Yonca Braeckman
About Yonca Braeckman
Yonca Braeckman serves as a Global Expansion Ambassador and has held various roles in the startup ecosystem, including Co-Founder and CEO of Impact Shakers. She has a strong background in finance, policy, and entrepreneurship, and has been recognized as one of the 'Top 100 most influential women in the European startup and VC ecosystem' in 2023.
Current Role at The GUILD
Yonca Braeckman serves as an Ambassador for The Guild Academy, a position she has held since 2019. In this role, she contributes to the organization's mission of fostering innovation and collaboration within the startup community. Her involvement has spanned over five years, during which she has engaged with various stakeholders to promote educational initiatives and support emerging entrepreneurs.
Professional Experience at KBC Bank
Braeckman worked at KBC Bank in two capacities. From 2007 to 2009, she served as an SME Advisor, focusing on providing guidance to small and medium-sized enterprises. Following this role, she worked as a Policy Officer for six months in 2009, where she contributed to the bank's policy development efforts.
Educational Background
Yonca Braeckman has a strong academic foundation. She studied Political Sciences and History at Ghent University, earning Master's degrees in both fields between 2002 and 2013. Additionally, she has pursued further education in VR Filmmaking at the New York Film Academy since 2018, enhancing her skills in digital storytelling and technology.
Achievements and Recognition
In 2023, Braeckman was recognized as one of the 'Top 100 most influential women in the European startup and VC ecosystem.' This accolade highlights her significant contributions to the tech startup landscape in Belgium and Europe. She has also been selected for the '40 under 40' group of Belgian changemakers, aimed at advancing societal goals through innovative solutions.
Involvement in Startup Ecosystem
Braeckman has played a pivotal role in mentoring and advising startups throughout her career. She has served as a sought-after startup mentor and jury member, advising and mentoring hundreds of startups. Her experience includes curatorial roles at Startup Digest and her position as Co-Founder and CEO of Impact Shakers, where she focuses on fostering impactful entrepreneurship.