Let's talk about the uncomfortable truth in the startup world
At Ignite day 2024, by Norinnova, Magnus Andersland Antonsen from Medisindagboka opened beautifully, describing the startup world as an ecosystem - one where we need all the species to succeed.
Illustration based on the famous quote often attributed to Albert Einstein: Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by it’s ability to climb a tree, it will live it’s whole life believing that it is stupid.
But here’s the thing: right now, we’re all being judged by the same rules - the rules of the tree climbers 🌴
After the winners were announced and celebrated on stage, one of the judges passed by my co-founder, Lisa, and saw the tears streaming down her face.
“Are you disappointed?” he asked.
“Yes,” Lisa replied.
“I can understand that,” he said.
But it was clear to us that he didn’t understand why we were disappointed. It wasn’t because we didn’t win. It was because the world needs more than just great tree climbers.
Nine incredible men stood as winners on the stage that day. They were impressive, and they were great climbers. In fact – they nailed it.
But here’s where it gets uncomfortable. Earlier in the day, we overheard a comment that if a female-led company had won, it would only be because of “gender quotas.”
When I looked around at the rest of us standing in the audience, I realized something. Those of us who represent the rest of the ecosystem didn’t stand a chance – no matter how vital we are to one another, no matter how fast we run, swim, fly, dig, or how steadily we carry the weight of others. We would never be great climbers, and so we became invisible.
My challenge to everyone in the startup community is this:
Take a moment to reflect on how you value the ecosystem. What can you do to include more necessary species? How can you open up and embrace other perspectives?
This isn’t about blame. It’s about recognizing that it’s time to broaden the view. When only 1% of female-founded startups receive funding, it’s not because we’re not good enough. It’s because, generally speaking, the system favors climbers.
But the world needs more than just tree climbers – it needs elephants who can lift others, fish who can explore new depths, birds who can reach new heights, and every other unique skill that keeps the ecosystem thriving.
Karina Hvidsten | Co-founder @Gemz
