PARTICIPATION INFORMATION SHEET
Thank you for your interest in helping me complete research for my Cambridge MBA. Please review this information sheet prior to participating.
Research Question: Does the business case for diversity hold in startups?
Before you decide to take part in this study it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. A member of the team can be contacted if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part.
Purpose of the study
The business case has been made for gender diversity—showing that gender-diverse teams perform better in the long-run. But does the business case for diversity hold in the short-run?
This research project will interview founders at early-stage tech companies (Pre-seed, Seed, and Series A) to better understand their obstacles to implementing stronger female representation in that critical growth stage. The research will examine:
- whether or not the business case for gender diversity holds in startups
- the motivations to pursue or delay diverse hiring in early stage teams
- actions and arguments that could help overcome current obstacles
This study is being completed by a student researcher at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS). This study will conclude 12 September 2025.
Why have I been chosen?
I am interviewing startup leaders or early employees at U.S. tech companies as well as experts in adjacent fields. Participants may be currently working at a startup or have recent experience.
Do I have to take part?
Taking part is entirely voluntary and refusal or withdrawal will involve no penalty or loss, now or in the future.
What do I have to do?
Participation will involve a brief 30-minute interview. Before starting, we will ask for your consent to record the interview. Recordings will be anonymized and will not be used or made available for any purposes other than the research project.
Will my taking part in this project be kept confidential?
All information collected about you and your participation will be kept strictly confidential and anonymized. Personal details will be kept on a secure computer with access only by the immediate research team. Learn more about how the University uses personal data: https://www.information-compliance.admin.cam.ac.uk/data-protection/research-participant-data.
If you would like your perspective or to be credited to you and/or your organization, you may indicate such in the consent form. However, the default will be to share interview findings anonymously.
What will happen to the results of the research project?
Results will be presented as part of the capstone research project for the Cambridge MBA. Research may also be integrated into future publications and presentations authored by the student. If any individual data are presented, the data will be anonymous, without any means of identifying the individuals involved.
Contact for further information
If you are happy to proceed, please complete the consent form here and book an interview here. Thank you!
Rachel Cottam 