Shaping The Future of Innovation and Investment

ANA BARJASIC

Founder & CEO

CONNECTOLOGY

Entrepreneurship is not just about starting a business—it’s about challenging the status quo, seizing opportunities, and reshaping industries. Few embody this philosophy as strongly as Ana Barjasic. As the Founder & CEO of Connectology, a Board Member of the European Innovation Council, and an angel investor, she has dedicated her career to fostering global innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, and bridging gaps in investment. Recognized as one of Europe’s top 100 most inuential women in startups and venture capital, Ana’s journey is a testament to resilience, curiosity, and an unyielding drive for impact.

Bridging the Gaps in Investment and Innovation?

Ana’s career began at the intersection of policy, investment, and entrepreneurship. With a background in social sciences and behavioral economics, she quickly recognized the challenges startups face in securing funding and scaling their businesses. This realization led her to establish Connectology in 2017, an agency focused on investment readiness and capacity-building for earlystage ventures.

“In a single word—curiosity. It is inspiring to be surrounded by brilliant ideas and daring people who challenge the status quo,” she explains. Through Connectology, she has worked with hundreds of startups, providing strategic insights and access to networks that help them thrive.

Beyond individual businesses, Ana has played a key role in shaping the European innovation ecosystem. As Chair of the Widening Countries Working Group within the EIC Board, she has led efforts to improve funding accessibility for underrepresented regions. Her work with the World Bank, Global Entrepreneurship Network, and European Business Angel Network has further expanded opportunities for emerging markets.

Championing Diversity in Entrepreneurship?

As a woman in venture capital and tech, Ana has faced— and overcome—many barriers. “Gender bias is real,” she asserts. “Historically, women in technology and science have been seen as exceptions rather than the norm.” Rather than letting this limit her, she has actively worked to create a more inclusive investment landscape.

Through the European Innovation Council, she has championed initiatives like the EIC Women Leadership Programme and WomenTech EU, both designed to support female entrepreneurs in deep-tech industries. She also invests in femtech and climate tech startups, ensuring that innovation is both prortable and impactful.

Her advocacy extends to geographical diversity as well, pushing for funding structures that support startups beyond traditional tech hubs. “The market needs all hands on deck to deploy and commercialize research. There are no more excuses for lack of diversity—it has become a market imperative,” she emphasizes

“Smart decisions depend on recognizing biases and ensuring that inclusion is not just a trend but a strategic advantage”

A Legacy of Impact?

From mentoring startups to inuencing European innovation policy, Ana Barjasic has proven that entrepreneurship is about more than individual success—it’s about building ecosystems that enable more people to thrive.

With every startup she supports, every policy she shapes, and every investment she makes, Ana is redefining what it means to be a leader in innovation. Her journey is a powerful reminder that the future of entrepreneurship isn’t just about technology—it’s about people, risk, and the ability to create opportunities where none existed before

Mastering Risk and Decision-Making?

For Ana, the key to entrepreneurship isn’t just having a great idea—it’s understanding risk and decision-making. “Risk is the most important variable of a startup journey,” she says. “Entrepreneurs must learn how to reduce both actual and perceived risk to attract investment.” She advises startups to structure funding in stages, tying investment to measurable milestones rather than seeking full funding upfront.

As an angel investor, she looks for founders who are adaptable and open-minded. “Open-minded entrepreneurs are more likely to be alert to opportunities and build resilience by trying different options,” she notes. She mentors through organizations like Techstars and Nuqleus, guiding startups through early-stage growth and investment challenges.

Her strategic insights extend to how businesses position themselves in the investment landscape. She emphasizes the importance of behavioral science in decision-making, helping founders understand investor psychology and navigate biases that inuence funding outcomes.

Shaping the Future of Innovation?

For Ana, entrepreneurship is about more than financial success—it’s about shaping the future. She envisions innovation ecosystems that prioritize inclusivity, informed decision-making, and sustainability. “Lately, we have seen a lot happening on diversity and inclusion, but really, it is about decision-making,” she explains. “Smart decisions depend on recognizing biases and ensuring that inclusion is not just a trend but a strategic advantage.”

Her commitment to lifelong learning keeps her at the forefront of these discussions. Educated at the University of Zagreb, the University of Vienna, and the London School of Economics, she integrates behavioral science into investment strategies, helping both founders and investors make better, data-driven decisions.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and investors is clear: “Aspiration alone is not enough. You need an excellent understanding of how things work, constant learning, and a strong network. If things go wrong, don’t get discouraged at the first obstacle.”