Jessica Espinoza is CEO of 2X Global, a global industry body for gender lens investing - supported by United Nations ESCAP - convening the entire spectrum of capital providers. She is also Chair of the 2X Challenge which has raised more than US$ 27 billion of gender lens investments since its launch at the G7 Summit in 2018.

Jessica has a track record in originating, structuring, and executing debt, mezzanine, and equity deals in emerging and frontier markets with a strong focus on inclusive innovation. The latest innovation she is spearheading with 2X colleagues is 2X Ignite, a bold facility to unlock capital for gender-smart businesses at scale by backing female-led fund managers.

Prior to her current role, Jessica was Vice President for Private Equity & Venture Capital Investments at DEG/KfW. She was also a Member of the Management Board at ProCredit Bank Nicaragua responsible for the Business Clients Division and managed the Africa Regional Office of MicroFinance Transparency.

We heard Jessica on:

· Her origin story and path to gender-lens investing

· Overview of 2X Global's network

· Best practices for fostering gender diversity in startups

· How to pitch to gender-smart investors

· How to navigate the global investment landscape

· Success stories of startups that focused on GLI