Elza Shayakhmetova is a senior investment management professional based in London with extensive experience in financial services industry. An alumna of London Business School (MBA), Elza has built her career working at the intersection of strategy, asset management and business development. As part of Barclays Innovation Banking strategy, Elza currently plays a key leadership role with the Invest in Women Taskforce, an industry-led initiative with a mission to address the systemic barriers facing female founders and fund managers.

Within the Taskforce, Elza is a strong proponent of the "Women Backing Women" model, advocating for the strategic allocation of capital directly into the hands of female investment decision-makers. Her work focuses on the belief that empowering female investors is the most effective way to drive a generational shift in the entrepreneurial landscape. She has been a vital part of the Taskforce’s success in mobilising over £635 million in capital commitments from major institutions to support female-powered businesses from seed to growth stages.