What I Took Home from SIM Conference 2026 -

By Yasemin Tümer - Award Finalist

A conference is only valuable if you return home with new insights.

At the SIM Conference in Porto, I had the chance to meet founders, investors, and ecosystem builders from all over Europe. The event was full of inspiring conversations and ended with the Golden Aurora Award ceremony, celebrating women who are shaping the future of entrepreneurship through angel investing.

While the awards honoured achievements, I found myself thinking more about the lessons behind them.

These are the key takeaways I brought home.

Community is not a nice-to-have. It is a growth strategy.

Whether you are a founder or an investor, your network matters.

The most successful founders rarely build their companies alone. The same goes for angel investors. Learning from others, sharing opportunities, and discussing challenges speeds up both confidence and results.

This is one of the reasons we started The Angel Initiative: investing together is often the fastest way to learn.

At the conference, I saw how communities create momentum. When women investors come together, they share knowledge and open doors that would otherwise stay closed. This collective strength is a real growth strategy, not just a feel-good idea.

You do not need to know everything before you start.

Many aspiring angel investors think they need years of experience before making their first investment.

The truth is different.

Just like founders learn by building, investors learn by investing. Due diligence, evaluating opportunities, and supporting founders are skills you develop through practice.

Waiting until you know everything often means never starting.

One tool I found helpful is the platform AngelList, which connects investors with startups and offers resources to guide new angels. It’s a great way to get started without feeling overwhelmed.

The best investors offer more than capital.

Throughout the conference, one message kept coming back: founders value guidance as much as funding.

The most impactful angel investors provide experience, introductions, strategic advice, and encouragement during tough times.

Money opens doors. Experience helps founders walk through them.

This reminded me of the importance of being an active investor. It’s not just about writing a cheque but about being a partner in growth. That’s why I recommend tools like Carta, which help investors manage their portfolios and stay connected with founders efficiently.

Diversity creates stronger ecosystems.

Europe’s startup ecosystem is becoming more connected, international, and diverse.

Different perspectives lead to better questions, better decisions, and ultimately better companies. This applies to founders, investors, and leadership teams alike.

Increasing the number of women angel investors is not just about representation. It’s about improving the quality of the ecosystem.

At the conference, I met many women who are breaking barriers and proving that diversity drives innovation. This is why The Angel Initiative focuses on building a community of female investors who learn and invest together.

Visibility matters.

You cannot become what you cannot see.

The women honoured during the Golden Aurora Award are successful investors, but they are also role models. Their visibility encourages other women to explore angel investing and take part in shaping the future economy.

That may be the most important lesson of all.

Seeing women succeed in angel investing inspires others to take that first step. It creates a ripple effect that strengthens the entire ecosystem.

High angle view of a stage with award winners celebrating at the Golden Aurora Award ceremony

Looking Ahead

The conversations in Porto confirmed something I have believed for a long time: Europe needs more women founders, but it also needs more women investors.

Not because women should invest differently.

But because innovation benefits when more talent, experience, and perspectives are around the investment table.

At The Angel Initiative, we remain committed to helping more women take that seat. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive ecosystem that supports female entrepreneurs and investors alike.

If you want to learn more about how to start investing or join a community of like-minded women, check out The Angel Initiative. It’s a great place to grow your network and your impact.

The SIM Conference 2026 was more than an event. It was a reminder that community, action, and visibility are the keys to change. I’m excited to bring these lessons home and put them into practice.

Let’s keep building together.