Introducing the Startup DEI Toolbox
The new Startup DEI Toolbox offers best practices and guidance on recruitment, feedback and rewards, data-driven goal setting, and effective reporting and response strategies to help you develop and refine DEI principles in early-stage companies.
Following our survey on experiences of inappropriate behavior in the Finnish startup industry – conducted by the Finnish Startup Foundation, Finnish Startup Community, FiBAN, Finnish Venture Capital Association, Aaltoes, and Slush – we established an Ethics Committee dedicated to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion within the Finnish startup ecosystem.
As part of this work, we have built a Startup DEI Toolbox of best practices designed to help startups and scale-ups create safe and inclusive workplaces. This toolbox offers best practices and guidance on key areas such as recruitment, feedback and rewards, data-driven goal setting, and effective reporting and response strategies for addressing inappropriate behavior.
Diversity and inclusivity are not just essential for the well-being of people working in the startup field and for fostering a healthy ecosystem culture. They are also strategically critical. Our companies perform better, grow faster, and lay stronger foundations for economic growth when people from diverse backgrounds are part of the ecosystem as entrepreneurs, investors, and employees of growth companies.
When it comes to DEI, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your organization's DEI efforts should reflect your unique identity and values. Think of DEI as an integral part of every process, rather than an add-on or afterthought.
We hope this toolbox serves as a resource for creating, reviewing, or updating your DEI principles. The toolbox is based on insights gathered from interviews with numerous operators and founders within the Finnish ecosystem. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who shared their time and expertise with us.
- Josefiina, Startup Foundation CEO
