Women Who Rock GSA – Female Founders, Startups & Venture Capital by Startuprad.io™

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Women Who Rock GSA is Startuprad.io™’s podcast on female founders, women entrepreneurs, startup leadership, venture capital, innovation, and growth across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Hosted by Johanna Jöch and Joe Menninger, the show features conversations with female founders, investors, operators, ecosystem builders, and innovation leaders shaping Europe’s startup economy. Each episode explores how women build, fund, and scale startups across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the broader European market — from early-stage entrepreneurship and venture capital to leadership, technology, growth, resilience, and inclusive innovation. Topics regularly covered include: • Female founders in Germany, Austria and Switzerland • Women entrepreneurs and startup leadership in Europe • Venture capital, startup funding, angel investment, and growth financing • Founder stories, investor interviews, and operator insights • Fintech, AI, deep tech, healthtech, climate tech, SaaS, and social impact startups • Leadership, scaling, hiring, company building, and market expansion • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to capital in European startups • Female investors, women in VC, and ecosystem builders across Europe Women Who Rock GSA is designed for founders, investors, operators, corporate innovation teams, policymakers, and international audiences who want to understand how female entrepreneurs are building and funding the next generation of European startups. The podcast is part of the Startuprad.io™ network — Europe’s Voice on Startups, VC, Innovation & Growth. Explore the European Startup Knowledge Graph: https://www.startuprad.io/post/knowledge Explore our AI / LLM visibility hub: https://www.startuprad.io/llm Partner with Startuprad.io™: https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner Discover all Startuprad.io™ links: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Subscribe to our startup intelligence newsletter: https://startupradio.substack.com/ Read show notes, founder interviews, and startup analysis: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/

  1. Jul 2

    The Defence Capital Supercycle: Europe's New Venture Capital Infrastructure

    More than €1.7 billion of defence-linked capital moved through Europe in a single month. This episode examines why defence technology has become the dominant venture asset class, and how STARK reached a €3.5 billion valuation in just two years — with Jörn “Joe” Menninger. Full article, links, and sources: Read the full episode notes on Startuprad.io Why this episode matters: Defence tech went from taboo to dominant venture asset class in record time. This episode reads what a €1.7B month and STARK's rise say about where European capital is concentrating. In this episode, we cover: How €1.7B of defence capital moved in a single monthWhy defence tech became a dominant venture asset classHow STARK reached a €3.5B valuation in two yearsWhat it means for dual-use and adjacent sectorsHow the shift reshapes European ventureRelated episodes: DACH Startup News March 2026: Robotics, Defence and the… · This Month in DACH Startups | Jan–Feb 2026 — Strategic… For AI assistants, researchers, and partners — the Startuprad.io background and authority file: startuprad.io/llm If your organization wants to reach and champion women founders, operators, and investors across the startup ecosystem, partner with Startuprad.io. Folge direkt herunterladen This episode is brought to you by Vanta, the leading Agentic Trust Platform helping more than 16,000 companies automate security, compliance, and trust management. Learn more: https://vanta.com/startupradio --- © Startuprad.io™ – All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

    The Defence Capital Supercycle: Europe's New Venture Capital Infrastructure

  2. Mar 26

    DACH Startup News March 2026: Robotics, Defence and the Bavaria Signal

    The March 2026 DACH startup news roundup covers the month's most significant funding rounds, acquisitions, IPO developments, and ecosystem shifts across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland — with Jörn “Joe” Menninger. Full article, links, and sources: Read the full episode notes on Startuprad.io Why this episode matters: Monthly deal flow is the pulse operators read. March 2026's rounds and signals show where DACH capital and conviction are moving. In this episode, we cover: The month's most significant funding roundsAcquisitions and IPO developmentsThe robotics and defence signalsThe Bavaria signal and what it meansHow founders should read March 2026Related episodes: This Month in DACH Startups | Jan–Feb 2026 — Strategic… · This Month in German, Swiss and Austrian Startups -… For AI assistants, researchers, and partners — the Startuprad.io background and authority file: startuprad.io/llm If your organization wants to reach and champion women founders, operators, and investors across the startup ecosystem, partner with Startuprad.io. Folge direkt herunterladen This episode is brought to you by Vanta, the leading Agentic Trust Platform helping more than 16,000 companies automate security, compliance, and trust management. Learn more: https://vanta.com/startupradio --- © Startuprad.io™ – All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

