Over the past few years, a number of venture capital firms have sprung up across Europe to try to even out the funding playing field. Often started by individuals that experience discrimination themselves, be it for their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, or otherwise, these firms are solely on the lookout for motivated minority founders that have been overlooked.

Unconventional Ventures – Unconventional Ventures is a Nordic early-stage investment firm investing in underrepresented founders. Started by Thea Messel, the firm believes that underrepresented founders present one of the biggest market opportunities today. Unconventional’s UV PF1 fund equates to €125K from a diverse group of 60 investors – 85% of which are women – aged between 16-70, from over ten different countries.

We are Jane – Belgian venture capital fund We are Jane focuses on female entrepreneurs, as currently only 5% of female founders land funding. Set up by a trio that has almost 60+ years of entrepreneurial and investment experience between them, Conny Vandendriessche, Muriel Uytterhaegen, and Eline Talboom, they are on a mission to change the game.

Ada Ventures – Inspired by Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer, this firm highlights that 92 in every 100 dollars invested in Europe goes to all-male teams, and furthermore, 83% of founders are white and 82% are university educated. Ada Ventures is a first-cheque seed fund, on a mission to make venture capital truly accessible to the best talent in the UK and Europe – regardless of race, gender, or background.

Source Credit: EU-Startups