About us

Borski fund was founded based on the conviction that the investment diversity gap is real and much larger than is often thought, however that there are also ways to help close it. There is a wide array of research that indicates female entrepreneurs often deliver better results than their male counterparts, whereas >90% of VC money goes to all-male management start-ups. We believe that improving access to financing for female entrepreneurs that are looking to contribute to a better world is one of the key ways of addressing the investment diversity gap.

The fund is named after Johanna Borski. Johanna Borski was a female investor and role model to many female entrepreneurs. Johanna Borski made a fortune by investing early on in buying almost half the shares issued in “De Nederlandsche Bank” in 1814. With the profits made, she later went on to rescue the “Nederlandsche Handel-Maatschappij” from bankruptcy in 1840. The way Borski used funds to do good for the world in a time when investing was (even far more than today) a male-dominated business, was a source of inspiration when establishing our fund.

 

An investment from Borski goes beyond just providing money. Our strength lies in combining market knowledge, an expansive network, a strong entrepreneurial track record and investment experience. This means that Borski stays involved actively after providing financing. How do we do all of this? Meet our team below:

Meet the team

Aletta Stas-Bax

Aletta Stas-Bax is a Venture Partner of the Borski Fund. Aletta is an entrepreneur and supports Borski Fund portfolio companies where necessary.

Experience

Together with her husband, she founded the Swiss watch company Frederique Constant. The company was sold in 2016. Aletta will remain involved as designer and consultant until 2021. She has hands-on experience and has gone through many facets of doing business in the last 30 years. Aletta is a strong advocate of (gender) diversity in teams. Aletta is currently still an active entrepreneur in smart technologies.

Floortje Rasenberg

Floortje Rasenberg is Venture Partner of the Borksi Fund. Floortje had a corporate career at a financial institution, is now active as an entrepreneur and helps portfolio companies where necessary

Experience

After a career at ABN AMRO, Floortje has been active at several startups in the Energy and Agri-Food sectors. For example, she was managing director at The Dutch Weedburger CEO at The Next Closet. Currently, Floortje is active as an advisor to several early stage companies. She also holds the role of CEO at energy provider Elegant.

Dagmar van Ravenswaay Claasen

Dagmar van Ravenswaay Claasen is a Venture Partner of the Borski Fund. Dagmar has a carreer in the financial sector and supports Borski Fund portfolio companies where necessary.

Experience

After a career in the legal profession, Dagmar held several leadership positions at the Nederlandsche Bank. At the fintech company Adyen, she was Director Regulatory Affairs and  part of Adyen’s IPO team. Dagmar is currently involved as an advisor and angel investor in (fin-) tech startups.

Meet the Investment Advisory Committee

Meet the Advisory Board

Meet the Future of Health Committee

Quotes

“When we look through a gender lens, disparities between men and women’s ability to access capital become quickly apparent. Across all industries—from retailers, to filmmakers, to high-tech entrepreneurs—women have historically had trouble gaining access to investment capital, despite evidence that women-led companies may deliver higher and more consistent returns.”

Stanford innovation review,
The Rise of Gender Capitalism, 2014