Selma Prodanovic

Background

About Selma Prodanovic

I am passionate about empowering people, especially (female) entrepreneurs & investors, to create solutions to the grand challenges of our time. I've spent the last 20 years shaping the startup and angel investing ecosystem in Europe & beyond. Media named me the "Startup-Grande-Dame" and I was elected "TOP 100: Europe's most influential women in the startup & VC space" in 2022 & 2023, while media outlets in 40 countries including Forbes, Financial Times, Elle, Al Jazeera, and Bloomberg covered my story and expertise. As a keynote speaker with over appearances, I raise my voice for those who can’t & empower individuals and businesses on how to cope & thrive with ever-faster change and expectations.#TheSelmaEffect In the last 20 years, I shaped the startup and angel investing ecosystem with my business creation and advisory boutique Brainswork, launched impactful brands, successfully coached and advised over 500 startups and CEOs, and judged in 100+ investment juries. As Vice President of the European Business Angel Network (EBAN), co-founder of the Austrian Angel Investors Association, Advisor to the Institute for Teaching Entrepreneurship, and founder of the global SDG platform 1MillionStartups, my mission is to create a better ecosystem for entrepreneurs and foster a more balanced and inclusive investing environment. I’ve seen the lows & the highs in every aspect of my life. I went from almost every mistake an entrepreneur can make or struggling with high-functioning depression, to unconditional love and living the purpose-driven life of my dreams.#mentalfitness. My family is my stronghold and my inspiration. I am happily married to my first love, and I am the proud mom of two amazing young adults. Motherhood changed my perception of the world and the future I wanted for my children and having a daughter and a son handed me a better insight into the inequalities they are facing.#genderequity My innovative approach to business and commitment to entrepreneurship and social change has earned me numerous awards including the Veuve Clicquot Business Woman Award and EBAN “Best Pioneering Investment Initiative”. Whether I’m speaking on the international stage, or advising global investors or CEOs, I am dedicated to making a positive difference and creating a better future. Follow me for insights and updates, and join me on this journey, because #togetherwe can create the world we dream of!