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Promoting Diverse Startups Kicks off Inclusive Innovation Summit

Backstage Capital traveled to Pittsburgh as part of a session co-cohosted by the Pittsburgh Technology Council and YNGBLKPGH to kick off the Inclusive Innovation Summit. [caption id="attachment_4514" align="alignleft" width="300"]Inclusive Innovation Summit Pittsburgh founders at the kick off of the 2019 Inclusive Innovation Summit.[/caption] Based in Los Angeles, Backstage Capital seeks early stage investment opportunities in companies founded by people who identify as women, people of color or LGBT. Following Backstage Principal Del Johnson's keynote presentation a panel discussion convened with local organizations and investors focused on creating opportunities for minority entrepreneurs. According to the discussion, less than 10% of all venture capital deals go to women, People of Color, and LGBT founders. The panel discussed what it takes to encourage, fund and support underrepresented founders in Pittsburgh. TechVibe Radio interviewed Johnson along with three women startup entrepreneurs that call Pittsburgh home. Hear what they had to say:
  • Del Johnson, Principal at Backstage Capital, talks about what the VC looks for in its investments. Backstage invests in companies founded by people who identify as women, people of color or LGBT. Listen here.
  • Jenn Sydeski-Hurd talks about her startup Connect Wolf and how it helps moms keep tabs on their babies. Listen here.
  • Jen Yosef tells us how Mighty is streamlining the real estate inspection process and what it's like building a startup in Pittsburgh. Listen here.
  • Tabatha Barron talks about her inspiration to start Keeping your Kids Safe (KYKS) and what it has been like to build her startup in Pittsburgh. Listen here.