Tech Nation’s Post

Techie Nesters: Bridging the Digital Divide for Collingwood Seniors A GB Accelerator Alum, @techienesters, was recently featured in an article in CollingwoodToday : https://lnkd.in/gvj_kaKe Techie Nesters is a local company that combines the best of both worlds: offering professional tech support services for older adults, while also fostering a spirit of volunteerism. Their team provides much-needed assistance with navigating the digital world, from smartphones and tablets to email and online applications, as well as running an errand, food pick up, or grabbing a prescription. This approach not only helps seniors stay connected and informed, but it also creates a sense of community and belonging. As the article highlights, Techie Nesters has a positive impact on both the technical aspects and social well-being of its clients. "I’ve been part of the GBA ecosystem as a mentor, but when I launched Techie Nesters, I knew I wanted the help of Peter and team as a second set of eyes and to help push my own thinking. They were instrumental in  helping me get to the right mvp for launch last year. The questions they asked and the support they offered early days of Techie Nesters pushed me to think differently." - Founder, Jenn Gerynowicz Techie Nesters is a valuable resource for our community's older adults. Let's spread the word and ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital age! #GBAccelerator #Entrepreneurlife #StartUp #Accelerator #SuccessMindset #BusinessTips #Innovation #StartupLife #Entrepreneurs #Entrepreneur #Mindset #Community #Connection #SouthGeorgianBay #Collingwood #DreamBig #Tech #StrategicThinking #AcceleratorProgram

These kids today! The older generations have bemoaned younger generations from time immemorial. It’s almost a right of passage. It’s easy to complain about what the younger generations are doing, the demands they’re making on employers, on society, on life. Maybe the complaining is in our DNA. Maybe we’re mad we didn’t think to make the same demands and challenge the same "norms". Who knows. What I do know is that attending startup events and meet-ups, I’m constantly amazed at the ambitious young men and women I meet who are eager to tackle the problems we collectively face. They are building and doing phenomenal things. I can’t help but me optimistic about the future. If you’re not – my first suggestion would be to get out there and see what the next generation of makers are building. Mind-blowing and inspiring. #innovation #futureleaders #generationaldiversity #startups

Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? Before you chose a different path for you? It may really be a refreshing experience to come back to square one! Thus, we decided, why not ask this question to kids nowadays? Watch the video to get acquainted with their answers! As you can see, these children are from all over the place: Mexico, India, Cyprus, England, Kazakhstan. They probably haven’t yet been told what some adults call "tough love" or "truths of life". So their answers to “What’s your role model?”, “What’s your favorite subject?”, and “What do you want to be when you grow up?” are not biased or prejudiced. A better life for the kids is the dream of the Aurora Tech Award team. Two of us already are mothers, so we know what we’re talking about. And we can tell that providing them with educational and other substantial opportunities is crucial for us. We want these girls (and a boy) to pursue their dreams. We invite you to watch this video and think about how you would reply if asked as a kid. What if this memory changes your perspective on how to better deal with things you are currently going through?... #AuroraTechAward #WomenInTech #FemaleFounders #TechStartups #WomenEntrepreneurs #WomenInBusiness #WomenLeaders #InnovativeWomen #WomenEmpowerment #StartupLife #FemaleCEO #Entrepreneurship #StartupFounder #WomenInLeadership #FemaleInnovation #TechCommunity #DiversityInTech #TechSavvyWomen #EmpoweringWomen #StartupOpportunity

Incredible work Chicago:Blend, CDW, and World Business Chicago! #Diverse #ecosystems that are built with intention, thrive from shared perspective, purpose, and outcomes. “This year, we partnered with the city’s economic development arm World Business Chicago and CDW to compile founder demographics for “new” venture-backed companies, defined as those launched between 2018 and 2023, and identified 307 Chicago startups that raised a total of $2.9 billion in VC funding. Within this sample, 112 startups (36.5%) had at least one woman founder and they collectively raised $434 million, approximately 14.9% of the total VC raised by Chicago companies founded in the last five years. We also observed that 75 new startups (24.4%) had at least one founder of color, securing $1.28 billion in venture or 44% of the total VC funding raised by new Chicago companies.” - Chicago:Blended #chicago #venturecapital #innovativeecosystem

I don't know how we jump in the race to becoming the nation's top tech hub without addressing an alarming rate of racial and economic inequality, with Atlanta having one of the largest racial wealth divides in the country. I guess that glaring reality got overlooked in BCG's report to the City which, btw, makes no mention of the very real *systemic* challenges that Black-owned businesses face when looking to launch and scale their businesses. If 2,000 startups becomes the new "goal," I sure hope *public policy* guard rails are put in place to ensure this effort reduces rather than expands economic and racial inequity for Black entrepreneurs and the communities they serve. Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative put forward several recommendations on how ATL might do so, which can be viewed at www.buildblackwealth.info. https://lnkd.in/et3FwMVB

