Women founders: real role models, real paths, real impact
Women’s Entrepreneurship Day on November 19 reminds us that innovation depends on making room for all. It is a day to recognise the women who build companies, and to encourage those who have a spark of interest to explore what entrepreneurship could mean for them.
- Anika Paulus
- 4 min read
Why representation in entrepreneurship matters
Denmark needs more people who want to start and grow companies, yet women remain underrepresented in the entrepreneurial pipeline. Only 27% of Danish entrepreneurs are women, and just over 1% of startup investments go to all-female teams. Almost one in four young women do not believe they have the right skills to become self-employed, and more report lacking role models they can look up to.¹
The patterns at CSE mirrors this picture. Today, only 26% of our current founders identify as women, representing 171 active women founders and over 130 women-led or women-co-founded startups.
But the last year shows a shift. We launched new DEI initiatives in 2024, and we are already seeing an effect. The share of women-only teams at CSE has grown from 18% to 21% in just one year. This signals that early-stage support, targeted outreach and intentional DEI efforts help, and that growth in women founders is not accidental, but the result of focused work.
By integrating DEI work into our programmes and community spaces, we aim to make entrepreneurship more approachable for people who might otherwise not see themselves in this environment.
Founders in conversation at the FoundUs breakfast – a community gathering for founders that identify as women, non-binary, LGBTQIA+ from underrepresented groups. Photographer: Vitor Hugo Silva Mendes
Women who inspire by doing
Even with persistent barriers, many women at CSE are building companies that develop new products, enhance communities and bring fresh perspectives into the startup environment. Entrepreneurship does not begin with a perfect plan. It begins with curiosity and the willingness to try.
At CSE, we have many women founders who show this every day. The three stories below represent only a small part of the community, but they offer real, practical advice for anyone considering entrepreneurship – and demonstrate why visible role models matter.
“Do not wait for permission or the perfect moment. Take the first step. As women, we are often taught to overthink and perfect everything before we begin. Be bold, trust yourself, get started, and claim your space. You will be amazed by how much you learn along the way.”
– The women co-founders of AILO
AILO helps small and medium sized businesses turn data into practical value through responsible AI solutions built for long-term impact, driven by a belief that technology becomes stronger when more voices are represented. Founded by Marie Liljegren Gam, Theresa Kränzle, Sara Kautto and Mathilde Lundsberg-Nielsen.
“We find it promising to see how much focus there is on female entrepreneurship. We have received valuable support from the startup community and are proud to be part of a network that actively uplifts and empowers female founders.”
– Christina Gram and Maria Breitenstein, co-founder Spuddle
Founded by Christina Gram and Maria Breitenstein, Spuddle is building a smart, gamified learning app that helps professionals master Excel quickly through real-world, bite-sized tasks.
“If you see a problem space and believe an entrepreneurial journey could help make things better for people or planet, then try. There may be more people rooting for you than you think.
– Prichelle Rugdeo, founder of Digital Coffee Sessions
Digital Coffee Sessions, created by Prichelle Rugdeo, is a podcast that brings researchers and technologists together for accessible conversations about the emerging trends shaping our future.
Building a community where all founders can grow
At Copenhagen School of Entrepreneurship, we aim to create an environment where every founder can show up as they are, and be supported in their growth. This includes learning programmes, DEI initiatives and dedicated community spaces such as the FoundUs Breakfast, a gathering for founders that identify as women, non-binary, LGBTQIA+ and from underrepresented groups.
These initiatives are part of our commitment to change the structures that shape who becomes a founder. We know we have work to do – and are building pathways that make it easier for anybody to explore ideas, gain confidence and take their first step as founders. To enhance innovation and societal progress, Denmark should encourage more women to launch and grow businesses, transcending mere gender considerations.
By improving access, sharing visible role models and building supportive communities, more women will take the leap. And when they do, we all benefit.
Considering taking the first step?
You do not need a full idea, a polished deck or a business plan. A spark of interest is enough. Stop by our CSE Open Wednesdays, weekly from 14-16, to get feedback on your ideas and learn about possible next steps. Just show up, and we will be there to listen, guide and help you explore where your idea could go.
¹ Female entrepreneurs 2025 – Analysis of barriers and trends by Dansk Erherv
