“I like to think about ESG not only as a risk management tool, but also as an opportunity. I think the, the flip side of risk is opportunity. So if we think that a diverse team is what will bring more innovation, more ideas, more, let’s say different ways of looking at needs and products, then this is an opportunity….What about if we think about the way that people consume, what is the carbon footprint that we have?…. And how do you reduce it? Or maybe build technology that helps reduce your impact on the planet, or helps you reduce the amount of AI or cloud usage that you use? So I, I think that looking at ESG as a risk and, and as an opportunity tool is actually very good.” Cecile Blilious on Electric Ladies Podcast
In 2025 so far, 2.3% of venture capital funding went to companies founded by women, 2.3%. So that means 97.7% of the funding went to men. The percents have been in the same range for decades. Seriously. Think of all the innovations that are not getting funded due to this ridiculous bias. What can we do about it?
Listen to Cecile Blilious of Venture ESG and European Women in VC explain new financing models that could work to fund more innovative businesses, especially those founded by women – in this enlightening conversation with Electric Ladies Podcast host Joan Michelson.
You’ll hear about:
- What venture capital really is and how it works. How male and female VCs differ.
- Insights into ESG investing that address both the risks and the opportunities – reframing both
- New financing models we need and that they might look like.
- Plus, career advice, such as:
“I think being clear about your values is very important. Where would you work and where wouldn’t you?… Let’s focus on one or two that are the most important things that are like showstoppers… Then in mid-career, what I see happen many times with women is that women don’t apply to jobs…but if you don’t apply, you’re not even considered. So my advice would be, look at the next job that you’d like to have in your career path, and if you think that you’re 50% qualified for it, apply because you are grow into the role.” Cecile Blilious on Electric Ladies Podcast
Read Joan’s Forbes articles here.
You’ll also like:
- Unlocking Capital For Women And Climate Solutions – Women Leaders In Finance And Investment, The Earth Day Women’s Summit
- The SEC Climate Risk Disclosure Rules – Tara Giunta, Global Co-Chair of ESG & Sustainable Finance Practice at Paul Hastings law firm
- Climate as a Geopolitical Security Emergency, with Svitlana Krakovska, Ph.D. and Mirian Villela, head of Earth Charter, a UN-founded organization and the Center for Education for Sustainable Development.
- The Hidden Power of ESG – with Natalie Jaresko, Managing Director, EY Parthenon, former Finance Minister of Ukraine
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