The Founder Revolution: Bold Leadership in Uncertain Times

Speaker Introduction

Selma Prodanovic, celebrated as the "Startup-Grande-Dame" and one of "Europe's most influential women in startups and VC" (2022-2024), is a globally renowned keynote speaker, multipreneur, and ecosystem investor. With over 2.000 stage appearances and media features in 40 countries, including Forbes, Financial Times, and Bloomberg, Selma's voice has inspired audiences and reshaped the global startup and angel investing landscape.

In 2025, she launched 100 Influentials, an exclusive women-only mastermind addressing the gender wealth and investment gap. Her visionary leadership in initiatives such as GBAN, EBAN, invest.austria, 1MillionStartups, and the "Manifesto for Gender-Balanced Investing" reflects her unwavering commitment to driving systemic change. Selma's groundbreaking TEDx talk, “Invest Like a Girl,” boldly challenges norms in early-stage investing, paving the way for greater equity and innovation in entrepreneurship.

Having advised over 1.000 founders and CEOs, Selma's transformative journey—from being silenced to becoming a global force for change—has inspired lasting ecosystem transformations, a phenomenon known as The Selma Effect. Her unique vision, unwavering belief in a better future, and trailblazing ventures continue to catalyze positive change on a global scale.

Balancing her professional accomplishments with a fulfilling personal life, Selma is happily married to her first love and is the proud mother of two fantastic young adults.