The Networks And Programs Europe Based POC In Tech Need To Join
There is an ever-growing list of schemes and networks which support diverse and underrepresented founders in Europe’s tech ecosystem.
From Czechitas, a non-profit aiming to increase diversity in the tech sector through education and workshop initiatives, to Diverse and Equal — UK, a two-day conference on diversity and inclusion held in Manchester – there’s an increase in communities working on upskilling those from diverse backgrounds, empowering migrants and refugees, and engaging young people in tech.
Here’s a list of other initiatives
This organization promotes social, cultural, and ethnic diversity in the digital sphere — through training and mentoring, running events, and engaging with economic and political decision-makers across France.
This newsletter-based initiative connects a 10K-strong network of members with companies to work for, scholarships, relevant events, and speaking opportunities. A separate newsletter also gives those companies a space to learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion. There are six newsletters, including a student edition and a newsletter for allies to learn how to advocate for underrepresented groups in their workplace and sector.
DINT is a free online global community set up to make connections between people who care about diversity and inclusion in tech. DINT hosts a virtual meetup on the last Thursday of the month and has a Slack group for day-to-day contact and conversation.
Founders
This program by Obra Social la Caixa provides free advice to low-income and low-resource entrepreneurs (for example, people with disabilities, long-term unemployed, youth at risk of exclusion, gender violence victims, immigrants, and former prisoners) and accompanies them through the funding process. They analyze the viability of the project and help find funds.
Started in 2018, Foundervine “helps diverse entrepreneurs build startups from scratch.” It runs a startup-building program, educational masterclasses, festivals, and training for corporates around the UK. It also runs a mentoring program for young entrepreneurs; get involved here.
The Intrapreneurs Club partners with big companies to run accelerator programs for diverse tech talent.
La French Tech Tremplin — France
This two-part program from government-backed organization La French Tech supports aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups in 13 regions.
The first phase — “Prepa” — helps founders prototype and test their business idea, supported by a €17k grant. The second phase, “Incubation,” is for early-stage businesses and includes membership in a partner accelerator, access to financial and business experts, and introductions to investors and stakeholders. The first cohort is currently underway.
OneTech supports underrepresented founders in London with everything from startup weekends to mentoring and accessible workspace.
Short for ‘Your Startup, Your Story,’ YSYS is a community for founders and others working in tech interested in promoting diversity in the ecosystem. It hosts a highly collaborative Slack community and runs a pre-accelerator to help 18 to 24-year-olds launch businesses and TalentDoor, a series of career-focused workshops for diverse talent.
