Lanzadera, the startup accelerator founded by Juan Roig, has held the first edition of the Women Entrepreneur Award, bringing together leaders from the business and social ecosystem to highlight female talent, promote equal opportunities, and encourage women’s leadership in entrepreneurship.
The inaugural edition recognized Paula Sánchez, CEO of Cocircular, with the 2025 Women Entrepreneur Award for her impact-driven mission. Through her innovative approach to digitizing waste management, she helps companies reduce emissions, comply with regulations, and move toward a more sustainable future.
The event, held at Marina de Empresas, featured Hortensia Roig, President of EDEM Escuela de Empresarios, who emphasized the importance of creating equitable environments that enhance organizational diversity and sustainable economic growth:
"Female leadership is key to building more competitive, inclusive companies that are aligned with current challenges. This award aims to break barriers, create role models, and establish Marina de Empresas and Lanzadera as reference spaces for entrepreneurship, including for women."
The award was presented by Marta Nogueras, General Director of Lanzadera, following the deliberation of a jury composed of Teresa Domenech (CMO, CEEI Valencia), Carmen Durán (Account Manager of Corporates at Lanzadera), and Ángela Castello (Partnership Manager at Startup Valencia), along with votes from the audience, who also actively participated in the final selection.
Marta Nogueras highlighted:
"This event allows us to showcase inspiring role models, make their impact visible, and at the same time create new opportunities for the next generation of female entrepreneurs to grow, develop, and lead ambitious projects."
The winner, Paula Sánchez, expressed her gratitude for the recognition and emphasized the importance of continuing to promote the visibility of women in entrepreneurship.
The event included a presentation by Lucila García Méndez, General Director of ClosinGap and a leading figure in female entrepreneurship, who presented the report “Gender Gap in Entrepreneurship in Spain.” The study analyzes the main barriers and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs, as well as trends pointing toward a more balanced ecosystem.
The event also featured a panel moderated by Marta Nogueras, General Director of Lanzadera, bringing together five founders of startups accelerated by Lanzadera: Sonia Cardona (CEO, Profes Nómadas), Lorene Chauvel (CEO, Bodhi), Laura Muñoz (CEO, Tolvia), Sandra Suárez (CEO, Muemue), and Olga Carbonell (CEO, Biotasmart).
The participants shared their experiences, the challenges they face, and the key factors in building sustainable projects. All agreed on the importance of mentoring, training, and support networks as decisive elements for growing their companies.
The event also included a talk by Loreto Crespo, CEO of Genotipia, Biotechnology graduate and Master in Molecular, Cellular, and Genetic Biology, who highlighted the value of cooperation as a driver of change.
The day concluded with the presentation of the 2025 Women Entrepreneur Award, delivered by Marta Nogueras, recognizing the winner’s leadership, innovation, and social contribution.
Lanzadera is part of the Marina de Empresas entrepreneurship hub, together with EDEM Escuela de Empresarios and the investment company Angels. This initiative by Juan Roig, located in Marina de València, aims to train, advise, and finance today’s and tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, promoting wealth creation, employment, and entrepreneurial culture.
Since its foundation in 2013, Lanzadera has supported over 1,700 companies. Entrepreneurs can submit their projects to the program at www.lanzadera.esat any time during the year.
Image caption: Hortensia Roig, President of EDEM; Marta Nogueras, General Director of Lanzadera; Paula Sánchez, award winner.
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