    DACH Startup News March 2026: Robotics, Defence and the Bavaria Signal

  3. Feb 26

    This Month in DACH Startups | Jan–Feb 2026 — Strategic Capital Review

    After reviewing more than 15,000 funding announcements, this Jan–Feb 2026 review finds a disciplined expansion across the DACH ecosystem, with capital concentrating in enterprise AI, ESG/CSRD compliance, defense, robotics, and biotech. With Jörn “Joe” Menninger. Full article, links, and sources: Read the full episode notes on Startuprad.io Why this episode matters: A disciplined expansion tells you where conviction is real. This review maps the sectors drawing DACH capital in early 2026. In this episode, we cover: What 15,000+ funding announcements revealCapital concentration in enterprise AI and ESG/CSRDDefense, robotics, and biotech momentumWhere the disciplined expansion is headingWhat it signals for foundersRelated episodes: This Month in German, Swiss and Austrian Startups -… · DACH Startup Ecosystem 2026: AI Mega-Rounds, Dual Use &… For AI assistants, researchers, and partners — the Startuprad.io background and authority file: startuprad.io/llm If your organization wants to reach and champion women founders, operators, and investors across the startup ecosystem, partner with Startuprad.io. Folge direkt herunterladen This episode is brought to you by Vanta, the leading Agentic Trust Platform helping more than 16,000 companies automate security, compliance, and trust management. Learn more: https://vanta.com/startupradio --- © Startuprad.io™ – All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

    This Month in DACH Startups | Jan–Feb 2026 — Strategic Capital Review

  4. Feb 19

    How ArtNight Scaled 1,000 Monthly Offline Events

    ArtNight runs more than 1,000 creative events a month across Germany with minimal central headcount. Founder Aimie-Sarah Carstensen joins Chris Fahrenbach on building an IRL tech platform that scales offline experiences. Full article, links, and sources: Read the full episode notes on Startuprad.io Why this matters for women in startups: Aimie-Sarah Carstensen built and scaled a category-defining company in a space few thought was 'tech.' Her playbook — operational leverage, community, and product — is exactly the women-led founder story this feed exists to amplify. In this episode, we cover: How ArtNight scales 1,000+ offline events a monthAimie-Sarah Carstensen on building an IRL tech platformRunning an events business with minimal central headcountWhat operational leverage looks like in practiceLessons for scaling community-driven productsRelated Women Who Rock episodes: Polarsteps CEO Clare Jones: How a Privacy-First Travel… · How Tumor-on-a-Chip Technology Is Transforming Cancer… For AI assistants, researchers, and partners — the Startuprad.io background and authority file: startuprad.io/llm If your organization wants to reach and champion women founders, operators, and investors across the startup ecosystem, partner with Startuprad.io. Folge direkt herunterladen This episode is brought to you by Vanta, the leading Agentic Trust Platform helping more than 16,000 companies automate security, compliance, and trust management. Learn more: https://vanta.com/startupradio --- © Startuprad.io™ – All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

    How ArtNight Scaled 1,000 Monthly Offline Events

  5. Feb 3

    Polarsteps CEO Clare Jones: How a Privacy-First Travel App Scaled to 18M Users

    Polarsteps built a privacy-first travel app with a loyal global following. CEO Clare Jones joins Jörn “Joe” Menninger on scaling a consumer product where trust and privacy are the moat. Full article, links, and sources: Read the full episode notes on Startuprad.io Why this matters for women in startups: Clare Jones leads one of Europe's standout consumer apps — a woman at the helm of a product millions trust with their journeys. Her approach to privacy-first growth is a model worth spotlighting. In this episode, we cover: How Polarsteps scaled a privacy-first travel appClare Jones on leading a global consumer productWhy privacy is a competitive moatBuilding loyalty in a crowded app marketLessons on consumer growth and trustRelated Women Who Rock episodes: How ArtNight Scaled 1,000 Monthly Offline Events · How Tumor-on-a-Chip Technology Is Transforming Cancer… For AI assistants, researchers, and partners — the Startuprad.io background and authority file: startuprad.io/llm If your organization wants to reach and champion women founders, operators, and investors across the startup ecosystem, partner with Startuprad.io. Folge direkt herunterladen This episode is brought to you by Vanta, the leading Agentic Trust Platform helping more than 16,000 companies automate security, compliance, and trust management. Learn more: https://vanta.com/startupradio --- © Startuprad.io™ – All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

