Europe’s 9 Most Influential Fintech Women of 2025
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Nine remarkable women have been recognized among Europe’s Top 100 Women in Tech for 2025, with each leaving a strong mark in the fintech and insurtech sectors. These leaders are not only transforming digital finance across Europe but also inspiring a new generation of women to shape the future of technology.
The list, curated by Sifted, celebrates the 100 most influential women driving innovation across Europe’s tech ecosystem. Selected from over 2,500 nominations, the honorees include entrepreneurs, executives, and investors from leading organizations such as Wise, Starling Bank, Slush, and HV Capital.
Among the 100, nine women stand out for their outstanding contributions to fintech — reshaping payments, lending, digital banking, and insurtech across Europe.
Elin Bäcklund, CTO of Gilion, leads the company’s technology strategy, supporting fast-growing SaaS firms across Northern Europe. Previously, she developed EQT’s machine learning platform, Motherbrain, which helps identify investment opportunities.
Gabriele Papievyte, Head of Ventures at XTX Markets, drives early-stage investments in AI and deeptech companies. Her portfolio includes high-impact startups like Anthropic and Groq, while her advisory work with the UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology highlights her commitment to advancing innovation.
Hedi Mardisoo, Co-founder and CEO of Cachet, is transforming insurance for gig economy workers. Her company offers flexible, data-driven insurance solutions and operates across 20 countries in partnership with major insurers and tech platforms.
Kärt Siilats, Co-founder of Mojo Capital and Venture Partner at SuperAngel, plays a pivotal role in European venture capital, backing firms such as Wise and Veriff. She also champions gender-balanced investment access through the 101 Fellowship.
Katharina Wilhelm, Partner at Index Ventures, focuses on B2B startups in the DACH region. She invests in cutting-edge companies like Taxfix and Duna, supporting innovation in enterprise software and financial technology.
Lina Chong, Partner at HV Capital, is recognized for her success in scaling European SaaS startups. With her strong entrepreneurial background, she has invested in high-growth firms including iZettle, TravelPerk, and Fresha.
Miriam Wohlfarth, Founder and Co-CEO of Banxware, continues to drive embedded finance innovation in Germany. Having previously founded Ratepay, now a unicorn, she also serves on the boards of Daimler Mobility and Freenet, and advises the German Ministry of Finance.
Triin Hertmann, an angel investor and Co-founder of Grünfin, leverages her 20 years in fintech, including roles at Skype and Wise, to support sustainable and female-founded startups that promote inclusion and impact-driven growth.
Triin Linamagi, Founder and CEO of Sie Ventures, leads a capital platform closing the gender funding gap for female founders. Her initiative has already helped over 100 companies raise more than £200 million.
These nine women exemplify resilience, innovation, and leadership in Europe’s fintech industry. Their collective work represents a broader movement toward equality, innovation, and financial inclusion in the digital economy.
As Europe continues to evolve into a global hub for fintech innovation, these leaders are setting new benchmarks for what’s possible when technology, finance, and inclusion intersect.
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