Janina Sundermeier

Prof. Dr. Janina Sundermeier serves as Assistant Professor for Digital Entrepreneurship & Diversity at the Department of Economics, Freie Universität Berlin, leading an interdisciplinary professorship at the intersection of entrepreneurship, management, and business informatics.

Her research focuses on:

• Effects of deep-level diversity dimensions (primarily personality traits) on entrepreneurial functions
• Influence of digital technologies on start-up processes, particularly regarding female founders
• Opportunities and obstacles for entrepreneurial diversity in digital contexts

Prof. Sundermeier has established several impactful initiatives:

• Hello Diversity! Conference (2019) with 150 participants from academia and practice
• WoMenventures educational module (awarded Fellowship for Innovations in Higher Education)
• WoMenventures Meetup series connecting female entrepreneurs
• Digital Entrepreneurship Hub fostering innovation

Her recent publications examine hybrid value logics in social enterprises, gender bias interventions in startup ecosystems, and diversity as competitive advantage, demonstrating strong connections between academic research and practical applications in entrepreneurship.

Scientific recognition:

• Fellowship for Innovations in Higher Education for the WoMenventures module

Prof. Sundermeier acts as ambassador for 'Women's Entrepreneurship' within NFUSION (the Entrepreneurs Network of Freie Universität Berlin), regularly conducting lectures and workshops. She has organized numerous events including the Hello Diversity! Paper-a-thon, WoMenventures Summer Schools at the Einstein Center Digital Future, and Digital Lunch events featuring investor talks and leadership discussions.

She leads the Hello Diversity! team comprising scientists and practitioners deeply embedded in Berlin's startup ecosystem, working collectively to advance diversity in digital entrepreneurship through research, education, and practical interventions.