On March 5, Women InNovation, a free global 1-day virtual conference launches with over 36 speakers – inspiring women and men – policy makers, investors, entrepreneurs, and organizations – around the world. Ahead of the United Nations International Woman’s Day, the conference will explore, connect and share ideas on closing the gender gap, supporting women entrepreneurs, encouraging investors to support equal access to funding and building thriving ecosystems built on value creation and innovation. Supported by a collaboration of the Nordic countries, the aim of Women InNovation is to provide a global platform to elevate the conversation and identify solutions to tackle the gender gap in entrepreneurship. Additional information on panels and speakers can be accessed on their website.
Hege Barnes, the Chairperson of Women InNovation, states: “The number of startups by women worldwide still lags that of men. The total entrepreneurial activity rate is about three-quarters that of men. Why is that? Numerous surveys and reports indicate that one of the biggest concerns for women entrepreneurs is access to capital, particularly in the growth and expansion phase.”
Eliza Reid, First Lady of Iceland, says: “Women InNovation is a fantastic initiative from the Nordics to bring together key stakeholders on a vital global topic: How we can inspire, encourage, support and invest in women entrepreneurs?”
Featured speakers
The speakers include high-level representation from the United States and the Nordic countries: Eliza Reid, First Lady of Iceland; Thomas Blomqvist, Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality, Finland; Mika Koskinen, Consul General, Ambassador, Finland; and United States Acting Assistant Secretary, Peter Haas; Jennifer Tegan, Managing Director, NY Ventures; and Van Tucker, President & CEO, Launch Tennessee.
Speakers also include leaders from NGO’s and the private sector, including: Vicki Saunders, Founder of SheEO; Hala Hanna, Managing Director, Solve – at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT); Halla Tómasardóttir, CEO, The B Team; Karen Kerrigan, President & CEO, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council; Idunn Jonsdottir, Chief Executive Director, IESE Business School; Vivienne Ming, Founder & Executive Chair, Socos Labs; Ellen Bateman, Director for U.S. Ecosystems at Global Entrepreneurship Network; Michelle Greenwald, CEO, Catalyzing Innovation; Karen Cahn, CEO, iFundWomen; Susanne Hannestad, CEO, FinTech Mundi; and many more.
The event is organized in cooperation with Nordic Innovation by Nordic Innovation House New York in partnership with Business Finland, Business Iceland, Innovation Norway, Business Sweden and the consulates general of Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden in New York.
Event information
- What: Women InNovation 1-Day Free Virtual Conference (global)
- When: Friday, March 5, 9 – 5 p.m. EST
- Why: Only 10.7 percent of women-led startups in the US – and fewer globally – receive funding
- Who: Attendees include women entrepreneurs, investors, tech and innovation professionals, and public policy leaders
About Nordic Innovation House New York
Founded in 2017, Nordic Innovation House New York is a 501(c)(3) non-profit collaboration of the Nordic countries to provide market-entry services to startup and scale-up companies to the US. Nordic companies can access services through the Hub, an online and mobile platform which provides market entry guidance, networking, and soft-landing services as well as participate in Nordic Innovation House New York programs. Nordic Innovation House New York connects US partners with Nordic businesses, innovations, and tech solutions through the Hub, programs, and events.
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