A new gender and diversity index has revealed a significant gender imbalance across the European tech industry, spanning from education to executive leadership.
The GENDEX index, funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC), evaluated women’s representation in STEM education and tech companies over the past decade. The 2024 study surveyed 150 deep tech founders across the EU and conducted 20 in-depth interviews, using data from Pitchbook, Dealroom, and Eurostat.
“This data proves we need structural change,” said Tanya Suarez, GENDEX chair, ahead of International Women’s Day. “A gender-balanced ecosystem delivers the best results.”
Gender disparities start in the classroom
The report highlights a persistent gender gap in STEM education. In 2022, women made up only 42 per cent of STEM graduates, with even lower representation in STEM research (44 per cent) and roles (41 per cent). While women comprised 62 per cent of biology graduates, they represented only 24 per cent of ICT graduates.
This gender gap has lasting effects. Women account for just one in five deep tech company founders, and only 31 per cent of researchers in deep tech. Furthermore, just 24 per cent of all patent applications were made by women.
Women underrepresented in leadership and investment
Women hold about 30 per cent of leadership positions in European tech companies, with the most significant gender gap at the board level. In male-founded firms, women are consistently underrepresented across all employee categories.
Female-led teams also struggle to secure venture capital funding. Only 1 per cent of VC funding goes to all-female teams, and when women-led startups do receive funding, it takes six months longer than male-led teams to close a deal. Moreover, male-led companies have received 1.8 times more funding over the last decade.
Calls for structural change
The report recommends that investors and governments mandate gender diversity reporting before funding companies. Investors are also encouraged to self-assess their portfolios for diversity.
This research comes as US-based tech giants like Meta, Amazon, and Google roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies under pressure from the Trump administration. Experts warn that this trend may influence European tech firms, potentially affecting their diversity efforts.
