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Deeptech

Backing founders who tackle the world’s biggest challenges is not just an opportunity—it’s a necessity.

From climate change to healthcare and financial inclusion, entrepreneurs are developing groundbreaking solutions that drive meaningful change.

Investors who support these visionaries early on not only fuel innovation but also position themselves at the forefront of industries poised for massive impact and returns.

Deep dive

Deeptech funding

The portion of all venture capital that went to female-founded deeptech startups in 2025

Female Innovation Index 2026

33%

The proportion of founders with a scientific background who raised the fifty biggest venture capital rounds in 2025

81%

Deeptech founders

Synthetic biology and drug development are the most frequently funded deeptech areas in female-led companies

Deeptech technologies with the highest number of investment rounds

Europe, 2025
 

Auto.
Mobility

gender-agnostic

Drug
Development

Gen
AI

Photonics tech

Drug
Dev.

Synthetic
Biology

Carbon Capture

Generative AI

Carbon
Capture

Auto.
Mobility

Fermentation

Hydrogen

Quantum

Synthetic
Biology

Data source: Dealroom

female-founded

Female Innovation Index 2026
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Synthetic biology, generative AI, and drug development are the most funded deeptech areas in female-led companies

Deeptech technologies with the most venture capital raised

Europe 2025
 

Data source: Dealroom

gender-agnostic

Launch
Vehicles

Drug
Development

Generative
AI

Synthetic
Biology

Carbon
Capture

Fermentation

Carbon Capture

Generative AI

Autonomous
Mobility

Nuclear
Fusion

Quantum
Computing

Synthetic
Biology

Hydrogen

Drug
Dev.

female-founded

Female Innovation Index 2026
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Investment in health, energy, robotics and food is on the rise for female-founded deeptech startups

Venture capital raised (€M) by female-founded companies across key deeptech sectors

Europe 
 

Female Innovation Index 2026
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4320

2940

2270

2710

2710

570

610

460

630

630

2021
 

2022
 

2023
 

2024
 

2025
 

Data source: Dealroom

'There is currently a lot of interest in quantum, and I hope it continues. Some applications already exist, like quantum key distribution, but real quantum computers and a quantum internet are a marathon, not a sprint.'

Anne-Marije Zwerver, Groove Quantum
Netherlands
Raised ​€10M in June
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Investors anticipate AI and quantum computing to get most venture capital this year

What emerging technologies, apart from AI, do you believe will attract the most venture capital investment over the next 12 months? 

VC and angel investors

Advanced robotics

Quantum computing

Advanced materials

Advanced biotechnology

Nanotechnology

Blockchain

Edge computing & IoT

Nextgen energy generation

Source: Female Innovation Index Survey 2026

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100%

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34%

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10%

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21%

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19%

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30%

Add a Title

18%

Add a Title

29%

angel investors

VC investors

Add a Title

71%

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68%

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44%

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40%

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39%

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13%

Add a Title

13%

Add a Title

10%

Female Innovation Index 2026
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in
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In capex-intensive industries, the right investors matter as much as the capital. You need VCs who understand your sector’s technical and operational realities and recognize its real constraints. When investors grasp your industry’s dynamics, their support becomes truly catalytic.

Juliana Romero, Cano-ela
Netherlands
Raised €1.6M in February
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Coming up

By sector

Deep dive

What does the funding landscape look like across different sectors of innovation for female entrepreneurs in Europe?

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Exits

Exits

Exits

Unicorns

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