EXPO Capital Quest is the final phase of the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO, a unique partnership platform to promote women’s entrepreneurship ecosystem building in the Europe and Central Asia region, led by UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Yıldız Holding as part of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator supported by Mary Kay Inc.
7 Women-led businesses making a difference in Europe and Central Asia
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15 women founders from across Europe and Central Asia take center stage at the EXPO Capital Quest on 4 June under the EBAN Congress 2025 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photo: EBAN
From turning food waste into growth to combining neuroscience, psychology, and virtual reality for anxiety and burnout relief, and creating educational games for children, 15 women entrepreneurs from across Europe and Central Asia have built innovative startups that are changing the world for the better.
With the support of the UN Women, these founders reached the final phase of the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO 2024: the Capital Quest, which took place on 4 June in Copenhagen, Denmark. After a year of intensive orientation sessions and strategic mentorship programmes, they took the stage at the Capital Quest, co-organized by the UN Women and the European Business Angel Network (EBAN) as part of the annual EBAN Congress 2025, to pitch their ventures to Europe’s top investors and angels and take their businesses to the next level. EBAN Congress brings together more than 500 angel investors, entrepreneurs, and industry experts from around the globe to explore the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges in the startup ecosystem.
Now, 7 out of 15 of these trailblazers are sharing their hard-won wisdom, offering invaluable advice to their younger selves, along with inspiring messages for women everywhere who dream of becoming entrepreneurs but may hesitate to take the leap.
Discover how these remarkable women turned problems into possibilities and uncover the lessons that could accelerate your own journey from idea to impact.
“I represent Neuropilot, a virtual reality app for anxiety management. If I could tell my younger self anything, it would be: just do it. Don't be afraid of big ideas or lack of experience. In Georgia, people are not always tolerant of failure, but startups are built on mistakes - you have to love them. One piece of advice I have received: right before going on stage, break the ice with honesty – say you’re nervous. So are other 300 million other people. That honesty grabs attention. And to young women entrepreneurs: ask for family support. Building a startup is like raising a child – it takes a village.”
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“I represent Nilus Engineering, a company that provides comprehensive solutions for smart factory automation, utilizing both robotic and non-robotic systems. I would tell my younger self to stay calm, keep going, and make people believe in you. My message to all the girls: you are my sisters. You can do anything you dream of. Believe in yourself and make it happen.”
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“I am the founder of Living Up, a platform that uses games to promote businesses, increase their income, and build community. To my younger self, I’d say: be bold, be brief, and believe in your story. Don't wait for perfection - start now. If your product solves a real problem, the market will embrace it. Work for your dreams, believe in yourself, and everything will eventually fall into place.”
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“We collect food waste and turn it into high-quality organic fertilizer, while creating jobs for marginalized people. My advice to young women entrepreneurs: don’t be shy or think you are bothering people. Always believe in yourself. The best advice I’ve received? It’s okay to quit if something doesn’t work. Don't be afraid to take the risks. If you believe in your idea, go for it and pursue every opportunity.”
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“I'm the co-founder of EasyPass, an online tutoring platform for school subjects, languages, and corporate training. To women building a business: don't hesitate to make the first move - say hello and always follow up. People remember you more when you remind them. Test things quickly. If they don’t work, change them fast. Investors want to believe in your team, not just your product. Sell the vision and show why you are the right person to lead it.”
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“I am the founder of Rocman, a platform that helps small businesses to recruit the right talent. I believe women entrepreneurs bring fresh perspectives to solving problems. Talk to people about your product - you never know when a partnership will begin. To my younger self: stay focused and persevere. If you are solving a real problem, that’s what matters. To all young women founders: you are full of potential. Use it. Bring your ideas to life.”
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"We create educational and physical games for children, and now we are building digital platforms to enhance communication and pursue our social mission. My advice for new women entrepreneurs: keep trying. Believe in yourself, never give up, and support each other. Use new technologies, innovative materials, and social innovation while staying focused on overall development."
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