INCLUDE ME HAS UNVEILED A DIRECTORY OF UK ENTREPRENEURS FROM DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS, IN A BID TO PROVIDE MORE ROLE MODELS FROM UNDERREPRESENTED BACKGROUNDS TO THE COUNTRY’S TECH SECTOR AND BEYOND.
The inclusivity platform has launched the Diversity-List, or D-List, which is a searchable database of entrepreneurs. In the database, users can find entrepreneurs listed with their bio, specialisms, location and contact details for easy access to speakers available for events.
Include Me describes the D-List as follows:
“Too many speakers at events and conferences are white men. And while many companies have done a good job bringing in more women experts, there is still a way to go in terms of racial diversity and other forms of diversity. The D-List is a collection of exceptional entrepreneurs from a variety of backgrounds and walks of life who are innovative and successful in their area of industry.”
Research by Innovative UK and FSB finds that 75% of entrepreneurs grew up with dynamic role models, yet 78% of female business owners didn’t see role models who were of the same gender, while over half (54%) of people from ethnic minority backgrounds didn’t have role models of the same ethnicity as them.
The list has been launched with an initial 100 members and new entrepreneurs can add their names via an online application form for consideration.
The D-List will formally launch this evening at a Launch Party in Leeds.
