There are well-documented EDI problems in Entrepreneurship and venture building. For example, over the past five years, the amount of capital investment in women-led businesses was less than half of that invested in ventures founded by male entrepreneurs [1]. This is even more striking given recent studies showing that female-led start-ups are better investments, turning every dollar of funding into 78 cents, as opposed to male-funded businesses returning only 31 cents for every dollar invested [1]. The figures for investment in black-owned companies are even lower, with studies suggesting only 0.2% of venture capital investment went to businesses led by black founders between 2009-2019 [2].
Businesses that lack diversity in their team also miss out on numerous opportunities to innovate their products, business models and approaches to capturing markets [3].
We work with clients to better understand individual needs and design inclusive entrepreneurship programmes, including accelerators, incubators, and mentoring that empower under-represented groups to lead new businesses and drive innovation.
We actively look for opportunities to work with clients who are looking for new ways to make entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems more inclusive for women and other communities who have historically been marginalised in this space. We have supported innovators who have faced unique challenges in their leadership journeys, such lack of social capital, including poor access to business and mentor networks. And whist the data on gender is clear, other characteristics (such as ethnicity, disability, neurodivergence, sexual orientation, religion or socio-economic background) are also relevant, and can be taken into account when designing effective interventions. Furthermore, we don’t only work with people who are already part of a start-up, but we also support communities of researchers and other aspiring entrepreneurs, including university students.
Our Services
Strategic Consultancy
Entrepreneurship programme scoping and mentoring design supporting under-represented groups. Stakeholder interviews and workshops to understand founder (and potential founder) business setup challenges and barriers, connecting with the innovation ecosystem, securing funding, and more.
Training and Mentoring
Programmes designed specifically for minority-led start-ups or SMEs, which can include networking events, experienced under-represented entrepreneurial mentorship, and training sessions.
EDI Workshops
For current and prospective entrepreneurs looking to understand how to make EDI an integral part of their venture.
Academic Entrepreneurship Support
Supporting students and academics in UK Higher Education through a data-driven approach aligned to policy priorities of sector bodies (e.g., the Office for Students and UK Research & Innovation).
