This Pride month, not only are we celebrating 5 Digital and Tech Founders Supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Europe, we're also highlighting the statistics that shows, despite these trailblazers' efforts, there’s still work to be done towards full equality for marginalised communities in the world of work. You'll find 5 glowing examples of how founders can help make their businesses a more inclusive space here.
Edward Kandel is the founder of Proud Ventures, a digital and tech incubator that provides support to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. As a Founders Factory investor, he has provided seed capital and mentorship to numerous LGBTQ+ founders and speaks at events about the importance of creating an inclusive and equitable environment in the tech space. He was awarded the Stonewall Breakthrough Award in 2019.
In 2023, Edward published The State of the LGBTQ+ Founder Funding: An Uncomfortable Truth, the first ever data set on UK LGBTQ+ founders and Venture Capitals. One od the most shocking statistics is the finding that '75% of LGBTQ+ founders reported concealing their identity from investors.’
Sarah Massey is a gay tech entrepreneur, investor, and founder of FREEQ, an app that supports LGBTQ+ people in their job and career searches, providing a safe and inclusive space for queer people to connect with potential employers.
Sarah is also a mentor to LGBTQ+ tech start-ups and a vocal advocate for diversity in tech, speaking at conferences about the need to create more inclusive spaces. Sarah is committed to making a positive impact in the LGBTQ+ community and has recently launched a new platform that helps queer people find housing in cities across the US.
Stuart Bruce Cameron founded Berlin-based UHLALA Group, an online marketplace connecting LGBTQ+-friendly businesses with customers who share their values, and co-founded Unicorns in Tech, a career development networking group for LGBTQ+ tech professionals.
Stuart's work has been instrumental in pushing for greater diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, speaking out against discrimination and supporting causes such as the #TechforAll campaign. His work was recognised by an Outstanding Achievement award by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and featured in Wired and Forbes.
Jessica Blackler is the founder of Jecca Blac, creator of genderless makeup and skincare products. As a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Jessica's ethically sourced and cruelty-free products are specifically designed to address the unique makeup needs of the transgender community.
Jessica is also a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, having spoken at events such as the World Pride and Transgender Day of Visibility, as well as launching the Jecca Blac Foundation, which supports transgender and gender non-conforming individuals through education, resources and support. She was included in the Forbes 30 under 30 in 2022.
Sarah Finegan is an investor at Antler, a start-up generator and early-stage venture capital based in Germany. Through being open about her sexuality and publishing thought leadership pieces for Antler, she actively seeks to support the LGBTQ+ community through her work and is a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community in the world of tech. Sarah is helping to make the tech industry a more diverse and inclusive space for those who identify as LGBTQ+.
If you need 1-2-1 advice about managing digital for your business, including making your business an inclusive space for diverse talent, why not speak to one of our V-Hub Digital Advisers for 1-2-1 support and resources in the workplace.
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