photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: violeta marinova from art of colors
shivani chetty
ceo at eventmate & scaleu
about
i’m shivani chetty — a south african-born entrepreneur, founder, and proud new mother to my daughter, amara. my journey has been shaped by courage, curiosity, and an unwavering belief that we can create lives and careers that truly matter. from building tech ventures to navigating new chapters across continents, i’ve learned that growth often begins the moment you step into the unknown.
motherhood has been the most powerful transformation of my life. it has deepened my empathy, strengthened my resilience, and given my work a greater sense of meaning. i now build not only for myself, but for the future i want my daughter — and all young girls — to grow up in: one where women are confident, visible, and unapologetic about their dreams.
to me, being a role model isn’t about perfection. it’s about authenticity, courage, and showing others that they are capable of more than they ever imagined.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
i would tell my younger self to trust her instincts sooner and stop waiting for permission. not every path will make sense to others, and that’s okay. failure isn’t a weakness — it’s feedback. rest is productive. growth doesn’t have to look linear. and most importantly, you don’t have to choose between ambition and softness; you can be both powerful and kind, driven and present. everything you’re working toward will come together — just not always in the way you expect.
eventmate/scaleu
i believe role models matter because they make possibility feel real. growing up, and later building a company across continents, i didn’t always see many examples of women who looked like me in leadership or tech, especially while becoming a mother. joining this campaign is important to me because it helps broaden the picture of what leadership can look like. when women see themselves reflected in different paths and stories, it builds confidence, ambition, and belief. that ripple effect benefits everyone.
powered by netherlands point of entry
at the netherlands point of entry we acknowledge the importance of a diverse ecosystem, where individuals are empowered to pursue their ambitions. embracing women and diversity in the dutch tech ecosystem is crucial for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and unlocking untapped talent, ensuring technology contributes to a more equitable and dynamic future. we’re excited to be part of the equals campaign 2026 and to spotlight the incredible journeys of dr. nihal büyükuslu and shivani chetty. their stories are powerful, inspiring, and proof of what’s possible—let’s motivate the next wave of entrepreneurs to start and grow their ventures in the netherlands!