Non-negotiable for any woman considering or actively pursuing a search fund, regardless of geography, with a growing European membership and confirmed partnerships with European institutions including SDA Bocconi.
The Women’s Search Network was founded to address the significant underrepresentation of women in search funds and to support female searchers and CEOs throughout their entire ETA journey. Over 100 members are women actively searching full-time across traditional, self-funded and accelerator models from around the world. The WSN provides mentorship from experienced female searchers and CEOs, educational resources covering fundraising, deal sourcing and operations, networking events connecting members with investors specifically looking to back female entrepreneurs, and a podcast featuring conversations with female searchers and operators. The community has celebrated its first exits by female searchers and continues to grow its international membership. A confirmed partnership with SDA Bocconi in Milan signals growing European engagement.
Why it matters for European searchers
Women represent approximately 7 percent of international SF principals according to the IESE 2024 study, well below the 17 percent seen in the US and Canada. European female searchers face the same structural challenges as their US counterparts, with fewer role models, thinner investor networks and a model that remains largely unfamiliar to European institutional investors. The WSN provides direct access to investors who are actively seeking to back female entrepreneurs, which is a material advantage during fundraising.
Access
- Â Membership open to female searchers, CEOs of search-acquired companies, SF investors and service providers
- Prospective searchers can join the distribution list
