What drives us
Our Mission
Foundrise was founded to empower and support women in advancing their businesses. We provide a space for women to forge strong connections, overcome business challenges, and collectively redefine the business landscape.
Rather than dictating the content, we engage in ongoing dialogues with our members to deeply understand their challenges, and spot reoccurring hurdles female founders face. This approach ensures that our monthly breakfasts and quarterly founder dinners foster a supportive environment where founders can freely express themselves, connect authentically, and collaboratively propel each other forward.
Why we do it
There’s a Major Gender Gap in the Startup Ecosystem
Women excel with 48% in tertiary education, yet they represent only 20% of startup founders and receive a mere 1% of venture capital funding. Fostering a strong female network is not just a call for equity; it's an investment in unlocking the untapped potential of half the population.
What we live by
Our Values
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FUELING GROWTH
Our monthly breakfasts and quarterly founder dinners are dedicated to empowering female founders to break barriers, providing them with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to grow their business.
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BUILDING BONDS
We foster a culture of inclusivity, welcoming women from diverse backgrounds, industries, and experiences. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and growth.
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RESHAPING BUSINESS
We prioritise mentorship as a core value, connecting our members with seasoned entrepreneurs and industry experts who offer guidance, advice, and inspiration throughout their entrepreneurial journey.
Who we are
Initiators
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Agata Andryszczak
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
Agata Andryszczak
Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
A seasoned Financial Analyst and entrepreneurial powerhouse, Agata launched the highly successful Spoons of Taste, scaling it to a six-figure triumph. She established a venture growth studio for female founders, assisting them in raising over €16 million in 6 markets in the last 18months. In parallel, she lends her expertise as a VC advisor for multiple international funds across portfolio companies in FMCG and Femtech.
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Emma Powell
Chief Marketing and Analytics Officer (CMAO)
Emma Powell
Chief Marketing and Analytics Officer (CMAO)
Emma is the Founder & CEO of R360Growth, where she leads the development of retention-driven email strategies that foster customer loyalty and reduce churn. Emma is also the co-creator of the Investor Readiness Retreat, empowering women founders with the tools to secure investment and scale their ventures.
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Aleksandra Zwirek
Chief Creative and Sponsorship Officer (CCSO)
Aleksandra Zwirek
Chief Creative and Sponsorship Officer (CCSO)
With a background in engineering and a passion for impactful innovation, Alex co-founded a B2B healthy food startup in Munich, dedicated to creating products that enhance well-being in the workplace. Known for her entrepreneurial drive, she focuses on building value-driven ventures and fosters meaningful connections among female founders, collaboration and growth.
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Thea Otto
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Thea Otto
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
A business development consultant expert and sustainability advocate, Thea specializes in Agri-Food Tech and Circular Economy, working with a diverse range of companies from early-stage startups to established multinational enterprises. Her projects span 9 countries across 4 continents, bringing a global perspective to her expertise. She strives for female founder empowerment and champions sustainable solutions to address today’s climate challenges.
