Deborah Choi works to improve access and support for women of colour entrepreneurs in Europe.
Deborah Choi is an entrepreneur and business strategist whose work has gained visibility within Europe’s startup landscape. With Nigerian roots and an upbringing in the United States, she brings a multicultural perspective to her role as Managing Director of Founderland, a community created to support women of colour founders across Europe. Her work focuses on improving access to networks, research, funding opportunities, and visibility for entrepreneurs who are underrepresented in traditional venture capital spaces.
Founderland and its mission
Founded in 2020 together with her team members, Founderland focuses on addressing long-standing inequalities affecting women of colour within Europe’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. These include limited access to early-stage capital, reduced representation in networks, and fewer opportunities to scale companies.
Under Choi’s leadership, the organisation reports having supported more than 1,200 women entrepreneurs. Founderland operates on an annual budget of roughly €250,000 (about $289,000), funded largely through grants and institutional partnerships. Its programming includes mentorship, community support, and leadership development, with an emphasis on helping founders navigate systemic barriers rather than simply offering business acceleration services.
She is credited with raising over €1.5 million ( about $1.7 million) in grants, venture funds, and corporate sponsorships within two years. Deborah Choi has also forged partnerships valued at over €500,000 (about $579,000), working with organisations such as LinkedIn, R/G, Osbourne Clarke, and Factory Berlin.
Choi’s entrepreneurial background
Before Founderland, Choi spent nearly two decades working across entrepreneurship, digital strategy, sustainability, and business development. She has launched and led several ventures, contributing to her extensive experience in helping early-stage businesses establish operational foundations and market strategies.
Deborah Choi’s impactful work has earned significant recognition, though accolades are not her sole focus. She was named one of BusinessWeek’s ‘Top 25 under 25,’ and her achievements include receiving the Google for Startups’ Black Founders Fund and being listed among the Top 100 Women for Diversity in Germany in 2023. This visibility is crucial, as it elevates her work within the wider discussion surrounding diversity and inclusion in the business world.
She continues to contribute to discussions on representation, access, and equity within the European entrepreneurship space. Through Founderland’s programmes, research initiatives, and institutional partnerships, the organisation aims to strengthen the group of women of colour founders and improve their access to sustainable growth opportunities.
Her work depicts how community-led initiatives, strategic partnerships, and targeted support can contribute to a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape. While challenges persist across the sector, the efforts at Founderland represent a growing commitment to ensuring underrepresented founders are visible, supported, and equipped to navigate Europe’s startup ecosystem.
