June Angelides: Empowering Women in Tech and Entrepreneurship

June Angelides is a dynamic venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and influential advocate for women in technology. As a trailblazer, she is dedicated to empowering women, supporting startups, and fostering innovation, particularly in the tech and entrepreneurial ecosystems. With a background that includes founding the UK’s first child-friendly coding school, Mums in Tech, and serving as an angel investor, June has made a significant impact on women’s representation in tech. Her commitment extends to mentoring aspiring leaders, investing in women-led businesses, and promoting diversity in the entrepreneurial space. Recognized with an MBE for her work, June Angelides continues to inspire and drive change in multiple sectors, including venture capital and social impact.

Introduction

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and entrepreneurship, few individuals have made such an enduring impact as June Angelides. With a background steeped in both the worlds of venture capital and innovation, Angelides has broken barriers and empowered numerous women to take their place in the tech industry. She has earned widespread recognition for her dedication to women’s rights in tech, angel investing, and as a visionary founder. This article delves into June’s journey, her numerous accomplishments, and how she is shaping the future of venture capital, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Early Life and Background of June Angelides

Born in London and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, June Angelides’s unique upbringing shaped her global perspective on business, technology, and gender equality. After returning to London at 17, she pursued Economics at university, laying the foundation for a career that would eventually intertwine finance and technology. After completing her education, June began her career in the corporate world as an analyst at Reuters.

Her later work at Silicon Valley Bank solidified her passion for startups, particularly those founded by women. June saw the growing disparity between the number of men and women in technology and venture capital, which would ultimately lead her to venture into the world of angel investing.

The Rise of June Angelides in the Tech Space

In the early stages of her career, June was deeply involved in banking, working within the Venture Debt and Early Stage Banking Teams at Silicon Valley Bank. This experience gave her an invaluable insight into the operations of emerging businesses, especially startups. While at Silicon Valley Bank, Angelides worked with many entrepreneurs and realized the need for a more inclusive approach to funding and innovation in the tech industry.

Her time in Silicon Valley reinforced her belief that women entrepreneurs needed more opportunities and resources to thrive. As a result, she became increasingly involved in the startup ecosystem, becoming a passionate advocate for female entrepreneurs, particularly those in the technology space.

Founding Mums in Tech: Empowering Women Through Education

In 2014, during her second maternity leave, June Angelides took a bold step to bridge the gender gap in tech. She founded Mums in Tech, a pioneering initiative in the UK that aimed to teach coding to mothers, enabling them to re-enter the workforce or pivot their careers. Mums in Tech was the first child-friendly coding school in the UK, offering flexible, tech-oriented education that could fit into a busy parent’s schedule.

The initiative was a resounding success, with more than 250 women and girls learning coding skills in the span of three years. Mums in Tech empowered women by equipping them with the technical knowledge needed to succeed in the fast-growing tech sector, and its success helped pave the way for similar programs in other regions.

June Angelides as an Angel Investor

Angel investing has been a key aspect of June’s career. She actively supports female-led companies, providing the financial backing that many startups need to thrive. Her investments are a reflection of her deep commitment to increasing diversity in the startup space. Angelides has invested in a number of impactful companies, including Bloom Money, By Rotation, Sojo, and Happity.

Her investments are not just financial; they also reflect her belief in the potential of women-led startups to disrupt industries and create long-lasting social impact. Through her work as an angel investor, June has helped bring crucial resources to innovative startups, ensuring that women entrepreneurs have access to capital, networks, and mentorship.

June Angelides and her Role at Samos Investments

In 2018, June Angelides took her expertise to Samos Investments, a private equity and venture capital firm. There, she focused on identifying and nurturing high-growth European businesses. Her role at Samos Investments is integral to her overarching goal of fostering innovation, diversity, and growth in European tech startups.

Through her work at Samos Investments, she also became deeply involved in early-stage African startups via her own micro fund, Levare Ventures. By focusing on startups in Africa, June ensures that emerging economies also benefit from the access to capital and resources that are typically available to businesses in Europe and North America.

June Angelides MBE: Recognition and Impact

In recognition of her tireless work promoting gender equality, innovation, and entrepreneurship, June Angelides was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in October 2020. The MBE is one of the highest honors that can be given to an individual in the UK, and it reflects June’s commitment to making a difference in the world, particularly through her work with women in tech and startups.

Her recognition is a testament to the profound impact she has had on not only the entrepreneurial ecosystem but also on societal attitudes towards gender equality in business and technology.

June Angelides’s Role on Boards

Beyond her work as an investor and founder, June Angelides is actively involved in several boards and advisory roles. She serves on various advisory boards, where she provides valuable insight and strategic direction to organizations focused on venture capital, technology, and social impact. Her leadership in these capacities has helped elevate companies and initiatives that prioritize diversity, innovation, and sustainability.

Her involvement in these boards allows her to influence business decisions and strategies that foster inclusivity and diversity in tech, ensuring that both women and men have equal opportunities to thrive.

June Angelides: Personal Life and Family

While June is best known for her entrepreneurial success, she is also a dedicated mother and wife. June Angelides is married to her husband, who has been a significant source of support throughout her career. The couple shares a strong partnership in both personal and professional matters. Though June maintains a relatively private personal life, it is clear that her family plays a crucial role in her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, including her ventures, mentoring, and angel investing.

Her husband’s support allowed June to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams, even while managing the challenges that come with raising a family. Together, they have navigated the complexities of work-life balance, which is an experience that resonates with many professional mothers.

Contact Information for June Angelides

For those seeking to reach out to June Angelides for professional inquiries, whether for speaking engagements, investment opportunities, or mentorship, her contact details are available through several professional platforms. June is active on LinkedIn, where her network extends to over 500 connections. She is also reachable through various industry events and public speaking engagements.

As an influential thought leader, June frequently engages with her audience via social media, making it easy for aspiring entrepreneurs, investors, and fellow advocates for women in tech to get in touch.

Conclusion

June Angelides is not just an entrepreneur or investor; she is a catalyst for change in the worlds of technology and venture capital. Her journey from analyst to award-winning entrepreneur and investor demonstrates her unwavering commitment to supporting women in tech, fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, and driving growth in underserved markets. Through initiatives like Mums in Tech, investments in women-led startups, and her work with Samos Investments and Levare Ventures, June continues to redefine what it means to lead in today’s global business environment. As she continues to mentor, invest, and inspire, there is no doubt that her influence will only grow in the years to come.