Female startup founders across Europe and the UK are still navigating a stark funding gap, despite making significant strides in innovation and business growth. In Germany alone, women-led startups received just 4% of the country’s total VC funding in 2024—a figure that reflects broader disparities across the continent. This gap is often linked to gender bias in investment decisions, limited access to elite networks, and a lack of female representation in venture capital firms.
Against these odds, women-led startups managed to raise an impressive €69.45 million between March 31 and April 6, 2025. The success of these ventures across deeptech, healthtech, fintech, and climate tech signals a growing shift in the investor mindset—however gradual—towards recognizing the value of female-driven innovation.
WeeFin: Driving ESG in Finance with €25M Backing
Paris-based WeeFin, co-founded by Marion Aubert, raised €25 million to scale its ESG investment tools for financial institutions. With support from BlackFin Capital Partners, IRIS, Asterion Ventures, and Ring Capital, WeeFin aims to help clients integrate sustainability directly into their investment strategies and expand its reach to the UK.
Fairly Made Secures €15M to Power Sustainable Fashion Tech
Founded by Laure Betsch and Camille Le Gal, Fairly Made is tackling fashion’s sustainability crisis with traceability tools and digital passports for garments. Backed by BNP Paribas, Solar Impulse Venture Fund, and others, the €15 million round will help the startup evolve into a pure technology platform and expand its market influence.
Underdog Raises €7M to Lead Refurbished Appliance Market
Home appliance refurbishing startup Underdog, founded by Claire Bretton, Laura Chavigny, and Léa de Fierkowsky, bagged €7 million in seed funding. With support from Daphni and Sistafund, the startup will expand its repair workshops and boost the supply of eco-friendly, affordable home appliances.
Aqemia Lands $7.4M Grant for AI-Driven Drug Discovery
Deeptech pharma startup Aqemia, led by co-founder Emmanuelle Martiano, secured $7.4 million from France 2030 to expand its AI platform. The technology accelerates molecule discovery for disease treatment by integrating physics-based algorithms with generative AI.
GRACE Raises €5.9M to Disrupt Luxury Insurance with AI
GRACE, co-founded by Lou Dana, is reimagining insurance for high-value goods using AI-powered automation. The €5.9 million round—backed by Speedinvest, FinTech Collective, and Sequoia’s Scout program—will scale GRACE’s embedded insurance infrastructure across global luxury markets.
Swedish Algae Factory Gets €3M to Enhance Solar & Skincare Tech
In Sweden, co-founders Sofie Allert and Angela Wulff raised €3 million to grow Swedish Algae Factory. The startup’s algae-derived silica materials improve solar panel efficiency and sustainable UV protection in skincare. The funding came from Chalmers Ventures.
Exobiosphere Secures €2M to Pioneer Space-Based Drug Research
Exobiosphere, co-founded by Olivia Borgue, is merging biotech with space exploration. The Luxembourg-based startup raised €2 million to validate its Orbital High-Throughput Screener, which tests thousands of drugs in microgravity. Expansion Ventures and Expon Capital led the round.
Evolytes Raises €1.3M to Boost Gamified Math Education
Reykjavík-based Evolytes, co-founded by Guðbjörg Aðalsteinsdóttir, closed €1.3 million to scale its engaging math learning platform. The edtech tool supports over 1,400 schools globally, helping kids master math 12x faster through game-based learning. Omega and Pekron Family Office co-led the round.
Proservation Snaps Up €1M to Scale Eco Packaging Innovation
German startup Proservation, led by sisters Sophia and Lisa Scherer, raised €1 million for its plastic-free packaging made from grain husks. The RECOU material is biodegradable and shock-absorbent, offering a sustainable alternative to polystyrene for industrial use.
Calla Lily Gets £1M to Develop Vaginal Drug Delivery Device
UK-based medtech startup Calla Lily, founded by Dr. Lara Zibners, received £1 million from NIHR. The startup is developing Callavid, a vaginal drug-device platform to improve treatment for miscarriage prevention, IVF, and future women’s health applications.
CardMedic Raises £500K to Break Healthcare Language Barriers
CardMedic, co-founded by Rachael Grimaldi, raised £500,000 to grow its AI-powered communication tool for hospitals. The platform bridges gaps for patients with hearing impairments, language barriers, or cognitive difficulties and will now expand across NHS systems.
Maps Untold Bags €350K to Personalize AI Travel Planning
In the Netherlands, Gabriella Gomes Branco’s Maps Untold secured €350,000 to officially launch its AI-based travel planning platform. The tool offers custom itineraries that avoid tourist traps, focusing on curated, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Prewave Secures Undisclosed Funding in Series B Extension
Austria’s Prewave, co-founded by Lisa Smith, specializes in AI-powered risk detection and supply chain sustainability. Though the amount was not disclosed, the company extended its Series B with backing from Volvo Group VC and ISAI Cap Venture. Prewave has now raised nearly €100 million to date.
Momentum Grows Despite Ongoing Investment Gaps
While the gender imbalance in venture capital funding is far from resolved, last week’s activity offers a glimpse into the growing strength of women-led startups across Europe. With nearly €70 million raised, these founders are proving that innovation thrives when inclusivity leads.