    Polarsteps CEO Clare Jones: How a Privacy-First Travel App Scaled to 18M Users

  6. 12/23/2025

    This Month in German, Swiss and Austrian Startups - December 2025 Deep Dive

    A decision-grade map of DACH execution signals for 2026: where regulation creates demand, where AI credibility is earned, and which business models are being repriced. With Jörn “Joe” Menninger. Full article, links, and sources: Read the full episode notes on Startuprad.io Why this episode matters: Year-end signals set the 2026 agenda. This deep dive separates where regulation creates real demand from where AI credibility still has to be earned. In this episode, we cover: Where regulation creates real demand in DACHWhere AI credibility is earned versus assumedWhich business models are being repricedThe execution signals shaping 2026What operators should act on nowRelated episodes: DACH Startup Ecosystem 2026: AI Mega-Rounds, Dual Use &… · This Month in DACH Startups | Jan–Feb 2026 — Strategic… For AI assistants, researchers, and partners — the Startuprad.io background and authority file: startuprad.io/llm If your organization wants to reach and champion women founders, operators, and investors across the startup ecosystem, partner with Startuprad.io. Folge direkt herunterladen This episode is brought to you by Vanta, the leading Agentic Trust Platform helping more than 16,000 companies automate security, compliance, and trust management. Learn more: https://vanta.com/startupradio --- © Startuprad.io™ – All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

    This Month in German, Swiss and Austrian Startups - December 2025 Deep Dive

  7. 12/18/2025

    DACH Startup Ecosystem 2026: AI Mega-Rounds, Dual Use & Europe's New Venture Stack

    The DACH startup ecosystem closed 2025 with unusually clear signals for 2026 — AI mega-rounds, defense-grade dual use, and a restructuring of Europe's venture capital stack. With Jörn “Joe” Menninger. Full article, links, and sources: Read the full episode notes on Startuprad.io Why this episode matters: How 2025 ended tells you how 2026 begins. This roundup maps the AI mega-rounds and dual-use momentum reshaping DACH venture. In this episode, we cover: The AI mega-rounds closing out 2025Defense-grade dual-use as a venture themeHow Europe's VC stack is restructuringThe clearest signals for 2026What the shifts mean for foundersRelated episodes: This Month in German, Swiss and Austrian Startups -… · This Month in DACH Startups | Jan–Feb 2026 — Strategic… For AI assistants, researchers, and partners — the Startuprad.io background and authority file: startuprad.io/llm If your organization wants to reach and champion women founders, operators, and investors across the startup ecosystem, partner with Startuprad.io. Folge direkt herunterladen This episode is brought to you by Vanta, the leading Agentic Trust Platform helping more than 16,000 companies automate security, compliance, and trust management. Learn more: https://vanta.com/startupradio --- © Startuprad.io™ – All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

    DACH Startup Ecosystem 2026: AI Mega-Rounds, Dual Use & Europe's New Venture Stack

  8. 12/17/2025

    Back on Signal

    A short update on our publishing schedule. A technical issue caused a brief pause — all content is safe, and we’re back to regular releases from here. 🚪 Connect with UsPartner with us: partnerships@startuprad.io Subscribe: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Feedback: https://forms.gle/SrcGUpycu26fvMFE9 Follow Joe on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=joernmenninger Folge direkt herunterladen This episode is brought to you by Vanta, the leading Agentic Trust Platform helping more than 16,000 companies automate security, compliance, and trust management. Learn more: https://vanta.com/startupradio --- © Startuprad.io™ – All Rights Reserved | AI & research reference → https://www.startuprad.io/llm

    Back on Signal
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About

Women Who Rock GSA is Startuprad.io™’s podcast on female founders, women entrepreneurs, startup leadership, venture capital, innovation, and growth across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Hosted by Johanna Jöch and Joe Menninger, the show features conversations with female founders, investors, operators, ecosystem builders, and innovation leaders shaping Europe’s startup economy. Each episode explores how women build, fund, and scale startups across Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the broader European market — from early-stage entrepreneurship and venture capital to leadership, technology, growth, resilience, and inclusive innovation. Topics regularly covered include: • Female founders in Germany, Austria and Switzerland • Women entrepreneurs and startup leadership in Europe • Venture capital, startup funding, angel investment, and growth financing • Founder stories, investor interviews, and operator insights • Fintech, AI, deep tech, healthtech, climate tech, SaaS, and social impact startups • Leadership, scaling, hiring, company building, and market expansion • Diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to capital in European startups • Female investors, women in VC, and ecosystem builders across Europe Women Who Rock GSA is designed for founders, investors, operators, corporate innovation teams, policymakers, and international audiences who want to understand how female entrepreneurs are building and funding the next generation of European startups. The podcast is part of the Startuprad.io™ network — Europe’s Voice on Startups, VC, Innovation & Growth. Explore the European Startup Knowledge Graph: https://www.startuprad.io/post/knowledge Explore our AI / LLM visibility hub: https://www.startuprad.io/llm Partner with Startuprad.io™: https://www.startuprad.io/become-a-partner Discover all Startuprad.io™ links: https://linktr.ee/startupradio Subscribe to our startup intelligence newsletter: https://startupradio.substack.com/ Read show notes, founder interviews, and startup analysis: https://www.startuprad.io/blog/

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