“Follow your inner voice"

What does Startup Vorarlberg offer to people who would like to start a business?

Diana Eglseder: My team and I support start-ups from the initial idea all the way to scaling. Depending on the phase, different topics are in focus – at the beginning it is about orientation, structure and validation, later about growth, financing and strategic development. An important part of our work is connecting the ecosystem and fostering collaboration between companies, investors, research institutions and public bodies. At the same time, we link our start-up centre nationally and internationally with other start-up and innovation hubs. We design programmes and events and create platforms for exchange and visibility. We also provide impulses to strengthen the region sustainably in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship. Overall, the role combines strategic thinking, operational implementation, network building and direct work with founders.


International Women’s Day is on 8 March. What does the day mean to you personally?

Diana Eglseder: It creates visibility for existing inequalities wherever women are still structurally disadvantaged – whether in professional life, pay, leadership positions or social role models. The day reminds us that equality is not yet a given. At the same time, it is also a day of recognition and gratitude. Recognition for the progress that has already been achieved, and gratitude towards the generations of women who fought for their rights with great courage and under far more difficult circumstances. Many achievements that seem self-evident today were hard won. Beyond that, International Women’s Day also stands for global solidarity. While in Europe we have already achieved a great deal and have been able to actively claim our rights, this is still not possible in many parts of the world. The day connects women across borders and reminds us that equality is a global concern.


Are women better entrepreneurs?

Diana Eglseder: I wouldn’t say that women are inherently better entrepreneurs – such generalisations fall short. People bring different skills, experiences and motivations that determine how successfully they run a company. What matters is the combination of diverse perspectives. At the same time, there is no doubt that women can be excellent leaders. Studies show that diverse leadership teams are more resilient, more innovative and often more economically successful. Different perspectives help to make better decisions and solve complex challenges. What matters is equal opportunity: potential should be recognised and encouraged regardless of gender. This also includes actively supporting women in leadership roles – not for symbolic reasons, but because organisations demonstrably benefit from diversity.


What advice would you like to give women with a business idea?

Diana Eglseder: Never let anyone convince you that you cannot do something or that you are not capable of pursuing your own path. If you have a vision or an idea, you should definitely follow it. Over the past few years, I have met many people who were passionate about a topic or idea but did not dare to truly follow what I would call their “inner calling”. At the same time, I have also met people who told me they wished they had such a clear vision or heartfelt idea – something that truly drives them and does not let them go. Since then, I have realised that having a creative and motivated mind is a real privilege. It would be a great shame to leave that potential unused or to let external circumstances discourage you from pursuing your own ideas.


Is there specific support for female founders?

Diana Eglseder: Yes. In 2022, together with Magdalena Meusburger, I founded the Fempower Community. Our goal is to strengthen women with entrepreneurial ambitions in a targeted way, particularly in relation to the social and structural challenges where things often fall short, as well as in personal development. Women are extremely well educated and highly competent in their fields. That is why we offer quarterly training sessions focusing on soft skills, such as presence, communication, mental health, healthy performance and leadership. In addition, we are relaunching our mentoring programme to better connect women and provide them with sparring partners. At Startup Vorarlberg there are also special grants for female founders during the incubation phase: female founders can receive up to €10,000 to further develop their idea.


Thank you for the interview.