Tech1M is thrilled to announce its inclusion in Tech Nation's prestigious Libra programme, a significant initiative aimed at championing underrepresented founders across the United Kingdom.
The Libra Cohort 2024 consists of 25 innovative startups, each set to receive the support, tools, and community needed to scale their businesses successfully.
In its third year, the Libra programme focuses on addressing the challenges faced by underrepresented founders in the entrepreneurial landscape.
For instance, a startling statistic reveals that only 0.24% of venture capital funding was allocated to Black founders between 2009 and 2019, emphasising the critical need for programmes like Libra.
Tommie Edwards, CEO of Tech1M, expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, "Being selected for the Tech Nation Libra Cohort is an incredible honour for Tech1M. This recognition underscores our commitment to diversity and innovation in the tech sector. We are eager to collaborate, learn, and grow alongside the talented founders in this cohort as we work towards building a more inclusive and representative tech ecosystem."
The six-month bespoke programme aims to provide participants with a tailored experience, including one-to-one and group coaching sessions, business development planning, access to funding opportunities, and industry-led workshops.
This year, founders will also have the chance to pitch their startups to a distinguished audience of venture capitalists, angel investors, and business leaders, presenting an invaluable opportunity for growth and networking.
Upon completing the programme, participants gain a lifelong fellowship, joining a thriving alumni community with continued access to peer-to-peer support and tools for scaling businesses across the UK and internationally.
Supported by HSBC Innovation Banking and Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp, Libra is on a mission to empower and connect underrepresented founders from across the UK. Providing them with essential tools, knowledge and a supportive community, Libra aims to break barriers and propel these companies towards unprecedented growth.
Tech1M joins these diverse group of startups in the Libra Cohort, with 56% founded or co-founded by women and 25% based outside of London.
Tech Nation CEO, Carolyn Dawson OBE, expressed the organisation's commitment to fostering diversity, stating, “Tech Nation is committed to collaborating with the wider tech ecosystem to tackle the systemic challenges that affect underrepresented founders. We know that a truly innovative and representative tech ecosystem hinges on diversity, and we’re excited to amplify the voices of this talented Libra cohort, helping them to grow their businesses and inspire future generations of founders from all backgrounds.”
Chantelle Young, Libra Programme Lead, echoed the sentiment, emphasising the determination and talent within the cohort. "Libra exists to address the systemic disparities in the entrepreneurial landscape, and the founders’ awareness of these challenges only fuels their determination to succeed."
Tech1M looks forward to actively participating in the Libra programme, contributing to positive change within the industry and collaborating with fellow founders to inspire the next generation of diverse tech leaders.
About Tech1M
Tech1M is a powerful platform that simplifies the process of attracting, evaluating, and hiring talent for diverse teams with big ideas. For more information about Tech1M, please visit www.tech1m.com.
