Diversity Matters, Always

With diversity reports from large tech companies

coming out steadily over the last few months, there
has recently been a lot of talk in the community
about what openness and inclusiveness mean in the
workforce. While startups havent been a part of the
dialogue to date, we thought we would do our part
to contribute to what I believe is a very important
conversation that all tech companies, large and
small, should engage in as leaders.
Our mission at Indiegogo is to democratize access
to capital by empowering anyone, anywhere to fund
what matters to them. At its core, Indiegogo exists to
promote equality of opportunity. And so far, were on
track to achieve this vision. For example, fewer than
15% of venture-backed companies have a female
founder. On Indiegogo, 47% of campaigns that reach
their funding target are run by women. Just take a
look at JIBO, Solar Roadways, Black Girls Code,
Miss Possible and Lesbians Who Tech.
Our commitment to diversity applies both externally
and internally. Just as we help campaigners and
contributors connect to bring a diversity of ideas
from around the world to life, we also strive to recruit
and retain employees who bring a collection of
perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to the
day-to-day culture at Indiegogo.
The ROI case for diversity is well documented. It is
clear that diversity drives innovation, opportunity
and growth.
But for a company like Indiegogowhose goals are to
support and amplify all entrepreneurial, creative and
community-related endeavorswe dont just need
diversity to innovate and grow, we are absolutely
dependent on it to achieve our long-term mission.
The more our workforce refects the diversity of our
global user base, the better we are able to meet the
needs of our customers who come to Indiegogo to
turn their dreams into realities. As Gandhi once said,
we must be the change we want to see in the world.
We have more work to do, and by ensuring our
recruiting and retention practices are both inclusive
and scalable as we grow, we know well get there.
We encourage feedback from our employees,
campaign owners and funders about this
important topic. Please share any comments
with us on Twitter @indiegogo.
Danae Ringelmann
Co-Founder and Chief Development Ofcer
57% Male
43% Female
Leadership
7%
86%
7%
Leadership
Non-Tech
46% Male
54% Female
9%
3%
1.5%
67%
19.5%
Non-Tech
55% Male
45% Female
Overall
Overall
8%
2%
3%
64%
23%
67% Male
33% Female
Tech
Tech
6%
0%
6% 59%
29%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Google Yahoo Facebook Twitter Apple Indiegogo
GENDER
WOMEN IN TECH (OVERALL)
ETHNICITY
TOGETHER DO ANYTHING
indiegogo.com
White Asian Hispanic African American Other
Female Male