Archive for April 21st, 2009
Women and tech startups: a perfect fit : Part One
by Magda Rocki
At each technology, entrepreneur-heavy event, someone consistently comments on the number (and customarily the lack of) women present. Having marginally attended some of these tech happenings, it’s true that the female presence –whether in the role of a founder, entrepreneur or even participant –figures in the minority.
A few years back, Business Week showcased the best young entrepreneurs in tech, all aged 30 and under and considered ” on the cutting edge” of the tech world. Of the 45 entrepreneurs presented, only 3 were women. Dismal numbers some might say.
Yet, according to the National Association for the Self-Employed , women are strongly represented among entrepreneurs, as women-owned businesses outnumbered new men-owned businesses by nearly a 2-1 ratio in 2003.
Instead of delving into the causes behind this noticeable absence, this series will focus on the beneficial reasons why women should consider jumping into a tech startup environment. Part One of the two-part series will explore the natural abilities that women possess which make them a valuable asset in a startup while Part Two will focus on outlining potential career paths in the startup space and an overview of the resources and support groups geared towards women in the tech landscape.
Basing myself on conversations with both male and female startup junkies and on the meritocracy-based culture of startups, there seems to be no clear reason why there shouldn’t be more women in tech startups. continue reading
5 comments April 21, 2009
