Key Barriers for Women-Led Startups in Life Science: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This thesis examines the systemic, cultural, and institutional barriers that limit the scalability of women-led life science startups in Denmark and explores ways to address them. Despite Denmark’s international reputation for gender equality, the life science entrepreneurial ecosystem displays significant disparities in access to capital, networks, and respect for female entrepreneurs. Drawing on an extensive literature review, an observation, and a qualitative study of 19 in-depth interviews with founders, investors, and industry experts, this research identifies the following barriers: Societal norms shape gendered perceptions of competence and leadership, limiting how female founders present themselves and how others evaluate them. Unconscious bias from stakeholders in institutions and organizations systematically disadvantages female founders when scaling their startups. Lastly, network exclusion restricts access to important investor relationships, strategic partnerships, and mentorship opportunities. Together, these factors merge around one core barrier: access to capital. The analysis applies Role Congruity Theory, Acker’s Theory of Gendered Organizations, and Homophily Theory to show how gendered organizational logics, similarity-based networks, and stereotype–role mismatches create structural exclusion. The findings suggest that systemic interventions are necessary, including quotas and targeted investment requirements for venture funds and public capital providers. Ultimately, the study concludes that equity in the life science entrepreneurial ecosystem will only be achieved by shifting from an emphasis on “fixing women” to redesigning systems from the top down. Government policies should recognize and value diverse founder identities, leadership styles, and market priorities. This requires viewing equity and diversity not as social objectives, but as strategic fundamentals for innovation and economic growth within the industry, and ultimately, in Denmark.