Entrepreneurs understand the importance of diversity. Diversifying, whether assets, styles, or personel, helps generate well-rounded ideas and products, and serves as a buffer against pitfalls in any one area. Despite this understanding, National Venture Capital Association and Deloitte conducted a study in 2016 that found that only 11 percent of VC firm investment partners were women. Highlighting ethnicity, 13 percent were Asian; 2 percent Hispanic; and 0 percent black. For an industry that understands the value of diversity, VCs seem to be sorely lacking. Now entrepreneurs everywhere are stepping up and emphasizing diversity, in sex and race, in their ranks and backers.
Over 500 VC backed entrepreneurs, from AirBnB and DropBox to IndieGoGo and Pandora, have committed to supporting the Founders for Change initiative. The recently launched Founders for Change brings together venture-backed founders who are dedicated to improving diversity and inclusion within their companies and desire greater diversity at the highest levels of VC firms.
Founders for Change members operate by one key montra: “I believe in a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. I am dedicated to having a diverse team and board, and when I have a choice of investment partners in the future, the diversity of their firms will be an important consideration.” Here at The Cannon, we couldn’t agree more.
The Cannon has championed diversity since its inception. Though still in its first year, The Cannon is home to a number of woman and minority-owned companies. The Cannon is committed to building an innovative ecosystem for all creatives and entrepreneurs, and understands the importance of diversity to that mission. Our founder Lawson Gow touched on the topic in a recent interview with Engine’s Andrew Jones:
The Cannon has championed diversity since its inception. Though still in its first year, The Cannon is home to a number of woman and minority-owned companies. The Cannon is committed to building an innovative ecosystem for all creatives and entrepreneurs, and understands the importance of diversity to that mission. Our founder Lawson Gow touched on the topic in a recent interview with Engine’s Andrew Jones:
“Houston is a multi-cultural melting-pot of diversity. The more grants and programs we can have that target disenfranchised founders and their startups, the more successful that ecosystem will be. We have the potential to foster an incredible depth and scope of perspective and purpose-driven startups birthed in Houston.”
The Cannon is proud to announce its joining of Founders for Change in an effort to support and augment its message of diversity in startups. Houston, more than most cities, reflects the true nature of America’s melting pot. The Cannon looks to support and celebrate that diversity both inside and outside our doors.