Maria Semedo’s journey into the world of business has been both unconventional and deeply fulfilling. Throughout her career, she has embraced resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to bridging key gaps in various industries. Whether connecting research with market viability, startups with investors, or sustainability with economic growth, she has always positioned herself at the intersection of different forces to drive meaningful progress. At EliteX, we are proud to have Maria Semedo as part of the edition: 10 Fearless Women in Business, 2024.
Maria Semedo | Senior Consultant | EurA AG
Her career began in high-end urban lighting, where she worked closely with talented architects and engineers in a B2B environment. This experience taught her the importance of precision and the value of strong professional relationships. However, at the age of 40, she felt a strong desire to explore new challenges, expand her knowledge, and work on technology-driven solutions.
“Setbacks are opportunities for reinvention, pushing us to embrace change and explore new fields.”
Determined to redefine her path, she pursued a Master’s in Innovation and Technological Entrepreneurship at the University of Porto. This transformative period allowed her to immerse herself in the world of business, technology, and innovation. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to further specialization in technology transfer at London City University and training at MIT’s Sloan School of Management, where she gained crucial insights into scaling innovation. These experiences laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial endeavors, including co-founding Metablue, a university spin-off specializing in medical devices.
As she embraced this new phase, she shared her journey of reinvention in a TEDx talk in Portugal, highlighting the valuable lessons she learned from stepping outside her comfort zone. In 2016, she played a key role in introducing Accredited Business Angels to the Portuguese Seed Capital Market. As Executive Director of Vega Ventures and a Business Angel, she structured five BA funds co-funded by the Portuguese Development Bank (BPF) over a decade. Her responsibilities included venture capital raising, business replication, and overseeing successful exits for these funds.
In 2021, she transitioned to Cleanwatts Digital, a climate tech company, at a pivotal moment when the Energy Communities model required fine-tuning. She focused on building a strong client network and implementing cross-selling strategies to foster innovation and create impactful projects. Beyond her corporate roles, she has remained deeply engaged in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems. Over the years, she has supported various institutions, mentored participants in business plan competitions, and provided individualized coaching to entrepreneurs. Her expertise has helped startups build solid business models, identify the right product/market fit, and pitch effectively to investors.
Since 2015, she has also served as an Expert Evaluator for the European Commission and initiatives such as EIT, Eureka, and Funding Box. Her contributions to multiple programs have been instrumental in enhancing the investment readiness of SMEs. One of the most rewarding aspects of her journey has been forming valuable professional relationships, having exceptional mentors, and sharing knowledge through mentoring and coaching others.
In 2023, she made another significant shift in her career by deepening her understanding of sustainability through studies in sustainability management. This transition marked her entry into the rapidly evolving field of green innovation and ESG practices. She joined Eura to contribute to the EU GreenAssist C2M (Close-to-Market) initiative, which supports LIFE-funded projects in their market entry and long-term sustainability. Eura is also known for launching the Women Leadership Programme for the European Innovation Council in 2021, which empowers women researchers and leaders across Europe. Additionally, Eura is establishing WomenInvest, a program dedicated to empowering the next generation of female entrepreneurs. Currently, her work focuses on green innovation, sustainability, empowering women, and promoting nature-based solutions, supporting the growth of inclusive and sustainable industries.
“True success follows when you remain grounded in your values and stay aligned with your beliefs.”
As a woman in business, she has faced challenges similar to her male counterparts, constantly striving to prove herself. She overcame these obstacles by learning from failure, staying focused on results, and building meaningful networks based on credibility, expertise, integrity, and loyalty. Her definition of success has evolved over time. Initially, she measured success through external achievements, but she now sees it as a journey rather than a destination. For her, success is about fulfillment, purpose, and the positive energy created along the way. She believes that true success lies in finding balance, aligning with one’s values, and pursuing inspiring work while sharing valuable lessons with others.
Mentorship and networking have played a crucial role in her career growth. She deeply values human connections and has gained not only knowledge but also lasting friendships through these relationships. Having been fortunate to receive mentorship herself, she now aims to give back by guiding others on their paths. Over time, she has recognized the power of a strong network for feedback, collaboration, and continuous learning. She believes that networking should be authentic, proactive, and focused on creating long-term value.
To stay focused and motivated, she incorporates yoga into her daily routine. This practice helps her maintain clarity, resilience, and balance in her demanding professional life. Setbacks have been an inevitable part of her journey, but she has learned to embrace change and view challenges as opportunities for reinvention. Her resilience stems from an openness to the unknown, a positive mindset, strong people skills, and the unwavering support of her family and friends. Their encouragement has been a pillar of strength during difficult times.
Her advice to young women entering the business world is to remain true to themselves and their values. She emphasizes that success is not solely about achievements but about staying aligned with one’s beliefs. She encourages young professionals to stay grounded, as true success follows authenticity and self-awareness. Among her many accomplishments, she takes great pride in creating businesses from the ground up in various industries, from lighting and energy to investment funds and startups. One of her most fulfilling experiences was mentoring three young biomedical professionals in Portugal who had no prior business experience. She guided them through their first business plan and pitch, ultimately connecting them with a bootcamp at Carnegie Mellon through her professional network. They later went on to build a highly successful company, and witnessing their growth has been a deeply rewarding moment in her career.
Looking ahead, she believes the role of women in business will continue to evolve. While achieving parity will take time, she is optimistic about the progress being made. With new ESG regulations and an increasing emphasis on meritocracy, she envisions a future where more women will thrive in business, leading to a more inclusive and equitable professional landscape.
“Success is a journey—it’s about fulfillment, purpose, and the positive energy you create along the way.”