Why having a diverse team can contribute to a startup’s success

Did you know that companies that are diverse, are 35% more likely to gain higher financial returns according to research made by (McKinsey, 2015)? That’s mainly because having a startup that prioritizes diversity and inclusion leads to increased creativity, improved decision-making, and faster problem-solving. When we’re surrounded by people like us, there’s a tendency for everyone to agree on the same things, or have similar weaknesses and blindspots. A more

StepFWD launches applications for the 2022 cohort of the startup pre-accelerator with diverse teams

StepFWD is launching applications this month the pre-accelerator program for diverse teams – cohort 2022.   The program is run in partnership with Google for Startups, Orange Romania, and Algolia, and aims to increase the number of diverse startups by teaching them how to build a startup properly, facilitating connections with experienced mentors, and helping them become investable. Applications are open online at the program’s website www.stepfwd.today until October 2nd, 2022.

Why should you pre-accelerate with StepFWD?

Before diving into what you will actually get by spending your time with us during a couple of intense pre-acceleration weeks, I believe it would be helpful for any founder to have some insights into why are we (still) doing StepFWD! Being honest and straight to the point are 2 things that we value and proactively practice, as they are the fundamental things in working towards achieving our mission. So

5 things to consider when going after your first round of investment

Have you ever dreamed of taking your first rounds of investments in order to make your company a success? Well, think again because in reality not all the investments that have been made or will be made in the future will be successful. There are gonna be ups and downs throughout the negotiation phase, how you interact with your investor, and how you move forward with your startup.  That’s why

How to write an fwd and follow-up email

Connection is vital in the start-up community. As a founder, getting intros is a basic thing, and not to say that maybe it’s a daily activity. More startup teams apply to programs to gain specific contacts and open up discussions with mentors, partners, or clients.  Through the Startup Basics, we aim to share what founders learn while going through the StepFWD pre-accelerator. We teach StepFWD teams about the 2 most

Marketing Coordinator @ StepFWD

At StepFWD we are on a mission to grow the number of diverse startup teams by teaching them “how to” startup properly, facilitating the connection with experienced mentors, and making them investible.  For the past 3 years, we’ve worked with 31 startups from 13 industries, comprised of 60 founders (27 being female founders), from 7 countries. We had 60+ mentors volunteering their time to help our entrepreneurs grow and 50+

Listen. Learn. Lead.

I want to tell you three real stories about the ups and downs of founding a startup, building a team and growing a business. There’s a lesson in each of these stories and my aim for this presentation is not to provide you with more answers, as it’s usually the case with these kinds of presentations, but for you to have more and deeper questions about why you’re doing what

Licenseware, The License Management App Ecosystem, raises 500,000 euro in Seed round from Early Game Ventures and Fortech Investments

 Licenseware, the Romanian startup that helps companies manage their IT costs, raised its second investment round worth 500,000 euros. Early Game Ventures led the round with participation from Fortech Investments. More than the capital, this follow-on round proves and strengthens the connection and understanding between the start-up and its two strategic investors. “I’m happy to say that, over the past 6 months since the initial Pre-Seed investment, Licenseware has gained

StepFWD Stories – Hiring DnA

HiringDNA proposes a solution that redefines the way of hiring.  Did you have a not so pleasant experience in the process of hiring? Let’s see how they want to revolutionize the industry. The Team behind the startup We have worked for quite a while together, building amazing products for other businesses and startups. We all have technical backgrounds, but Teodor made a transition to business in the last few years.

StepFWD Stories – Underdog Station

Creating a platform for indie and alternative music is a great way to contribute to the local community. Underdog Station is the indie music platform made in Romania.  Its mission is to help artists to get more exposure and be a meeting point for the community of indie / alternative artists and listeners. The Team behind the startup We are a somewhat unlikely mix of people that came together for