Startups
There is no denying that this year has been a particularly tough time for businesses – small and large – all over the world; particularly for entrepreneurs from underrepresented and BAME communities, who are amongst those who have been hit hardest by the pandemic here in the UK. In light of this, it is more important than ever to celebrate our diverse female founders and champion their incredible innovations and achievements, this International Women’s Day.
Whilist travelling is one of the most truly amazing experiences – meeting new people, trying new foods and even learning new languages – it is not without its challenges. Although we are living through the most connected time in history, it can still be a struggle to find WiFi on the go (that actually works). Here, Startups Magazine speaks to travel technology startup, Rent ‘n Connect to find out why their products can save you from all those hair-pulling moments.
Just one percent of VC-funded founders in the US are Black and the rates of investment in European Black-owned businesses even lower. Just three percent of Londoners working in the tech sector are Black and only 8.5% of senior leaders in the UK tech sector from Black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds.
As I write this, from my living room floor (don’t judge me, since lockdown started I’ve noticed it helps me get creative when I’m writing) we’re still in a global pandemic and I’m just about getting used to all that isolation life has to offer. But as I interview the two brains behind a luxury British accessories brand that specialises in creating stylish contactless payment accessories, Tovi Sorga and Agnes Davis, I can’t help but think about how timely this interview is.
When Anthony Collias and Jacob Wedderburn-Day were looking ahead at 2021, one positive silver lining they could draw from the year was the favourable effect of the pandemic on the climate. The duo, who met at Oxford University, were already co-founders of a successful startup, but like many businesses faced severe difficulty and uncertainty of what the future would bring.
Ales Spetic, the now CEO and Co-founder of Klevio, a smart intercom and smartphone app that lets you open doors and share digital keys using your phone, from anywhere in the world, could be described as a serial entrepreneur. Prior to co-founding four different startups, he was a software engineer before switching to business, where he achieved an MBA from California State University and has also written a book on database programming.
With an impressive athletic career behind him, Alex Gregory MBE applies the lessons he has learnt from a life in high-performance sport to the corporate world. As a multi-gold medal winning Olympic rower, Alex has proven time again his ability to thrive under-pressure, maintain motivation, manage stress, and overcome adversity.
We recently received so many empowering and progressive entries for the Startups Magazine X Fiverr Female Founder grant, so first of all thank you to everyone who applied and created a pitch for us. Our editorial team has managed to pick five female founders for the shortlist – but now we need your help! Watch the fantastic female founders elevator pitches below (it will only take five minutes) and pick your favourite!
Voters will also receive an exclusive FIVERR discount code.
As we approach the end of an unusual year it is safe to say what a year we have had! Although not as we expected, I am a positive person that likes to look on the bright side of life, and with everything going on this year it has been a silver lining seeing a lot of startups and small business, adapt, pivot and even excel.










