🎙️ Innotion Conversation: From Physics to Beauty Tech — Ahana Banerjee on Innovation, Fundraising, and Representation

In this episode of Innotion Conversation, host Ricardo Pascual speaks with Ahana Banerjee, founder and CEO of Clear, about her journey from studying physics at Imperial College London to launching a beauty tech startup.

They explore:

• How Ahana’s personal skincare struggles inspired the creation of Clear.
• The entrepreneurial path from academia to tech founder.
• Her experiences in Y Combinator and the pivotal decision to focus on Clear.
• The challenges and complexities of fundraising as a female founder.
• Navigating gender bias in tech and the investment landscape.
• Insights on investor dynamics and the role of privilege and experience in entrepreneurship.
• Why greater representation of women in tech and investment is essential for the future.

Ahana shares a powerful and inspiring story of resilience, decision-making, and optimism for a more inclusive startup ecosystem.

Brought to you by Startup Summit 2025 — Europe’s leading startup and investor summit, happening September 18–19, 2025, in Lisbon.

🎟️ Learn more and secure your spot at www.startupsummit.io

🕒 Chapters 00:00 — Introduction to Ahana Banerjee and Clear 03:03 — Ahana's Journey to Entrepreneurship 05:54 — The Impact of Privilege and Responsibility 08:54 — The Birth of Clear: A Personal Problem 12:04 — Navigating the Y Combinator Experience 14:58 — The Transition from Quill to Clear 17:59 — The Decision-Making Process for Startup Focus 21:04 — Challenges of Fundraising as a Female Founder 29:43 — Navigating Gender Bias in Tech 32:16 — The Challenges of Fundraising 36:56 — Understanding Investor Dynamics 39:59 — The Impact of Gender on Investment 45:57 — The Role of Experience and Bias 52:00 — Balancing Personal and Professional Life 56:40 — Looking Ahead: Optimism for Change

💡 Key Takeaways

• Personal experiences can spark powerful startup ideas.
• Transitioning from academia to entrepreneurship requires resilience.
• Y Combinator offers invaluable experience but comes with challenges.
• Fundraising as a female founder highlights systemic biases in tech.
• Navigating investor dynamics is critical for startup growth.
• Greater gender diversity in tech and investment drives real change.
• Optimism and persistence are key for underrepresented founders.