Tangent, Co-Founded By Black Founder Gary Izunwa, Exits Beta With $1.1M To Promote Diversity InTech

Tangent, a technology platform founded by former LinkedIn employee Gary Izunwa and Joe Adams, has secured $1.1 million in funding and officially launched out of beta.

Tangent, an employee referral platform aims to make referrals accessible to everyone by increasing tech career opportunities for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

A Vision For Inclusive Tech

Tangent’s approach centers on starting with tech sales roles, engaging companies like Revolut, Stripe, and Amazon to support the transition of talent from diverse backgrounds into the tech ecosystem.

This strategy aligns with the broader vision of Tangent—to democratize access to tech careers and create a more equitable industry landscape. 

Izunwa, while working at LinkedIn saw privately educated colleagues refer their private schooled friends who would then land top jobs which he felt was unfair to those who are just as talented but lack the networks.

“You are nine times more likely to be hired through an employee referral, however, if you come from a less privileged background like me, chances are you don’t have a professional network to get referred,” Izunwa said according to UKTechNews.

Empowering Through Connection

Tangent’s model emphasizes the power of employee referrals, which can increase hiring chances. 

For many from underprivileged backgrounds, such networks are out of reach. 

Tangent seeks to level this playing field, offering a lifeline to those who are often overlooked by traditional hiring processes.

Key Funding and Future Outlook

The recent funding round includes contributions from notable investors like Zinc VC, Google Black Founders Fund, and the Syndicate Room, along with angel investors from Deliveroo, Atomico, and Ada Ventures. 

As Tangent moves forward, the focus is on expanding its network and refining its offerings to ensure more tech aspirants can navigate this competitive industry successfully. 

“For too long, the social contexts we are born into have determined our career outcomes and it’s time that this changed!” Izunwa said on LinkedIn.

“We have a clear vision of what the world will look like and are on a relentless pursuit to realize it.”