.jpg)
Eva de Mol
Meet our latest Mesure Muse: Eva de Mol, founding partner at CapitalT, scientist, investor and author of the bestselling book and podcast DEAL WITH IT
Eva de Mol blends sharp analytical insight with a deep understanding of human potential. As a founding partner at CapitalT, she works at the heart of the founder world, studying what makes entrepreneurial teams thrive and bringing this perspective to investments across Europe and the USA.
Author of the bestselling book DEAL WITH IT and host of the podcast of the same name, Eva explores the realities of building, leading, and investing with honesty and clarity. A passionate advocate for diversity in venture capital, she co-initiated #Fundright to help create a more inclusive ecosystem.
Photographed in her podcast studio in a custom Mesure double-breasted suit with wide pleated trousers in indigo blue, Eva’s look balances classic tailoring with a subtle sense of play. Her second look softens the mood: a merino wool long-sleeve knit with satin wide-leg trousers, bringing ease and a touch of fun – very much like Eva herself.
Confidence is a recurring theme in your work and writing. How has your understanding of confidence evolved over the years, especially as a woman operating in a traditionally male-dominated investment world?
I’ve always had my own style. Even though the finance world has traditionally been very conservative, tech is much more casual. I lived in San Francisco for a long time and in California everyone wears sneakers. I’ve lived abroad a lot, and even in New York you’re rarely overdressed. I never felt like I had to adapt to an existing style or wear a power suit just because that’s what others did. I actually think that having your own style makes you stand out, and that others notice that too, in a positive way. At the time, I didn’t consciously think about it like that, but in hindsight I see it clearly now. I could easily show up somewhere wearing sneakers and a tutu.
You are known for backing founders from a wide range of backgrounds and for actively advocating for diversity in venture capital. On a personal level, what experiences shaped your conviction that different voices don’t just belong in the room, but actually make better investment outcomes possible?
That’s not only a personal belief, there is a lot of data and scientific research showing that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones. We need different people to solve different problems in society. A diverse team in Africa will come up with a wider range of solutions to bring more water to a village than a group in San Francisco building a startup to make taxis arrive faster.
What are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned during your career?
First, you have to fail and experiment to get anywhere. If you don’t work out an idea or put it out into the world, it remains just an idea. Second, dare to tap into your network and ask for things. People may say no, but next time they might say yes. Don’t be afraid, be proactive. Third, always try to think about what you can give to someone else, so there’s a sense of reciprocity.
In a world like venture capital, where first impressions matter, how do you like to show up, and does clothing play a role in that?
I like things to feel in control, and I do believe you should make an impression. I would never show up somewhere looking sloppy. You need to project trust. You don’t have to look fancy, simple is fine, but you don’t show up to the office in sweatpants. You always communicate something through how you present yourself. I like to project strength, but also femininity, because that’s part of what you bring to the table. I also tell anyone who’s pitching, or entrepreneurs in general: don’t dress the way you think you’re expected to dress, but instead dress in a way that makes you feel good.
How would you describe your personal style, especially in professional settings?
A mix of classy, edgy, and feminine.
The Mesure items you’re wearing feel both powerful and personal. What drew you to these particular pieces, and how does it align with the version of yourself you bring to your work today?
I’ve always loved blue. I also love black, but blue feels warmer than black, and that suits me. It reflects being professional while still giving off warmth. That’s what I find so beautiful about this suit. Just like I said: it’s classy, but with an edgy touch, and very feminine. I absolutely love the satin trousers, they’re a real eye-catcher. I often speak to very conservative audiences, and a piece like that doesn’t shock people, but it still feels very ‘Eva.’ I also love pairing it with those incredibly soft merino wool sweaters – comfortable, but still chic. It’s always important to me to wear something that truly feels like me. And of course, laughs, you know I love everything at the Mesure store.
