Yessica Klein
8 min read
09 November 2025
Stephanie von Behr, originally from New York, studied arts and cultural studies in the US and then moved to Berlin for love. She is now a multiple founder and, driven by a commitment to increasing diversity in Germany’s funding landscape, she has worked as a mentor and strategist focused on bridging the gap between women and the resources they need to grow their careers and business ideas, including access to funding, networks and opportunities.
Founderland was cofounded in 2020 as a grassroots peer-support group with one bold idea: women-of-color entrepreneurs deserve more than a seat at the table; they deserve to lead. It is now a Europe-wide nonprofit organization that receives funds from corporate partners and government entities, raising over €1.5 million in three years and supporting over 550 women across 26 countries.
What brought you to found the organization?
I experienced first-hand how challenging it is to raise capital, so I decided to support more women on their funding journeys. Less than 2% of venture funding goes to women and less than 0.5% to women of color. Creating more opportunities for women of color can generate a broader positive impact for all women.
What inspired you?
I remember my mom coming home from work in the corporate finance world and sharing how she was treated by men. The motherhood penalty still exists, and I wanted to help redefine what it means to be a woman in the workplace.
What was your mission?
According to a saying by Maya Angelou, people will forget what you did but will remember how you made them feel, and I want to make people feel good.
What kind of help made the progress possible?
One of the first programs that boosted my confidence was Google for Startups in 2018. There, I found a supportive community of founders who truly understood the challenges of building a business. At Founderland, my cofounders and I also used to meet monthly with a business coach, which helped strengthen our relationship – something that can be tough but incredibly rewarding when it works.
“Passion and commitment are equally important – building a business is something you learn by doing.”
How does your organization reflect who you are?
Creativity is what drives me. My background in fine arts allows me to approach problems in fresh and innovative ways.
What were some of the biggest challenges?
Berlin provided the opportunity to blend both creative and business skills. I learned by doing: how to raise capital, pitch to investors and build a business in a new country where I didn’t speak the language.
What was the most difficult moment of your entrepreneurial journey so far?
Knowing when to stop.
“Founders need peers to rely on when things don't go well. Community is everything.”
What was the most rewarding?
Founderland is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done as the impact of our work was tangible every day.
What have you learned so far?
There are good days and bad days. Personal commitment, therapy and business coaching are helping me to become more grounded and less exposed to ups and downs. On low days, I try to remind myself what I’m capable of and challenge the insecurities when they arise.
Why did you choose to establish your company in Berlin?
Berlin is a great place to build. Getting out there, networking and building a community really pays off. I started from scratch, and over 12 years that has meant attending events and having countless coffees. Berlin gives back what you put into it. The city is open, diverse and home to a vibrant international community.
“Generosity is the key”
What's next?
I’m on a reset break, but I want to continue working in the impact space, supporting founders and innovative initiatives within the tech sector.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
Prioritizing mental health is essential to building a strong business. Entrepreneurship is like a marathon, not a sprint; it has to be sustainable and founders must protect their well-being along the way. For this reason, a mentor, coach or group of fellow founders can make a difference on the journey.
And the myth that only graduates of top business schools can build successful companies deserves to be challenged. Passion and commitment are equally important – building a business is something you learn by doing.
What do you think of the startup landscape in Europe?
Europe has a strong chance to compete with the US, and investor interest in the area is increasing. However, more streamlined and less bureaucratic hurdles are needed.