Who we are
About Us
OUR STORY
The inspiring story behind Female Ventures' inception
Female Ventures prioritizes empowering and advancing women in their careers by increasing awareness and providing essential support for navigating their professional paths. Through a tailored mix of inspiration, education, and community involvement, we aim to enhance your journey towards success. You’re welcome to join us at our engaging events to experience firsthand the empowering essence of Female Ventures, where your goals, your voice, and your future come together in a supportive and inclusive space.
“Witnessing Female Ventures transform from a simple idea in 2016 to a sustainable organization today fills me with pride. I eagerly anticipate our future growth, expansion in programming, city teams, and collaborations with new international partners.” — Dieuwke Hoogland, Founder of Female Ventures
Meet our Founder, Dieuwke Hoogland
At Female Ventures, our journey began in 2016 with a simple but powerful realization by our Founder, Dieuwke Hoogland. As she finished a project for Venture Cafe Rotterdam, she noticed the lack of female representation at these innovation gatherings. This seed of thought blossomed into the impactful initiative Female Ventures, born out of collaboration among Rotterdam-based women in business.
Our evolution
- 2016 – Dieuwke Hoogland launches Female Ventures at Venture Café/CIC Rotterdam. Delft chapter opens.
- 2017 – Expansion to Utrecht and Amsterdam.
- 2018 – Eindhoven chapter launches.
- 2020 – COVID shifts all events online.
- 2021 – Becomes a nonprofit foundation.
- 2022 – Launch of Career Vitality Mentoring Program & monthly networking drinks post-COVID.
- 2024 – Introduces Female Ventures for Girls. Reaches 1,500+ members & 6,000+ LinkedIn followers.
- 2025 – Establishes Supervisory Board. Refines strategy, vision & mission. Surpasses 6,000+ event attendees.
Our teams
At Female Ventures, our strength comes from our volunteers – individuals who balance their professional commitments or entrepreneurial endeavors while passionately supporting the organization.
Our teams are the driving force behind our initiatives. Explore each team to discover the diverse talent that fuel our mission:
Our community
Join our community — It's free!
Become a part of a supportive community where you can grow, connect, and take bold steps in your career/ Sign up today and start your journey towards your venture, your voice, your future.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of such a creative and vibrant community. I’m excited to share my passion and to see what our efforts will bring in the future.” — Galina Petrova, National Marketing Team
Volunteer with us
Join our teams
Passionate about making a real impact on women’s careers? Explore current volunteer opportunities at Female Ventures and leverage your skills and leadership to contribute to a meaningful cause.
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