From Growth To Giving
FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS CORE TO OUR DNA
WHY SUPPORTING FEMALE ENTREPRENEURSHIP IS CORE TO OUR DNA
For MDV, building a strong business means being clear about what we stand for, not just what we aim for. As a female-found- ed company, we’ve made it a priority to support female entrepreneurship. That means using our platform to put a spotlight on others, giving our time when it matters, and showing up whether it’s on stage or behind the scenes to push for more women in business. Over the past year, we’ve tried to put that belief into practice. From interviews and panels to keynote talks, we’ve had the opportunity to contribute to real conversations about what it takes to build something lasting.
SCALING WITH OR WITHOUT INVESTORS: PANEL WITH EY AND VAN LANSCHOT KEMPEN
In collaboration with EY and Van Lanschot Kempen, Evelien joined a panel alongside powerhouse entrepreneurs Jolanda Degen and Heleen Dura van Oord. The conversation dug deep into growing and exiting a business with or without investor capital. The discussion was focused on the trade-offs of different growth paths, the role of intuition versus data, and the importance of knowing what kind of company you want to build.
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS: HARPER’S BAZAAR X AUDEMARS PIGUET
At the Harper’s Bazaar x Audemars Piguet breakfastcenered on the intersection of design, art, and business Evelien joined Drift Studio CEO Lonneke Gordijn and Ellen de Bruijne of EDB Projects for a conversation on entrepreneurship in the creative space. While branding and sales often dominate the early stages of building a business, Evelien discussed how financial clarity is frequently left behind. She spoke about the importance of financial fluency from the outset—being clear on margins, cash flow, and performance metrics not just as a reporting tool, but as a basis to drive sustainable and profitable growth.
Thinking Beyond Borders: FD Gazelle Awards Keynote on International Growth
At the FD Gazelle Awards, Evelien joined Rackmount CEO Eric Cantineau on stage to discuss international expansion—its challenges, and the opportunities it creates for ambitious founders. The conversation addressed key considerations: cultural nuances, language barriers, regulatory compliance, and the operational realities of entering new markets.
MDV’S PICK: SUPPORTING WITH ACTION
In line with our ongoing commitment to championing and supporting female-founded businesses, we’re proud to announce the launch of a new initiative: MDV’s Pick—a curated spotlight on standout founders whose work reflects excellence in craft, clarity in vision, and ambition for growth.
Each year, one brand will be selected to showcase their work at one of our key press events free of charge. It’s our way of using and sharing our access, visibility, and community to level the playing field and open doors that too often remain closed. MDV’s Pick is our way of saying: these are the brands to watch and the women to back.