The following feature is part of a series of posts highlighting the stories of entrepreneurial women in the Israeli start-up scene. Find out what they believe it takes to get ahead in the largely male-dominated industry, the various challenges their companies face, and hurdles they’ve overcome.
We interviewed Ruth Polachek, trailblazing CEO and Co-Founder of the financial startup company Fincheck, and Chairwoman and Co-Founder of the social initiative she codes;
Applying the wealth of knowledge she amassed through educational and professional experience, Ruth Polachek has since been founding and leading entrepreneurial tech startups. Named “One of Israel’s top most influential people in the Israeli Tech Industry” by GeekTime, as well as awarded “One of Israel’s 40 under 40 most promising youngsters” by TheMarker, Ruth Polachek has been changing the face of Israeli hi-tech as we know it.
Tell us a little bit about the companies that you have
FinCheck is a next-generation FinTech company that saves companies time running their business and finances. She codes; is a community of female software developers aiming to achieve a reach of 50% female developers in the industry within a decade.
What is the biggest challenge your company faces?
Handling and dealing with growth and large demand from the market is our biggest challenge.
What from your background helps you in your journey as an entrepreneur?
My experience and expertise. Managing large groups of people, organizations, and tech startups and programs. Bootstrapping and building companies, teams and organizations.
Why do you think we do not see more female founders?
Women are founders, but they have fewer opportunities that are laid out in front of them to start technology ventures. Once they do so in large numbers, they will be an unstoppable force, leveraging their experience in smaller entrepreneurial endeavors. Additionally, there is a larger problem of access to capital, since women have a harder time raising capital, which is a key component of building large and successful tech companies.
What is one piece of advice you would give to other entrepreneurs in general, and female ones in specific?
Go for it. In more detail, as I have stated through the “she codes;” principles: First, believe in yourself, you can make anything happen. Second, persevere. All you have to do is work hard, keep at it, undergo tough situations and make it through- whatever it takes. And last: community. Find like-minded people and keep them nearby, help others and remain involved with the tech community. You will get it all back, tenfold.
