Maja Završnik (Ljubljana, 1991) is an anthropologist at heart (and according to her Bachelor’s degree) who has spent the last decade helping SaaS startups stand out using online marketing strategies.

In 2024, she saw that only 35% of women were using AI professionally, compared to 54% of men. This had to change. Together with Kris Talova and Stephany Oliveros, she co-founded SheAI, an educational platform that aims to empower women and businesses to use AI through courses, workshops and a supportive community.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

MZ: At SheAI we’re on a mission to bridge the gender gap with accessible AI education. We provide a variety of AI courses and eBooks, empower women through speaking events and workshops, and through a strong community of women who want to see each other succeed. We also work with companies by providing AI workshops, consultancy and implementation.

TB: What stage is the project at and where do you see it in two years?

MZ: We are in the pre-seed stage, completely bootstrapping. Currently offering ten courses, a strong community, and lots of expert events. We also offer fantastic and engaging B2B workshops, which are 100% subsidised in Spain (through FUNDAE). In two years, we hope to have our proprietary platform and app with a personalized learning path, an AI tutor, and a multimedia approach to learning. Simultaneously, we plan to develop a small language model (SLM) that will specifically address women in order to bridge the gender gap in various industries.

TB: A good idea you’ve had.

MZ: To go and live in China when I was 23. It allowed me to have an open mind and really savour new experiences, cultures, and beliefs. It ensured that I stayed a very curious individual who loves learning and is quick to adapt to new things and to consider many different perspectives.

TB: What has been your biggest challenge?

MZ: Living abroad is yet the most amazing, yet challenging, and heartbreaking thing to do. I have a lot of respect for people who choose to do the same, as it’s hard to leave your home, your friends and family. I think it’s indicative of an ambitious mind and a strong will to live your life on your own terms.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever received.

MZ: The braver you are, the luckier you get.

TB: A role model.

MZ: Marie Forleo. Like me, she is a multi-passionate individual who is not afraid to mix business with sports, dance, spirituality, and personal growth.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

MZ: AI. I don’t think we even realise how much is going to change in the next two decades.

TB: A start-up or company.

MZ: Female Invest, a huge inspiration for our business.

TB: What helps you disconnect?

MZ: A hike, a swim and a read.

TB: A book to recommend.

MZ: ‘Untamed’ by Glennon Doyle for the girlies and ‘A New Earth’ by Eckhart Tolle for all. An idea that connects both books is that to have the life we want, we have to start living from our imagination instead of our indoctrination.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your life at the moment.

MZ: So hard to pick one. ‘Bloom’ by Maribou State reminds me to disconnect and enjoy the present moment. ‘Cherry Lips’ by Garbage always lights a fire in me. ‘Survivor’ by Destiny’s Child marked my childhood, and, funny enough, Eminem was the one who defined my teenage years (please don’t ask me to rap cause I will, and it will be embarrassing for us all).

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

MZ: All I need is Greek salad in the summer and ramen in the winter.

TB: A place in the world.

MZ: My favourite place in the world is a lake that I don’t want to name because I want it to stay secluded. I’d also love to visit Japan!

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

MZ: Into building out a business that I’ve been dreaming of for a really long time, but haven’t had the funds to do yet.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

MZ: I would be an anthropologist visiting remote islands and writing about cultures that live very differently from us. I would try to integrate traditional knowledge with our modern discoveries, introducing people to alternative lifestyles and thought patterns.

TB: What does Tech Barcelona mean to you?

MZ: It’s a fantastic place to connect and grow with fellow startups in Barcelona.