15 female founders to watch in European deeptech

2026-04-20 · Source: Sifted · Field: Technology & Digital — Emerging Technologies & Innovation, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Life Sciences & Biology · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, medium

Summary

European deeptech startups raised €13.5 billion in 2025, a 60% increase from €8.5 billion in 2024, highlighting rapid sector growth. Despite this, women remain underrepresented in deeptech funding, with only 3.2% of venture capital going to female-only founding teams in 2023, and 10% for mixed-gender teams. This article spotlights 15 female founders in European deeptech across various sectors, including space, quantum computing, electric vehicles, and biotechnology. Each profile details their company, its core technology or mission, and key achievements or funding milestones, showcasing their contributions to innovation and addressing critical challenges.

Key takeaway

For investors seeking high-growth opportunities, consider actively diversifying your portfolio to include female-led deeptech startups. These companies, despite historical underfunding, are demonstrating significant innovation and market potential across critical sectors. Your proactive engagement can help address the current funding imbalance and tap into overlooked talent pools.

Key insights

Female founders are driving significant innovation in European deeptech despite facing substantial funding disparities.

Principles

• Deeptech funding is rapidly increasing in Europe.
• Female-only founding teams receive minimal VC funding.

In practice

• Explore deeptech startups in space, quantum, and biotech.
• Identify companies addressing critical societal challenges.

Topics

• European Deeptech
• Female Founders
• Startup Funding
• AI Drug Discovery
• Sustainable Technology

Best for: Entrepreneur, Investor, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Sifted.