Paneltalk at Female Founders Day. F.l.: Charlotte Sigel, Janina Sundermeier, Nikolas Adamopoulos, Katja Brunner. (c) Tabea Flöhr.
Female Founders Day: November 28, 2024 – A Focus on Equitable Ecosystems
This year, Science & Startups dedicated the Female Founders Day to the topic of "Equitable Ecosystems". These ecosystems represent systems characterized by equality and accessibility for all. In the context of the event, this referred to the startup ecosystem, which remains far from achieving gender parity and equality for marginalized groups—essentially, anyone who does not belong to the group of white, heterosexual, cisgender men from middle-class backgrounds.
Held on November 28, 2024, at FluxBau by FluxFM with around 200 attendees, the event highlighted the disadvantages many people, especially women, face in the startup industry. Through informative and dynamic workshops led by female experts, Science & Startups showcased ways to foster equality in the startup scene and other areas of society, as well as the potential benefits this can bring.
Engaging Workshops
- Dr. Chripa Schneller, a scholar in Critical Race Theory and founder of the Institute for Diversity Competence, spoke on how entrepreneurship can become more inclusive.
- Prof. Dr. Janina Sundermeier, Junior Professor of Business Administration with a focus on Digital Entrepreneurship and Diversity at Freie Universität Berlin, shed light on gender stereotypes and their origins.
- Jasmine Aslan, a psychologist and co-founder of the company and software Aivy, discussed bridging the gender data gap in AI.
Amira Abo Doh and Sabine Fentker highlighted the importance and benefits of accessible user experience.
Workshop "Accessible UX - From Optional to Essential EasyEqual" by Amira Abo Doh and Sabine Fentker. (c) Tabea Flöhr.
Panel Discussion
A panel featuring Janina Sundermeier, Nikolas Adamopoulos (Founder and CEO of Talonic), and Chripa Schneller summarized the evening’s insights and addressed audience questions. The discussion was moderated by Katja Brunner, startup consultant and event co-organizer, alongside Charlotte Sigel, Cluster Manager at Science & Startups.
Networking and Community
The evening concluded with networking opportunities and lively exchanges over drinks and snacks.
We look forward to next year’s event and are proud to have been part of this important initiative.
Networking. (c) Tabea Flöhr.