Women Entrepreneurs Reshaping the Future: Insights from Mind the Tech NY

Breaking Barriers in the Startup World

At the Mind the Tech NY conference, a panel of inspiring female entrepreneurs shared their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in breaking into the startup ecosystem—especially in male-dominated industries. Moderated by Dina Pasca-Raz, partner and head of technology at KPMG, the discussion highlighted the unique experiences of women leaders in fields like cybersecurity, defense-tech, and real estate innovation.

Lital Leshem, founder of VC Protego, discussed her transition from military intelligence to venture capital, emphasizing how her experience in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shaped her entrepreneurial mindset. Similarly, Sanaz Yashar, co-founder of Zafran, shared how a devastating cyberattack on a hospital drove her to revolutionize the cybersecurity market. Jessica Beck, CEO of Alfred, recounted how her personal experiences with disability advocacy inspired her to build a company that simplifies home management.

Despite their successes, these women faced significant hurdles, from industry skepticism to gender biases. Many acknowledged that a defining moment—a “scar”—was often the catalyst that propelled them into entrepreneurship. Whether it was being told their ideas were impossible, witnessing a crisis firsthand, or experiencing bias in the boardroom, these challenges fueled their determination.

The conversation also explored the persistent gender gap in entrepreneurship. While Leshem saw her minority status as an empowering factor, Yashar and Beck recounted instances of being overlooked or categorized as “women’s startups” rather than industry disruptors.

Their stories underscore the need for more inclusivity, mentorship, and structural changes in the business world to ensure that future generations of women can enter the startup space without the barriers their predecessors faced.

What Undercode Says: The Reality of Women in Entrepreneurship

The Mind the Tech NY panel highlights a crucial issue in the startup world: the underrepresentation of women in high-stakes entrepreneurial ventures. The speakers’ stories reflect broader trends that continue to shape the business landscape.

The Scar Phenomenon: Crisis as a Catalyst

A recurring theme in the panel was the idea that women often need a major life event—a “scar”—to push them into entrepreneurship. This observation aligns with research that suggests women tend to take fewer career risks than men due to societal expectations and structural barriers. However, when faced with adversity, they channel their experiences into innovation.

Defense-Tech and Cybersecurity: Breaking into Male-Dominated Fields

Lital Leshem and Sanaz Yashar are prime examples of women leading in industries traditionally dominated by men. The defense-tech sector, in particular, has long been viewed as bureaucratic and resistant to newcomers. However, their success in securing major funding proves that innovation in these fields is not only possible but necessary.

Gender Bias in Investment and Business Perception

Jessica Beck’s experience with investors labeling her company as a “women’s startup” rather than recognizing its real estate focus sheds light on a common issue in venture capital. Studies show that female entrepreneurs receive significantly less funding than their male counterparts, often due to unconscious biases. This reinforces the need for more female investors and decision-makers in the VC space.

The Power of Representation

One of the most critical takeaways from the discussion is that representation matters. When women see other women leading successful businesses, it creates a ripple effect, encouraging more female participation in entrepreneurship. While progress is being made, there is still a long way to go in normalizing female leadership across all industries.

Structural and Cultural Shifts Are Needed

The solution to these challenges

The discussion at Mind the Tech NY serves as a powerful reminder that while barriers still exist, women are breaking through them and reshaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Fact Checker Results

Women receive significantly less VC funding than men: Studies show that female-founded startups receive only about 2% of venture capital funding.
Gender bias affects business perception: Research indicates that investors are more likely to support male-led startups, often viewing female entrepreneurs as less competent.
Crisis-driven entrepreneurship is a recognized pattern: Many entrepreneurs, not just women, cite personal crises or major industry shifts as the motivation behind starting their businesses.