Diversity

The 24 most influential women of 2024

Every year, Startups Magazine makes a list to highlight some of the incredible women in our network and 2024 was no different.

Why hire diverse teams?

As a CEO and Managing Partner of a boutique recruitment agency specialising in scaling startups, I believe diversity is not just a moral imperative – it’s a competitive edge. Many startup founders hesitate to embrace diversity due to concerns about cultural integration, communication barriers, or team dynamics. Yet these challenges are solvable, and the rewards of building a diverse team far outweigh the risks. In this article, I’ll share why hiring diverse teams is essential for growth, innovation, and long-term success.

Scot-Study leads efforts in international talent connection and fostering diversity in Scotland

Scot-Study, Scotland’s edtech platform dedicated to helping‪ international students, have successfully showcased the power of fostering diversity and international collaboration in Scotland, at their second annual Christmas Soirée.

Ukraine’s first women’s health & FemTech community

November 7, 2024, marks the launch of Women’s Health & FemTech Ukraine, the country’s first professional community dedicated to women’s health innovation.

Held back: midlife women least likely to become social entrepreneurs

Midlife women are disproportionately held back from founding socially responsible businesses due to competing household and financial demands, according to new research.

Only 15% of the seed funding goes to women-led deeptech startups

A new study, ‘Women Founders in European Deep Tech Startups’ reveals that women founders in the field receive less total funding compared with male founders. According to the study, women are underrepresented in deeptech startups, with less than one quarter (24%) of deeptech startups created in 2022 having at least one woman in the founding team.

Female tech workers report progress in gender parity

Most women in technology say they feel supported and included in their current work environment, new research by Lorien has found.

Great minds don’t think alike: embracing neuroinclusion to drive startup success

Today’s business environment is increasingly competitive. With creativity and innovation more crucial than ever to drive business growth, ensuring a diverse workforce has fast become a key priority for leaders. Despite the continued focus on DE&I, there is still a lack of understanding when it comes to neurodiversity. This has very real consequences for individuals, businesses, and the wider economy.

The importance of diversity in startup teams driving innovation and success

Diversity in a startup team is more crucial today than at any other time in history. Innovation and the ability to adapt to emerging markets are essential for success, and what better than a diverse team to create the competitive edge required for long-term success?

More needs to be done to elevate women in tech leadership roles

A survey by AND Digital, featured in its ‘Rewards & Resilience’ report, revealed that 68% of women believe more can be done to enhance the workplace for women in leadership, particularly through better career pathways and mentorship support.

Maternity in VC: 7 in 10 women worried about returning to work

WVC:E has released a significant report shedding light on the intersection of motherhood and the venture capital industry. Titled Investing in Women: The Untold Stories of Mothers in VC, the report compiles valuable data and perspectives from women working in European venture capital.

EY report highlights power of the UK’s top female entrepreneurs

A new report from EY has raised concerns about the future of the UK’s female-led SuperScaled companies, which contributed £7 billion to the national economy in 2022. The study warns that without stronger support for the next generation of women entrepreneurs, this significant economic impact could diminish.

Salford graduate now working with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham

Azeem Amir, a visually impaired footballer with 28 caps for England, a successful TedX speaker, and a thriving entrepreneur, has made it his mission to make sports and society more accessible for everyone.

National Inclusion Week: prioritise retention to empower women in STEM

The need for increasing women’s representation in STEM is widely recognised, but the challenge extends far beyond simply attracting more women into the sector. According to Forbes, after just 5-7 years in their jobs, 40-50% of technical women leave the STEM workforce. More needs to be done to not just recruit women but also retain them, urges author Lauren Neal.

Breaking barriers: why women’s rise is not a zero-sum game

Before I start, I want to make one thing very clear, the rise of women is never about the fall of men. For me, this statement encapsulates the essence of equality, it’s not a zero-sum game.

Neurodiversity employee support: More companies seeking consultancy

Many companies have a talented workforce consisting of individuals with remarkable skills and insights, yet some may face challenges navigating the traditional office environment. In this article, Dan Kentley, Head of Specialist Services at Onebright, discusses how companies can seek neurodiversity employee support.

DEI initiatives are ‘often just lip service’, report finds

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in large enterprises are frequently criticised as being more performative than practical, with many companies failing to implement meaningful change, according to AND Digital’s Rewards & Resilience report.

National Autistic Society Introduces Autism Inclusive Employer Award

The National Autistic Society has introduced a new initiative to help organisations develop more inclusive and supportive workplaces for autistic employees. The Autism Inclusive Employer Award aims to boost understanding, address the needs of autistic staff, and make the workplace more comfortable for autistic individuals.

New research shines a light on pressures UK working women are under

New research from the University of Salford is shining a light on the reality of how UK working women set about having to manage or control the pressures of clashing roles, such as employee, parent or carer, when work and aspects of their personal lives conflict.

The Role of a Transformation Advisor, Empowering Women Leaders in Corporate Environments

The role of a Transformation Advisor has become increasingly crucial in today’s evolving corporate world. They are not only consultants but catalysts for change, helping organisations navigate complex transformations while ensuring that all voices, especially those of underrepresented groups, are heard.