This week, we feature Ata Senkon, an Investment Manager at Rubio Impact Ventures, a firm dedicated to funding startups that drive real positive impact alongside scalable commercial success.
Tell us about yourself.
Ata Senkon: I was born and raised in Ankara, Turkey, and spent my early years training in applied math and operations research. While I never pursued engineering as a career, it shaped my analytical thinking. My true passion has always been in creative fields—visual arts, cinema, and music. But my entrepreneurial calling became clear after a transformative trip to San Francisco, where I discovered the world of venture investing.
In 2018, I moved to the Netherlands and built my experience across various investment funds, ranging from early-stage venture capital to growth equity. Today, I focus on investing in education, work, and wellbeing startups at Rubio Impact Ventures.
What do you look for in a startup before investing?
Ata: At Rubio, impact and returns go hand in hand. We invest in startups that align with our mission of creating positive change while delivering strong financial performance. The first step is ensuring alignment with our mandate—if a startup doesn’t fit, we won’t proceed.
Beyond that, I focus on the founding team. We back teams, not solo founders, and I look for complementary skill sets, industry expertise, and strong networks. After assessing the team, I evaluate the product, market strategy, and competition, ensuring that founders truly understand their business and its potential.
What is the biggest challenge for startups in their early stages?
Ata: The mental game. Founding a startup is one of the hardest jobs in the world. It demands resilience, patience, and adaptability. Rejection is part of the journey—whether from investors, customers, or even friends. Many founders also enter the field with a misconception, believing startups are a fast track to wealth and prestige. The reality is far from glamorous.
To navigate this, surrounding yourself with a strong support system and staying grounded is essential.
How did you break into the investment sector?
Ata: It was a mix of persistence and luck. I reached out to countless investment professionals across banking, private equity, and venture capital to find my way in. The common advice? "Start at a top consulting firm or investment bank first." But I didn’t take the traditional route. Instead, I applied to every junior VC role I could find in Northern Europe. Eventually, I landed a role at an Amsterdam-based growth equity fund, where I built my foundation in venture investing.
Over time, I realized I wanted to work with startups from the ground up, not just optimize share prices. That led me to early-stage VC and, eventually, Rubio, where I focus on impact-driven startups.
What trends have you observed in Greentech and impact investing?
Ata: Several trends stand out across education, work, and wellbeing:
Education: AI-driven personalized learning is gaining momentum, but its true impact remains uncertain. Influencer-tutors are also reshaping traditional education models.
Work: Younger generations prioritize meaningful work and flexibility, while "green skills" are becoming essential as businesses align with sustainability goals.
Wellbeing: Startups are increasingly partnering with employers and insurers to offer solutions for childcare, fertility, mental health, and elder care.
How can Pre-Seed startups attract investor interest?
Ata: Fundraising is a long game. Startups need to connect with the right investors early, build relationships, and stay on their radar. Regular updates (even bi-annually) can help maintain visibility. Having advisors, angel investors, or accelerator backing also adds credibility.
Any advice for startups navigating today’s funding environment?
Ata: Success is 51% persistence and 49% luck. Stay focused, keep refining your product, and be ready when opportunity strikes. The best founders don’t just chase investment—they build something so compelling that investors chase them.
Rubio Impact Ventures continues to empower startups that combine strong impact with commercial success, shaping a future where businesses don’t just grow but create meaningful change.
Learn more about Rubio Impact Ventures on their website: https://www.rubio.vc/
Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atasenkon/