Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Techstars Includes

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Our initiative is to increase diversity, equity and inclusion in the Techstars network and entrepreneurship communities.

Techstars Includes

We know that the active engagement of a diverse group of entrepreneurs will lead to the economic empowerment of underrepresented people around the world, making the world a better place for everyone.

Techstars is committed to being an action-driven thought leader on diversity, inclusion, and equity in the tech ecosystem.

#GiveFirst is a core value for all of us at Techstars—a way for us to continually improve the world around us. D&I is part of how we execute on that commitment.

Data shows that diverse teams are more innovative, which leads to stronger profitability. Diversity and inclusion are good for business.

The research is clear:

1

A study published in American Sociological Review of 500 U.S. businesses found that companies with diverse teams outperform their less diverse competitors—generating higher sales revenue, more customers, greater market share, and greater profits.

2

A study by McKinsey in 2015 found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 15% more likely to perform above the mean in their industry and those in the top quartile for race/ethnic diversity are 35% more likely to outperform others in their industry.

3

A study by Morgan Stanley in 2016 found that the more diverse companies delivered better returns and were less volatile.

The more diverse your team is, the more you'll see this reflected in your bottom line.

We will regularly publish progress on our diversity initiatives. Check out our blog to keep tabs on how we're doing.

Ethnically diverse companies were 35 percent more likely to financially outperform those in the bottom quartile for gender or racial and ethnic diversity.

What is Diversity & Inclusion?

Diversity is about reflecting the mixture of differences and similarities found in the world and acknowledging the related tensions as we strive to develop more inclusive and high-performing environments.

Equity is a process that begins by acknowledging unequal starting places and finding ways to address the imbalance. It is ensuring that everyone has the access to opportunities.

Inclusion is the full engagement of individuals sharing power at all levels of an organization. All members are valued, respected and supported.

When you look at the Techstars Code of Conduct you will see that the principle of inclusion has been part of Techstars since day one. We believe that to develop an inclusive environment we give first, we act with integrity, and we treat others with respect.

Activating our vision

Techstars Vision for a radical transformation in the ecosystem. We are here to start a movement that makes entrepreneurship accessible to anyone, anywhere.

1

We are commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can feel valued and respected. We focus on recruiting and retaining diverse talent, reflective of the communities that we serve. We create inspiring education & activities for Techstars staff that ripple across the network, consulting to help teams solve problems and activate measurable change.

2

Techstars Foundation, founded in 2015, builds on this commitment by empowering and developing underrepresented and underestimated entrepreneurs through grant making. Energizing GiveFirst and investing in the pipeline that develops diverse entrepreneurs.

3

Through our powerful Techstars Network, we are fostering access to our network, capital & education by working with strategic partners and creating solutions to increase access to innovation for all. It is crucial that we break down those barriers and begin to work to support our communities of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Techstars is committed to improving opportunities for underrepresented individuals throughout our worldwide network and to be a leader in inclusive entrepreneurship.

Innovation and entrepreneurship are part of addressing inequality

In 2018, as part of Techstars ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion, Techstars began incorporating the Kapor Capital Founders' Commitments. Moreover, we believe that by committing to the Kapor Capital Founders' Commitments we are living and practicing the Techstars Code of Conduct.

Our work means thousands of new ideas, innovations, and inspirations, as well as thousands of new jobs, products, and services. It's also the right thing to do.
We're committed to growing diversity in entrepreneurship - one inspiring entrepreneur at a time.

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