Anne Butterly USA–EU Summit: Easydry Represented in Brussels

Anne Butterly participated in the USA–EU Transatlantic Business Summit in Brussels this February, representing Easydry during a key session focused on women-led enterprises and cross-border growth.

You can view the full summit agenda here.

Our Founder & CEO, Anne Butterly, participated in the session:

Women-Led Enterprises — Building Bridges, Shaping Policy, Scaling Impact

The panel explored how women-led businesses can scale across borders. It also examined access to capital, policy frameworks and the role of transatlantic collaboration.

The session was moderated by Claire Munck, CEO of BeAngels, who guided the discussion across access to finance, cross-border scaling and policy alignment. Anne Butterly was joined on the panel by Monika Stanisheva, President of EU Female Founders and Chair of the Board at Dir.bg; Eliza Kruczkowska, Managing Director at Think Tank The Company; and Katarina Wallin Bureau, General Manager for Strategic Relations and European Government Affairs at Microsoft. Together, the panel brought perspectives spanning entrepreneurship, investment, policy and international business leadership.

20 Years of Easydry Innovation

Last year marked 20 years since Easydry was founded in Ireland. Since then, the company has grown into an international brand exporting to 25 countries worldwide.

Initially, expansion into the UK was a strategic decision grounded in research and sector influence. From there, international momentum followed. Today, Easydry products are used across Europe, Australia and the United States.

As the world’s first disposable, 100% compostable towel company to achieve B Corp Certification in 2022, Easydry continues to combine operational performance with environmental responsibility.

Learn more about our sustainability mission here.

In addition, our product range now includes multiple towel sizes, recyclable technical capes and compostable gowns. Together, these innovations support professional salons and businesses seeking more efficient systems.

Key Themes from the Panel | Anne Butterly USA–EU Summit – Women-Led Enterprises Panel

Several themes discussed during the panel directly reflect Easydry’s international growth journey.

Access to Capital

Firstly, the funding gap facing women-led enterprises remains significant. The discussion highlighted the need for clearer investment pathways and stronger representation at decision-making tables.

Anne spoke about the complexity SMEs often encounter when navigating funding applications. For early-stage founders, understanding what supports exist — and how to access them — can be challenging.

Scaling Across Europe

Secondly, fragmented markets and regulatory complexity continue to slow EU expansion. Language barriers and differing compliance frameworks add further pressure.

Easydry’s experience scaling across multiple regions demonstrates the importance of preparation, adaptability and local understanding.

Mentorship and Ecosystems

Importantly, mentorship was a central theme throughout the discussion. Experienced guidance can provide clarity during periods of growth and uncertainty.

Anne reflected on the value of seeking advice from those who had previously expanded internationally. Strong entrepreneurial ecosystems remain essential.

Competitiveness and Growth

Finally, the panel reinforced that enabling women-led enterprises contributes directly to innovation and economic resilience. Women represent a significant portion of Europe’s workforce. As a result, supporting female entrepreneurship strengthens overall competitiveness.

Transatlantic Collaboration in Focus | Anne Butterly USA–EU Summit

The Summit, organised by the Polish & American Women’s Entrepreneurship initiative, aimed to translate shared EU–US priorities into practical cooperation.

Further information about the summit can be found here.

The event took place at Egmont Palace in Brussels and convened leaders from Europe, the United States and Africa. Discussions spanned trade, energy, industrial policy and economic security. However, the Women-Led Enterprises session focused specifically on scaling, policy alignment and access to finance.

Easydry’s Continued Commitment

Anne’s participation reflects Easydry’s broader commitment to responsible international growth. After two decades in business and a presence in 25 countries, the company continues to invest in innovation, sustainability and long-term partnerships.

As global markets evolve, collaboration between policymakers and businesses remains critical. Engagement at events such as the USA–EU Summit supports stronger pathways for entrepreneurs building across borders.