Feminvest CEO Michaela Berglund on closing the gender wealth gap

Insights|August 21, 2024

In preparation for Feminvest’s annual event, FEARLESS, we sat down with Feminvest’s CEO, Michaela Berglund, to talk about how to promote female ownership.

Michaela Berglund is a prominent figure in the investment world, particularly noted for her efforts to promote female ownership and investment. She is the CEO of Feminvest, a platform dedicated to empowering women in the investment and entrepreneurial spaces. Feminvest recently launched a fund focused exclusively on companies majority-owned by women, marking a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in venture capital.

Michaela herself has a rich background in marketing, investor relations, and finance, having worked in both London and Sweden. Her journey began at the age of 18 when she started investing in the stock market.

Feminvest, under her leadership, has grown significantly, now comprising over 50,000 members. The organization’s mission is to accelerate women’s ownership and create a more equitable distribution of wealth and capital. They focus on education, networking, and practical investment opportunities to support women in building and growing their financial assets.

What made you become aware of the lack of female investors?

My journey began when I started investing and had no one to discuss this interest with. As I entered the financial industry, I quickly realized that women were not owning the companies they worked for when they went public. According to the Allbright report (2021), women in management and on boards hold just 1% equity in the companies they help build when these companies make exits. This realization made me think: if we want real change, we need women to be part of these exits to create wealth. We need to normalize women investing in and scaling businesses. I have taken this journey one step at a time, building along the way, and I still have many years ahead of me to continue growing this venture. But my goal remains clear – it should lead to women owning more.

What do you think are the reasons behind the low numbers of investing women and women in leadership teams?

It’s a combination of historic career and succession opportunities, ownership opportunities, networks, and the fact that power is almost always protected by the people who have it. The financial industry has historically been male dominated, which can make it less approachable for women. Women have historically been more likely to prioritize financial security for their families over personal wealth-building too. Lack of confidence is another reason for women not taking financial risks. If we look at creating change, we must address these issues.

How has your mission with Feminvest been met?

Both with curiosity and positive energy from men and women. We are presenting a mission that many can relate to in different ways, and they also appreciate inclusiveness. Our independent courses are very popular, where you learn about investing together with other women. Our events in Stockholm and the other Nordic capitals are starting to gather quite a crowd, so it shows that we are on to something.

What could change if more women were involved in investing?

Investing is one important tool to accumulate wealth over time, so much can happen if women were equal in this area. It would lead to reduced gender inequality, further decreasing the gender wealth gap, and women would gain more power in decision-making roles, from family finances to leadership positions in business and politics. Studies show that when women earn more, poverty rates decrease, especially in developing countries. Traditional gender roles and stereotypes would be more challenged, leading to a more balanced and inclusive society.

What advice would you give to younger people about investing?

Get started with a small amount of money. If you don’t start because you don’t believe you have enough money or competence, think twice and let go of that prejudice because it will only hold you back. Simply accept that you should invest money you don’t need, that a diverse portfolio over time is best, but also that you will make mistakes at times during the many years you invest, and that is fine – see it as lessons rather than losses.

Read more about Feminvest
Want to join the FEARLESS event? Read more.