“It’s International Women’s Day tomorrow and this has got me thinking about the many, many conversations I’ve had this year on the topic of #DEI particularly in entrepreneurship, startups and investment. This years #IWD focus is to help #AccelerateAction, so I’m calling it out!
Hampers Economic Growth
Female-founded teams secured a mere 1.8% of the UK’s equity investment in 2024 (the Times), while all-male teams received 86%. This disparity not only stifles innovation but also hampers economic growth. Studies have estimated that achieving gender parity in entrepreneurship could add £250billion to the UK economy.
I have had the pleasure of pitching to many Angel Syndicates and VC’s over the years many of whom I know are making efforts to change these figures, but without positive and prolonged action I fear that the dial will move slowly (at best). So in the spirit of #AcceleratingAction I’m asking the question of all of my connections in the investment world, the public sector and all of us in the startup Ecosystem… Are we doing enough?
Why are we leaving £250billion on the table?
In turbulent and tough times such as this, with changes in the politician landscape, the nonchalant dismissal of DEI initiatives, it may feel like an easy time to take the foot off the gas and lose focus. But this is the moment when our values are put to the test (are they just something written on a wall?) and we should stay true to them. Values aside, it makes simple economical sense.
We embrace the power diversity brings to our team
Yes, we are not a female founded business. But we embrace the power diversity brings to our team. I’m surrounded by amazing colleagues at QUICKBLOCK, fiercely ambitious, trailblazing female members of our team who operate in traditionally male-centric industries such as Construction and Defence. They are constantly standing out from the crowd, pushing us forward and leading the charge at every level of the organisation from our boardroom, to our back-office support.
We’re on a journey to true equality
As a leader in a small business I am aware of my responsibility here, I’m keen to accelerate action and ensure we have a diverse and equal team. I don’t look upon this as an “initiative” but rather simply part of who we are as a business. I may not always get it right, but we’re on a journey and hopefully good one to true equality.
I’m also sure that I speak for my male colleagues in our small (but mighty) team when I say that we celebrate International Womens Day not only for our amazing colleagues, but also for our partners, wives, mothers, sisters and daughters who all inspire us as a wider QUICKBLOCK family.
This #IWD, its time to #AccelerateAction”.
Andrew Vincent, QUICKBLOCK CEO
