An investment from Borski goes beyond just providing money.
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
Simone Brummelhuis
Simone Brummelhuis is a partner in Borski Fund and is actively involved in sourcing, selecting and supporting the portfolio of companies for the fund. She is also the liaison with the LP’s of the Fund.
Experience
She has extensive experience in M&A transactions and as (board) adviser to start-ups, scale-ups and corporates. Previously she co-founded IENS that sold to Tripadvisor, a US-listed company. Current or previous supervisory board positions include TMG, Schiphol, Xs4all and Stern.ups.
LAURA ROOSEBOOM
Laura Rooseboom is actively involved in sourcing, selecting and supporting the portfolio of companies of Borski Fund.
EXPERIENCE
She has over 20 years of experience in the venture capital industry and has an excellent track record with sustainability, food, energy and clean-tech oriented companies. Previously, Laura was Fund Manager at DOEN Participations. Currently, she is also active as co-founder and managing partner of One Planet Crowd and StartGreen Capital.
Bertrand van Leersum
Bertrand van Leersum is investment manager at Borski Fund and is actively involved in sourcing, selecting and supporting the portfolio of companies at Borski.
Experience
He has over 10 years of experience in early stage investments, including several years as investment manager at a public investment fund. He has also worked as an entrepreneurial partner in a portfolio of 10+ co-founded companies in the clean-tech and renewable sectors. He is currently a shareholder and advisor at several scale-ups.
LAURA ROOSEBOOM
Erica van Eeghen is investment manager at Borski Fund and is actively involved in sourcing, selecting and supporting the portfolio of companies at Borski.
EXPERIENCE
During her career at the Dutch development bank FMO, Erica has gained experience in credit assessments and investmested in companies active in a variety of industries. Furthermore, she has organized accelerator programs and competitions for early stage companies. She is also active on the Supervisory Board at the family-owned company, which deals in functional ingredients.
Stefan van Duin
Stefan van Duin is actively involved in selecting, analyzing and supporting the companies in the portfolio of Borski Fund.
Experience
He recently performed research to increase the accuracy and measurability of human capital evaluations in the venture capital decision-making process, in which the diversity of teams contributed as one of the main factors. He recently completed his study in Business Analysis & Modeling and obtained hands-on experience within two venture capital funds.
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