Women in Finance 2024 at OMMAX
Since OMMAX was founded in 2011, we have worked closely with M&A advisors, investment banks, private equities, and their portfolio companies. Recognizing the male dominance in the sector, we saw a clear need to establish a stronger Women in Finance Network, launching our first networking event in 2023.
We currently have Germany's largest Women in Finance network, with over 700 contacts from Europe's top PEs, M&A, and investment banks. Our 2024 event, co-hosted with Hg Capital at our Munich headquarters on June 13th, 2024, provided a platform for 70+ women to empower each other, share experiences, and support one another in their career journeys.
Want to learn more? Discover event key takeaways and impressions below!
Our key takeaways for women in finance:
Think long term: a career in finance can be intellectually challenging but also rewarding
Be open to new opportunities and tap the next one on the shoulder if you see they can do the next step in their career
Find your leadership style: no need to copy others
Leverage the power of networking events
Search for an environment that supports your strengths
If you will invest, invest for a purpose to make the world a better place
Tips for employers:
Ensure top executives are committed to diversity and inclusion, setting the tone from the top and holding the organization accountable
Mentorship and sponsorship programs: establish structured programs to mentor and sponsor women, helping them navigate their careers and reach leadership positions
Flexible work policies: promote work-life balance with flexible working arrangements, parental leave policies, and caregiver support
Family-oriented business: provide a variety of support for working parents through different collaborations (e.g. hiring a nanny, parents lunch)
Transparent career pathways: ensure clear and equitable career advancement opportunities with transparent criteria for promotions and raises
OUR SPEAKERS
KATJA RUHNKE
Katja is the Co-Founder and CEO of CK Venture Capital GmbH. Along with her sister, she is one of the best-known female business angels in Germany. In the fall of 2021, she published her first book, "Female Money - How Female Investors Transform the Startup World".
In addition to her additional work in family entrepreneurship in real estate, the sisters opened CK Workspace in a shared office concept in early 2023. Katja considers it her duty to bring forward the development of new ideas and visions and to provide for more diversity in the startup ecosystem.
Katja is also a keynote speaker and has participated in various events as a panelist. Before entering the business world, she trained as a musical performer, studied cultural management, and worked in the cultural sector for 10 years. Katja is also a member of the OMMAX Advisor & Expert Network.
Martina Sanow
Martina is a Partner at Hg and responsible for the firm’s private capital activities, leading the Hg Wealth team, with over 14 years of experience in fundraising and client services.
Hg Wealth provides alternative investment services to private investors, unlocking opportunities to invest in Europe’s largest portfolio of leading software and technology businesses. This service offers bespoke access to a suite of investment strategies managed by Hg, one of the world’s most active software investors and one of Europe’s largest private equity managers. Hg Wealth has a dedicated team that sits within Hg, providing investment opportunities exclusively to individual clients and their wealth advisors, as well as family offices.
Isabella Calderon Hoyos & Dr. Anja Konhäuser
Isabella Calderon Hoyos is a Partner at OMMAX and leads commercial and digital due diligence projects with a focus on business services and education. She works with corporations and private equity clients (small, mid, and large-cap) such as Cinven, Equistone, and Afinum.
Dr. Anja Konhäuser is a Partner & Co-Founder at OMMAX, specializing in the development of digital go-to-market strategies. She successfully leads digital transformation projects for clients in healthcare, e-commerce, and B2B services.
What Our Guests are Saying
"The speeches were very inspiring, thank you for having us"
"Amazing food, central location, and only smart ladies in the room"
"I love the informal setting and the network you have built, this is very unique"
"I feel inspired to take the next step in my career"
