Plug and Play Drives Diversity in Tech with New Initiative
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) are hot topics, and for good reason. Fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment is not just the right thing to do, it’s also smart business. This is the focus of Dominique Reese, Head of DE&I at Plug and Play, a tech-focused startup accelerator.
In the video, Dominique dives into a new initiative called DRIVE, which stands for Diversity, Respect, Inclusion, Visibility and Equity. DRIVE aims to level the playing field for underrepresented founders by providing them with the resources and connections they need to succeed.
But it’s not just about happy employees. Bill also emphasizes the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). Capturing data from all employees allows organizations to identify and address any roadblocks to creating a truly inclusive workplace.
Here’s how Plug and Play is helping diverse founders through DRIVE:
- Funding the Future: Drive offers non-dilutive grants, a financial boost that won’t take away ownership from the founders.
- Connecting the Dots: Drive bridges the gap between innovative startups and established corporations, fostering valuable partnerships.
- Mentorship Matters: Drive provides a mentorship program, pairing experienced advisors with diverse founders for guidance and support.
The video goes beyond just this program. It emphasizes the importance of weaving DE&I throughout the entire organization, not just leaving it to HR. By fostering a culture of inclusion from the top down, Plug and Play recognizes that DE&I is not just ethical, it’s a strategic advantage.
It’s a win-win for diverse founders and the future of innovation.