Kimonides Athina Oikonomidou 🚀Kinga Stanislawska Miruna Gala Michaela Berglund Priscilla Schnepper, CFA, CAIA Sophie Heijenberg Simone Brummelhuis Daniel Onyango and all the others ✨✨ PS if you know what the picture on the left is, leave it in the comments there will be a price for the winner 😊
