Rebeca de Sancho Mayoral

Senior Adviser on EU innovation & access to finance

Rebeca is a seasoned professional with over 17 years of experience in European policies and gender-related programmes. She has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing strategies that foster innovation and support for female entrepreneurs across Europe.

She played an incipient role in the establishment of the European Innovation Council funding EU innovative startups. She has been instrumental in designing and launching EU initiatives that provide crucial support to female founders. Her dedication to gender equality in the entrepreneurial ecosystem is evident in her efforts to increase the number of women investors and leaders in Europe.

As a mentor to numerous female founders, Rebeca has provided invaluable guidance and support, helping them navigate the complexities of starting and scaling their businesses. Her commitment to empowering women extends to her active participation in influential networks such as the W50 UCLA Women on Boards leadership programme by Banco Santander, where she continues to advocate for greater representation of women in leadership roles.

Rebeca is a recognized expert for her ability to drive impactful change and promote real equality in the innovation and startups sectors. She is a passionate advocate for breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings, working tirelessly to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all. An advocate for women closing investment and funding gender gaps, she is walking the talk by mentoring female founders.

As a curious woman, you can find her reading, writing, listening to podcasts, working on her side projects, playing or watching tennis, enjoying her free time with friends and family, or travelling around the world to meet her friends.