In the ever-changing realm of innovation, startup leaders are at the frontline of leveraging technology and science in driving constructive change in society. From combating critical environmental challenges, to centering underrepresented communities, these visionaries are spearheading solutions that hold the power to transform society as we know it.

This article aims to shine a spotlight on six inspirational startup leaders in Europe whose products are making a substantial impact on society. Through their dedication, innovation, and commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, these individuals are not only assisting in the redefining of industries, but also building a more sustainable future for us all.

Join us as we highlight these remarkable entrepreneurs whose visionary leadership is leaving a lasting legacy in their various fields.

Noelly Michoux

Company: 4.5.6 Skin

Field: Skintech, Skincare

Position: Co-founder & CEO

Noelly Michoux is a visionary entrepreneur who embarked on a mission alongside two co-founders to redefine skincare. Launched in 2020, 4.5.6 Skin, as you may have already guessed, is a skincare brand. What you might not have guessed is the science implemented in the manufacturing process of the skincare essentials to specifically cater to dark skin; phototypes IV, V, and VI. Through innovative research, product testing, and development, Michoux sets a new standard in the cosmetics industry.

4.5.6 Skin products are created to focus on hyperpigmentation, dullness, dehydration, and sensitivity because of the unique ways they appear in pigmented skin. Every product is meticulously selected, from serums and moisturizers to cleansers and masks, offering a holistic skincare approach.

Beyond developing innovative skincare solutions, Michoux is dedicated to empowering individuals, particularly people of color, through outreach programs and community engagement, fostering inclusivity, and celebrating diversity. Fledge is all here for it!

Polina Vasilenko

Company: HelioRec

Field: Renewable Energy

Position: Founder & CEO

Polina Vasilenko is an innovative entrepreneur on a quest to revolutionize the energy industry. Sole-founded in 2019, HelioRec utilizes vacant water bodies, installing solar panels on water surfaces, specifically in nearshore locations for energy generation. This brilliant innovative method to energy generation not only optimizes land use, but also improves the efficiency of solar panels, by leveraging the cooling effect of water, hence yielding increased energy output.

At the heart of HelioRec’s objective is to decarbonize energy production processes. Vasilenko and her team are utilizing floating solar technology to capture solar energy, promoting a transition to clean, renewable energy sources. By targeting nearshore regions with high population density HelioRec meets the energy demands of highly resided locations, while also decreasing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

Vasilenko’s leadership and vision signify the potential of technology and entrepreneurship to drive positive, societal change in the energy industry. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility, the HelioRec team is paving the way towards a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Goulnara Aguiar

Company: ORMEX

Field: Agriculture

Position: Founder & CEO

Goulnara Aguair is an innovative visionary at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, revolutionizing farming practices through her company, ORMEX. Driven by her passion for environmental conservation and sustainable development, Goulnara aims to address the challenges of climate change and soil degradation in the agricultural sector. By leveraging the transformative power of blockchain technology, ORMEX is the standard for the removal and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in regenerative agriculture. This groundbreaking method goes beyond fostering environmental sustainability, but also guarantees transparency and accountability in the agricultural supply chain, thereby, empowering stakeholders with the ability to track the detailed steps of the journey from soil to credit.

With this level of transparency, innovation, and impact, Goulnara is paving the way towards a more sustainable future for agriculture, communities, and the planet as a whole. Nothing says Fledge like sustainability, brilliant work!

Dr. Elsa Zekeng

Company: SökerData

Field: Biotechnology, Research

Position: Founder & CEO

Dr. Elsa Zekeng is a trailblazing scientist and entrepreneur dedicated to the advancement of biotechnology and healthcare equity, and this commitment is shown by the work of her team at SökerData. Founded in 2022, SökerData is a biotechnology company that provides cutting-edge research and data analysis solutions for disease-related datasets. What Fledge finds most interesting about SökerData is its commitment to enhancing early drug discovery and clinical trials by offering robust data visualization tools into datasets that are frequently underrepresented: women and non-Caucasian communities. These tools identify critical biomarkers linked with disease outcomes across diverse demographics, making it easier to develop medical treatments that are more inclusive and effective.

Through the visionary work at SökerData, CEO Dr. Elsa Zekeng, and CTO Rakia Finley are breaking down barriers and bridging critical gaps in biomedical data. Zekeng’s leadership and strides toward advancing biotechnology and healthcare are driving significant changes in the sector. We love that here!

Miklos Laszlo

Company: Diverzum

Field: Advertising services

Position: Co-Founder & CEO

Miklos Laszlo (Miki) is a passionate entrepreneur and co-founder of Diverzum, an online platform built to revolutionize the student experience by providing exclusive student discounts. Inspired by his student life abroad, Miki realized the challenges students face in balancing academic expectations and responsibilities with limited financial resources. Leveraging his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creating positive change, Miki co-founded Diverzum to address this gap in the market. If you are thinking “No more full price,” you are absolutely correct! Diverzum acts as a link connecting students with leading brands, providing verified student discounts on a wide variety of products and services, from clothing and food to entertainment and technology, enabling them to stretch their budgets further and enjoy more of what life has to offer.

In the ever-changing realm of student life, Diverzum is leading the charge in providing innovative solutions that address the issues of the average student. With Diverzum at over 200k users, Miki and his co-founder are poised to continue driving meaningful impact in the student community for years to come.

Kirill Perepelica

Company: Munch

Field: Software Development

Position: Co-founder & CCO

Kirill Perepelica is a visionary co-founder at Munch, an online platform dedicated to reducing food waste and promoting sustainable, responsible catering. With the goal of tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time, Perepelica and his team have created a groundbreaking solution that benefits both customers and the environment. Munch serves as a beacon of innovation in the battle against food waste, providing a platform for over 3000 restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, and hotels to sell unsold yet high-quality food at discounted prices. By linking consumers with surplus food, which would have been wasted, Munch allows businesses to recover their losses and enables customers to buy quality food at affordable prices. Additionally, Munch has a charity program, Muncharity, which aims to support people without access to affordable and nutritious meals. Currently, the Munch team has successfully saved over 2 million food packages in 4+ countries.

The Co-founders’ motivation for Munch originates from the acknowledgment of the staggering amount of food wasted each year and its detrimental impact on people and the planet. Perepelica and his team saw and took the opportunity to leverage technology to create positive change. Fledge is amazed and impressed!

These six startup leaders are strong examples of the length at which innovation, technology, and science can address pressing global challenges. From advancing skincare solutions for underrepresented communities to harnessing solar energy and tackling food waste, each founder exemplifies the spirit of entrepreneurship and sustainability.  At Fledge, we are inspired by their dedication to making a positive impact on the world, and we are committed to supporting and partnering with startups that share our values of innovation, diversity, and sustainability. Together, we can continue to drive significant change and establish a brighter, more sustainable future for all.

By: Vera Obi