From networking platforms to social investment funds, initiatives power a new generation of entrepreneurial leaders
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Five Brazilian women-led initiatives, including Future Is Now, Potencia Ventures, EBEM, Arquiteto de Bolso, and Pine, stand out in boosting female entrepreneurship, providing mentorship, support networks, investments, and innovative solutions to foster leadership and market participation.
According to a study conducted by Sebrae, there are currently 10.4 million women entrepreneurs in Brazil, with a growth of approximately 42% between 2012 and 2024. This is a significant increase that reflects changes in the supporting initiatives and innovation ecosystem.
This progress is also evident in corporate leadership positions. Women’s participation in leadership positions in Brazil doubled from 2019 to 2024, from 3% to 6% of the country’s 250 largest companies, according to a study conducted by Bain & Company. Looking to further this transformation, companies and organizations have acted as catalysts, offering mentoring, acceleration programs, networking networks, and easy access to credit. Check out some of them.
Future Is Now: Networking for New Economy Leaders
Founded by Laís Macedo, Future Is Now (FIN) is a networking hub for leaders of the new economy. This group of CEOs, founders and thought leaders aims to strengthen Brazil’s business ecosystem and contribute to the country’s economic and social development. The platform offers a hybrid structure that combines in-person and digital events, a relationship concierge, benefits clubs, and themed groups on WhatsApp. With a focus on strategic connections and collaboration among colleagues, FIN has established itself as a reference space for women in leadership positions looking to expand their networks and increase their business impact.
Potencia Ventures: Impact investing with a focus on inclusion
Founded in 2002 by Kelly Michel, Potencia Ventures is a pioneering global impact investing group supporting venture capital funds and early-stage startups. The organization focuses on projects that improve the lives of low-income people, prioritizing areas such as education and employability. Since its founding, Potentia has played a key role in creating a gender-responsive impact ecosystem, funding and supporting businesses that expand women’s access to growth, leadership and investment opportunities. In Brazil, Mr. Itali Collini, who has strengthened Potencia’s local operations, is demonstrating leadership. In 2005, he was responsible for funding Brazil’s first impact accelerator, Artemisia, and in 2009, he helped found Vox Capital, Brazil’s first impact venture capital fund.
EBEM: Brazilian Women’s Entrepreneurship School
EBEM — Escola Brasileira de Empreendorismo Feminino, founded by Tatyane Lunchah, a businesswoman with over 24 years of experience, is an ecosystem dedicated to the development of women-led businesses through mentoring, immersion, events and business training. With the aim of creating an entrepreneurial community that promotes a more just world, EBEM has strengthened the role of women in corporate environments and fostered the growth of entrepreneurs at various stages of maturity. In 2025, the institution hosted the 4th edition of Conexão, Brazil’s largest women’s entrepreneurship conference, bringing together more than 30 speakers for a program focused on innovation, leadership, and business impact.
Pocket Architect: Women Leaders in Real Estate
Founded by architect and entrepreneur Marcia Monteiro, Arquiteto de Bolso was born with the aim of democratizing access to architecture and interior design in Brazil. The company has already won more than 17 awards and aims to transform 100,000 environments by architects and designers over the next two months, surpassing Havenly in North America and becoming the largest global company in its field. With over 25 years of experience, Marcia believes that the spaces we live in have a direct impact on people’s well-being and development, and left her luxury office to create accessible and humane solutions. The company connects them with design experts and technology to make the process more accessible, sustainable and inclusive. In addition to leading startups, Marcia also works on social initiatives such as Grupo Mulheres do Brasil, Rede Mulher Empreendora, Amigos do Bem, and Decor Social, strengthening her commitment to women’s leadership, purpose, and social impact.
Pine: Positioning women-owned brands to lead innovation
Founded by Helena Prado, Pine is a communications agency specializing in innovative brand PR and strategic content. The business is comprised of two complementary vertical divisions. Pine PR is an agency specializing in media relations and PR for scale-ups, innovative companies, and leading technology companies. The other is Pine On, the only agency on the market focused solely on professional services and content for B2B businesses.
Pine operates in a 100% integrated manner, combining media relationships, strategic content, and real-time data to build authentic stories, strengthen brand authority, and produce measurable results. Led by women and with a majority of women on the team and in leadership positions, the agency has a strong leadership culture. The company’s portfolio includes several companies founded and led by women, reaffirming the company’s commitment to giving visibility to leaders who are transforming markets.
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