Inclusive Tech for an Inclusive Future: How BIPOC, Women, and Non-Binary Founders Are Driving Innovation in Tech
It’s no secret that technology has become the driving force of the modern world. However, behind this digital revolution lies a concerning truth: a glaring lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the tech space.
In a time where technological innovation is redefining industries, driving our economy, and reshaping society, Camelback Ventures is committed to elevating the diverse voices and groundbreaking contributions of undervalued entrepreneurs, and highlighting how their innovative spirit is propelling us towards a future that is both inclusive and revolutionary.
As such, Camelback Ventures recently hosted its "Entrepreneurship Is...Innovation" panel, powered by longtime supporters CTIA Wireless Foundation and featuring Camelback Fellows Damola Ogundipe (Plural) and Norma Parraz (EduKonekti), and Catalyst Winners Betsey Mercado (Objective Zero Foundation) and Kai Frazier (Kai XR).
In this thought-provoking discussion, our panelists delve into why we need more BIPOC, women, and non-binary founders at the forefront of innovation, what’s happening at the intersection of technology and social impact, and what changes the tech industry needs to make in order to create a truly inclusive and equitable ecosystem and future.
Here are a few powerful takeaways shared by speakers:
While technology can be a tool to drive change, we can’t forget to keep people and humanity at the center of the work.
“I truly believe that any sector is an opportunity for tech advancement and social change. I think we have to remember that people are at the heart of everything that we're doing. So while technology is the tool that we're using to drive the change, it's ultimately about people.”
- Betsey Mercado, Co-Founder/Executive Director of Objective Zero Foundation
Betsey Mercado
Co-Founder, Objective Zero Foundation
2020 Catalyst Winner
It’s not enough for investors to cut a check. Equity in tech looks like holding the same standards across the board when it comes to funding.
“Plural has raised about $15 million to date and that process of having to prove ourselves before every subsequent financing round honestly has had a negative growth impact on us. We couldn't think as long-term as we wanted to because there were certain milestones and metrics that we needed to hit short-term in order to go and get that next round of financing completed. I think providing entrepreneurs of color with the same sorts of milestones, metrics, and standards that are afforded to our white male counterparts would make a pretty big difference when it comes to making the tech sector more equitable.”
- Damola Ogundipe, CEO of Plural
CEO, Plural
2018 Camelback Fellow
Investors looking to diversify their portfolio should look to organizations that are already investing in diverse entrepreneurs.
“One of the things we hear from investors often is ‘what else can we do?’ There's low hanging fruit for them. Look at what CTIA Wireless Foundation is doing with Catalyst, what Camelback Ventures is doing, and many others across the country. There is an incredible pipeline of founders like us and these organizations have cultivated, vetted, and filtered us through many candidates and opportunities. We are the pipeline. Investors just need to knock at the door. They already have people willing and ready to be funded.”
- Norma Parraz, Founder/CEO of EduKonekti
Norma Parraz
Founder/CEO, EduKonekti
2020 Camelback Fellow
The most innovative and impactful solutions will come from leaning into the genius and lived experiences of those most proximate to the issues.
“Most teachers are women, many of whom are Black. Yet, those who are making education tech companies are White males who've never stepped foot in the classroom. With that being said, I strongly believe that it's going to be teachers that make the change that we deserve in education, and a lot of it will be by honoring the profession of teaching and the expertise that they have.
Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution. So it’s important that we really tap into people who have lived experiences in these fields, who know what we need from the technology, what change it's going to make in these institutions, in these classrooms, and in the field of education. Those are the people that are making solutions for marginalized communities. And when that happens, everybody wins.”
- Kai Frazier, Founder/CEO of Kai XR
Kai Frazier
Founder/CEO of Kai XR
2022 Catalyst Winner
Camelback Ventures' "Entrepreneurship Is..." Movement, powered by CTIA Wireless Foundation is a campaign dedicated to sharing the motivational stories of what propels Camelback Fellows, BIPOC, women, and non-binary entrepreneurs to turn their dreams into reality and persevere in the face of adversity with the unwavering commitment to uplift the communities they passionately serve. Learn more about the "Entrepreneurship Is..." campaign and stay connected in celebrating the power of entrepreneurship to drive impactful change and transform our communities.