Maria Semedo

Runner Up Business Builder of the Year

My background spans entrepreneurial and advisory roles, with 15+ years of experience founding and supporting ventures that bridge climate resilience, technology transfer, and market-led solutions. I focus on turning pioneering ideas into scalable, impactful businesses.

As a certified business angel and EU technical expert, I structure investment-ready pipelines in green finance, supporting SMEs and funds through blended finance, commercialization, and cross-sector partnerships. In leadership roles at Vega Ventures and advisory work with EU GreenAssist, EIT InnoEnergy, and the European Commission, I’ve helped unlock capital and accelerate solutions that align financial viability with systemic value. I’ve contributed to local energy communities and decarbonisation strategies, gaining hands-on experience in systems change and using digital tools to support just transitions. My work in research commercialization spans university TTOs and spinouts, helping bring sustainability innovations to market. I’ve built climate-aligned business models, supported early-stage companies, and advanced initiatives connecting policy, finance, and innovation. I approach entrepreneurship as a mechanism for regenerative change—blending leadership with collaboration to enable ventures that embed climate resilience and long-term impact.