Love this guy 💛. The second most asked question when I talk to people about my #startup journey is what its like is what it's like working full time with my partner. What it looks like: - Our desks are next to each others in our loungeroom 🖥 . With the exception meetings and work travel, we #WFH so really are with each other 24/7. - We are deliberate about me being 'the face' of our companies 🙋♀️ . Women are grossly under-represented in #startups #technology #executiveleadership and we want to set the bar for our companies, for our kids and for society that women can lead and it be positive for everyone. - We are SO different 🤔 - our approach, experience, thinking patterns... Where we align is our #values, #vision and #riskpreferences which turns out is what counts. How we make it work: - Structured feedback, continuous improvement loops and strategy ➿ - since day 1 we invested in #hrtech and established a management operating system to support the delivery of our strategic objectives. We have formal weekly online checkins, a monthly strategy workshop and quarterly planning cycle that covers everything from financials through to mental health and wellbeing. - Flexible working and 4 day work week 🌴 - before starting we spent a LONG time reflecting, researching and designing an organisational structure, business model and policy framework to design a workplace that works for people. Work design is a core part of both Sans Prejudice Solutions and Reflectal and we wanted to make sure that we were leading by example. We work 4 days a week, spending the 5th day with our kids (which is awesome to do activities without weekend crowds). We also dedicate ~1 day a week to "growth" which includes personal growth, business growth and social impact. - Celebrating success 🎉 - starting a business is HARD, starting 3 simultaneously has been wild (1 is paused, we re-assessed and don't have time 😂). We have gone all in for the #vision... house sold, cars sold, shares sold... The whole way we have made sure to celebrate every single win, no matter how small. A bit of positive feedback from someone outside our network - celebrate, a new inquiry through our website - celebrate, a new client - a huge celebration! #partnership #cofounder #innovation #respect #mentalhealth

😍 😍 Psyched that I'll be attending this upcoming conference, with a particular interest in day one's focus on women in startups. 🚀 As a CEO of the DeWeese Group, I've always believed in the power of strategic thinking and the importance of fostering diversity in our industry. The conference's focus on women in startups resonates with me deeply. It's an opportunity to not only celebrate the strides we've made but also to strategize on how we can further future proof our businesses and create more inclusive spaces in the technology sector. I'm looking forward to connecting with like-minded professionals, venture capitalists, and potential strategic partners who share the same vision. Let's discuss how we can leverage our collective expertise to drive innovation and growth in our startups. If you're attending, I'd love to connect and hear your thoughts on this crucial topic. Let's collaborate and pave the way for a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Please feel free to share this post with your network. Let's get the conversation started! #WomenInTech #Startups #InclusiveTech

ANNOUNCING: ANGEL HIVE Angel Hive, a groundbreaking new community dedicated to supporting female founders and fostering angel investment in women-led startups launched today. Co-founded by Randi Plevy, Esq., an accomplished New York attorney and angel investor, and Heidi Diamond, a seasoned media executive, venture partner and angel investor, Angel Hive aims to build a national network of like-minded angel investors committed to driving the success of underrepresented founders. Despite the significant contributions and innovative ideas brought forth by female entrepreneurs, only a miniscule amount of investment capital finds its way to underrepresented founders. Angel Hive seeks to address this disparity by providing a platform for female founders and investors to connect, collaborate, and champion startups that are dedicated to improving the lives of women. "Empowering female founders and investors through action is not only critical, but overdue," said Randi F. Plevy, Co-founder of Angel Hive. "By bringing together passionate individuals who share our vision, we can unlock new opportunities, foster meaningful connections, and drive real change in the startup ecosystem." Heidi J. Diamond, Co-founder of Angel Hive, added, "Angel Hive represents a possibly movement towards greater inclusivity and diversity in the investment landscape. We are committed to supporting female-led startups that are making a positive impact on women's lives, and we invite investors who share our values to join us in this transformative journey." Joining Plevy and Diamond in this endeavor is Melissa Barall, CFA, an accomplished angel investor and community builder, who will lead Angel Hive's social media and content creation efforts. Barall's expertise in fostering engaged communities will play a crucial role in amplifying Angel Hive's mission and connecting with like-minded individuals across the nation. Angel Hive will serve as a hub for female founders seeking access to capital, mentorship, and valuable resources, while also providing angel investors with a curated pipeline of promising investment opportunities. Through educational events, networking opportunities, and syndicated angel investment offerings, Angel Hive aims to create a vibrant ecosystem that nurtures and supports the growth of female-led startups. "We are excited to be part of this groundbreaking initiative," said Melissa Barall. "By leveraging the power of community and storytelling, we can inspire and empower women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and create a more equitable future for all." For more information about Angel Hive and how to get involved, visit www.angelhive.vc.

Ever wondered why the best ideas often come from people in communities who are often overlooked? In the tech world, underrepresented founders often face significant hurdles. That's why programs like 1Philadelphia's Early Validation Academy are game-changers. Last summer, they launched a program specifically to support underrepresented tech founders in identifying and validating their core business problems. Take for instance, an aspiring entrepreneur from a marginalized background, who may have an innovative idea but lacks the resources and network to test and refine it. This program offered not just mentorship but also hands-on training and a chance to pitch to investors, culminating in a $10,000 equity-free grant for selected startups. This initiative highlights the importance of equitable support systems in fostering innovation and diversity in the tech industry. Do you think more initiatives like 1Philadelphia's Early Validation Academy are needed to support underrepresented founders? #ideas • #validation #lomay24

Level Up Your Workplace with Neurodiversity! I just completed a neurodiversity train-the-trainer program with Boeing and can't wait to share how it can help startups thrive. Neurodiversity is the beautiful spectrum of human brains, encompassing conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more. It's not a disability, but a different way of thinking and processing information. Here's the exciting part: neurodiversity is a superpower for startups! Neurodiverse individuals bring a unique set of strengths to the table, including creative problem-solving, pattern recognition prowess, diverse skillsets, and innovation engine. These strengths can lead to fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and data analysis. Successful startups often credit their success to diverse teams with unique perspectives. Let's harness the power of neurodiversity to unlock the true innovation potential of our startup ecosystem. Let's work together to build a well-rounded, innovative team that embraces neurodiversity. #neurodiversity #startups #inclusion #innovation #creativity