Selma Prodanovic is an internationally awarded entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is passionate about empowering people and shaping the future. Named Startup-Grande-Dame by the media, she is famous for her influence and her ability to create, develop, and connect business potential. Business creator: Selma always created new businesses. In 2005 she founded the Brainswork Group and since launched a dozen of “made in brainswork”- brands, supported over 400 startups, and advised global investors and corporates. She had a major impact on the creative industries, the startup, and the business angel eco-systems in Austria and Europe. Her next goal is supporting 1millionstartups worldwide.
Angel Investor: Selma is co-founder and Vice-President of Austrian Angel Investors Association, board member of European Business Angel Network (EBAN) and member of Global Business Angel Network(GBAN). The Business Angelina has a portfolio of startup investments, is lead investor at Rising TideEurope 1 – impacting the next generation of female business angels, was an investor in the startup TV show “2 minutes – 2 million”, and judged in over 100 investment jury sessions. Speaker/educator/author/thought leader: As a professional speaker, Selma was over 1000 times onstage sharing her expertise in entrepreneurship, connecting, creativity, innovation, and startups at conferences or corporate events, but also at universities and through her online courses. She published the “Brainsbook on Networking” in 2009 and her book “Between Steel and Chocolate – Inspiring Success Stories from Austria” was published in 2013.
Selma pioneered various concepts such as Chief Networking Officer, the business development strategy brainsworking, the Business-Angelina investment approach, IncrediblEurope 2049 Summit and established the Brainswork – Make a Difference Awards. Selma holds advisory and board member positions in a number of companies and organizations. Media covered her expertise in over 40 countries.
Born in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Selma lived in several countries in Europe and North Africa andhas been based in Vienna (Austria) since 1991. Educated in 4 different languages, she studied at the University of Sarajevo, Saint Louis University in Madrid, and the Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration. Selma is happily married to her first love and is proud mother of two fantastic teenagers.
