photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: larizza nieto guzman from art of colors
soukaina adnane
investment manager at deeptechxl
about
as a woman, a mother of two, and a minority navigating the dutch business landscape, my journey as a technology entrepreneur spans over 12 years. armed with a master’s degree in engineering and an mba from insead, i embarked on a mission to leverage technology for societal betterment. my own experiences have fueled my belief in the transformative power of technology.
founding a successful medtech company was a testament to this belief. now, as an investment manager in a deeptech fund, i’m driven by the desire to empower fellow entrepreneurs. my journey has taught me the value of understanding and support, which i strive to provide to founders navigating their own paths.
my personal and professional experiences intertwine, influencing my advocacy for greater diversity among investors. i am dedicated to ensuring that all voices are heard and that inclusive solutions receive the support they deserve.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
raise your voice!
reflecting on my experiences, i often find myself regretting the moments when i stayed silent. there’s a profound lesson in speaking up—against injustices encountered or witnessed. it’s about advocating for oneself, refusing to be confined to predetermined roles or expectations. speaking up is an act of empowerment, a channel for sharing invaluable ideas and perspectives.
it’s crucial to vocalize our values, to stand tall and assert who we are and what we believe in. by speaking up, we not only assert our individuality but also inspire others as role models. let your voice be a beacon of authenticity and determination.
don’t settle for less than you deserve. speak up and articulate your aspirations loud and clear.
deeptechxl
deeptechxl is a multi-cultural, diverse, and experienced team of successful entrepreneurs, deeptech investors, m&a experts, and venture builders. we invest in early-stage deep tech ventures with the power to impact society and solve grand societal challenges. we work together with the ventures as an extended team to provide hands-on support in order to scale high-impact, high-value ventures. we help share knowledge and enable growth, encouraging entrepreneurs to share their knowledge and experience with other entrepreneurs making an impact with advanced technologies. we are supported by industry giants such as asml to support entrepreneurs and grow the dutch startup ecosystem.
powered by techleap
we firmly believe that increasing diversity – including of gender – benefits the tech industry as a whole. these women lead the way, provide others an anchoring point for their ambitions and truly show there is no limit to what can be achieved.