Analysis of the first thousand emerging companies certified by ENISA found that only one in four people in management teams was a woman. Forty-two per cent of the companies had at least one woman in a management position.
A similar proportion appeared in ownership: women represented approximately one in four shareholders, while 38% of the companies had at least one female shareholder.
Representation changes decisions
Diversity is not only a matter of public image. It affects which problems are considered important, what products are designed, who is recruited and how customers and risks are interpreted.
Access to capital begins before a funding round
Professional networks, financial experience, references and the ability to dedicate time to a project influence who reaches the investor presentation. Improving investment requires action at these earlier stages.
Measurement creates accountability
Companies, funds and public programmes should publish comparable information about teams, ownership, investment and progression. Without consistent data, commitments to equality cannot be evaluated or corrected.