Nova

Innovation has the potential to reshape the world we live in and address pressing issues. In my thesis, I explore one aspect of the innovation sphere: the system of startup entrepreneurship. This domain possesses important transformative qualities due to its focus on rapid growth and scalability. However, a significant challenge is its lack of diversity. This homogeneity not only further perpetuates pre-existing social inequalities but also impedes innovation by limiting the range of perspectives and experiences brought to the table.

My thesis delves into the topic of diversity in startup entrepreneurship using a situated and human-centered design approach. By focusing on the lived experiences of underrepresented founders, specifically women, I not only identified key moments in their entrepreneurial journey but also values and strategies that allows them to successfully navigate the startup ecosystem.

What I learned was that for underrepresented founders, the startup journey is sparked by a strong desire for impact. And that there is a significant opportunity in making the creative and resilient practices of diverse founders more accessible and actionable, contributing to a more inclusive and supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

My proposal embodies these insights in the form of a platform designed to support first-time founders on their startup journey. By allowing them to create profiles based on their unique traits and life circumstances, the platform provides access to community-generated tools and maps. Additionally, members can share their journeys and tools with others, fostering mutual learning and support.

This platform doesn't aim to replace existing structures like accelerators but rather to lower the threshold for entry into the world of startup entrepreneurship through the lens of community-building and shared startup literacy.