I’m wrapping up my capstone project for my Cambridge MBA and would love to talk to the builders.
Why?
I once had a conversation with an early-stage founder that I haven’t been able to shake. Here’s the gist:
“Yes, I believe in diversity as a concept. But as an early-stage founder, speed is everything.
Diversity may have long-term benefits, but short-term growth is the name of the game. It’s faster to hire and easier to work with people I know.”
So I’ve always wondered, does the business case for diversity hold in startups?
You can help me find out.
In my research, I’m surveying founders and early-stage startup employees to understand how they think about hiring and growth in relation to diversity.
The goal is not to push a political agenda or criticize current strategies, but to understand what is actually working for startups today.
The details:
⭐ Core audience includes startup leaders or early employees.
⭐ May be currently working at a startup or have recent experience.
⭐ Purpose is for capstone research for my MBA at the University of Cambridge.
⭐ Results will be anonymized and aggregated.
How you can help?
If you have worked at a startup recently, please take 5 minutes to complete THIS SURVEY.
If you are a founder or investor and have 20-30 minute to chat, please sign up for an interview with me HERE.
Research concludes August 31, 2025.
Thanks in advance for your help! I can’t wait to share these findings with you.
Rachel Cottam 