Closing the gender gap in startup boards
Having women in the C-suite isn’t enough — boardrooms shape strategy, governance, and culture. Yet women still hold just 20–30% of startup board seats in Europe, often concentrated in non-executive or advisory roles.
This underrepresentation matters. According to McKinsey, companies with gender-balanced boards outperform peers by 25% in profitability. For startups competing in fast-moving markets, diverse boards aren’t optional — they’re a strategic advantage.
Why startup boards matter
Boardrooms are where long-term decisions get made — from funding rounds to company culture. When women are absent, the perspectives shaping growth are narrower, and opportunities to build stronger, more resilient companies are lost.
Despite some progress, women’s board seats in startups remain limited and often lack the influence of executive positions. This imbalance risks reinforcing the same barriers that limit women in leadership more broadly.
Four moves for more women at the top table
Set clear targets
Founders should commit to board diversity goals for both executive and non-executive roles — and track progress publicly to ensure accountability.
Widen the pipeline
Boards need fresh perspectives. Look beyond the usual suspects like ex-founders or CFOs. Senior operators, academics, and policy experts can bring invaluable insights. Networks like European Women on Boards or BoardEx help surface qualified women.
Use observer seats
Offering observer roles is a practical stepping stone for rising female leaders to gain boardroom experience and visibility before full appointments.
Push investors to step up
Venture capital firms hold enormous sway. By baking diversity requirements into term sheets and using their own board seats for women, VCs can accelerate change.
The big picture
More women at the top table isn’t just about fairness — it’s a proven way to build stronger, better-performing companies. For Europe’s startup ecosystem, embracing board diversity early can pay long-term dividends in innovation, governance, and growth.
