IZZY OBENG

Izzy Obeng is a prominent figure in the European startup ecosystem, serving as a Scout for Ada Ventures, a pioneering early-stage venture capital fund. In her crucial role, Izzy is instrumental in identifying and championing exceptional, diverse founders who are often overlooked by traditional investment channels. Her work directly supports Ada Ventures' core mission: to invest in the best talent, regardless of background, and back companies building solutions for the future, not just the past.

Ada Ventures is renowned for its commitment to an inclusive investment thesis, focusing on founders from diverse backgrounds and those addressing underserved markets. As a Scout, Izzy Obeng leverages her extensive network and keen eye for innovation to unearth promising pre-seed and seed-stage startups. She seeks out entrepreneurs who are not only building groundbreaking technologies but also possess a deep understanding of the communities they serve, creating significant impact alongside financial returns. Her investment focus areas align with Ada's broader strategy, encompassing sectors like health tech, future of work, consumer tech, and sustainable solutions, all viewed through a lens of diversity and inclusion.

Izzy's background makes her uniquely suited for this influential position. Prior to joining Ada Ventures, she founded and led Foundervine, a multi-award-winning social enterprise dedicated to supporting diverse entrepreneurs. Under her leadership, Foundervine became a vital platform for thousands of founders, providing access to mentorship, resources, and networks essential for growth. Her impactful work at Foundervine earned her recognition on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list and an MBE for services to entrepreneurship. This deep experience in nurturing and empowering diverse talent directly informs her scouting efforts at Ada Ventures, allowing her to connect with founders who might otherwise remain undiscovered.

At Ada Ventures, Izzy contributes to a team that believes true innovation stems from diverse perspectives. The fund actively seeks out founders who are women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, or from other underrepresented groups, recognizing the immense untapped potential within these communities. By investing in these founders, Ada Ventures aims to generate superior returns while simultaneously fostering a more equitable and innovative startup landscape. Izzy Obeng's role is pivotal in expanding this reach, ensuring that Ada Ventures continues to be at the forefront of inclusive venture capital.

Through her work as a Scout, Izzy Obeng is not just identifying investment opportunities; she is actively shaping the future of entrepreneurship. Her dedication to empowering diverse founders and her alignment with Ada Ventures' forward-thinking approach make her a key player in driving both economic growth and social impact within the tech ecosystem.