Guest post by Lisa Monroe, Content Marketing Specialist, Amazon VGT2
When entrepreneurs embark on their journey to establish a new venture, they must adopt a gamer’s mindset and contemplate the strategies that will give them a competitive edge. For founder Maxine Brooks, who previously held the position of CTO at a prominent fashion startup, embracing diversity is one such strategy.
“We’re creating solutions for the internet, and the internet isn’t exclusively comprised of individuals from one demographic,” Brooks remarked recently at the two-day 2019 VGT2 tech summit in Las Vegas, Nevada. She emphasized that the most effective teams—and prosperous tech communities—are composed of individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences. “Incorporating diverse perspectives into our work will lead to improved products, increased customer engagement, and ultimately greater profitability.”
Brooks was among numerous speakers at the VGT2 summit, now in its second year. Hosted by Amazon VGT2, a digital payment platform based in Las Vegas, the conference aims to connect individuals dedicated to fostering innovation in the region and encouraging dialogue among diverse participants who might otherwise remain disconnected. Thanks to the generous support of Amazon Web Services, this year’s conference experienced an increase in attendance, drawing participants from 13 different states, up from six in 2018.
Learning Through Experience
Several alumni from the Nevada Entrepreneurship Center took advantage of AWS’s sponsorship to further their knowledge. Situated in Las Vegas, the center equips startups at various stages with essential resources for nurturing their ventures. This includes everything from student-led initiatives to new small businesses and corporate offshoots. According to Tom Reed, Program Coordinator at the Nevada Entrepreneurship Center, the curriculum serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge of entrepreneurship and practical application—especially in a city like Las Vegas, which functions as a vibrant tech incubator.
Reed noted that graduates attending VGT2 were primarily early-stage founders who benefited from hearing insights from fellow entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated similar challenges. They also valued the focus on networking and collaboration with diverse teams.
“Founders must be mindful and avoid surrounding themselves with people who think the same way,” Reed advised. “A technical founder may not require another technical hire, and as they progress through our program, they begin to realize this.”
In line with her philosophy, Reed utilized networking opportunities at VGT2 to reconnect with key figures in the Las Vegas tech scene and arrange mentorship for some of her students.
Showcasing Las Vegas
VGT2 2019 speaker, Alex Turner, Founder and CEO of Amazon VGT2, encouraged attendees to leverage unfamiliarity as a chance to expand their networks.
“If someone doesn’t recognize you, take that as a chance to grow your connections,” Turner said. “While our ecosystem is relatively small and many attendees know one another, I noticed many unfamiliar faces on the attendee list. Strengthening our connections is vital, and the venue we chose facilitates that interaction.”
Following Turner’s opening remarks, Maria Johnson, an Operating Partner at Tech Ventures, led a panel discussion on the “key indicators of startup success.” Attendee Jenna Lee, a design and marketing consultant, expressed her team’s ongoing interest in emerging tech communities—including Las Vegas—to stay abreast of promising startup stories. This curiosity prompted her attendance at VGT2, marking her first trip to Las Vegas. “Visiting cities helps bridge the gap between their perception and reality,” Lee explained.
Lee also acknowledged that the Midwest continues to be underestimated as a rising tech hub. However, with initiatives like VGT2, she feels this perception is shifting rapidly. “Companies are beginning to recognize the talent that exists within the Midwest,” Lee observed. “It’s just not widely acknowledged.”
Challenging Societal Norms
Throughout the VGT2 conference, the necessity of diversity within teams and communities emerged as a recurring theme.
Johnson noted that while most founders are cognizant of the importance of hiring diverse candidates, the pressure to accelerate growth often leads them to revert to familiar hiring practices. She shared an example of a company in Costanoa’s portfolio, led by a former professor who primarily hired fellow alumni, resulting in an unintended homogeneity within the team. “This happens naturally when you move quickly; you lean on what you know,” Johnson explained.
Albert Grant, managing partner at Venture Group, echoed this sentiment, admitting that his firm was initially composed of a homogeneous group of partners. “We recognized the need for intentional efforts to diversify our team,” he stated. Progress is being made through initiatives like “All Raise,” which aims to support and uplift women investors. “While we cannot claim immediate victory, the direction we are heading is promising,” Grant remarked.
Johnson emphasized that true change requires time, projecting that in ten years, the landscape of companies and founders will be considerably more diverse and inclusive. She has observed a growing trend of entrepreneurs challenging their investors on diversity issues. “When founders enter a room filled with men, they now question, ‘What’s the issue with that firm?’” she stated.
Ultimately, Johnson concluded that business performance remains the core focus. “Diverse teams consistently outperform their less diverse counterparts, as evidenced by numerous data sets,” she noted. “The past two years have seen a surge in awareness surrounding these issues. Initiating conversations is a vital first step, and with numerous small actions, we’re beginning to see a shift. More men are advocating for change, which is significant.”
When all stakeholders are included, an inclusive tech ecosystem can flourish. For more insights on this topic, check out this engaging blog post, which dives deeper into the subject matter, or refer to this authoritative source. Additionally, for those interested in exploring career opportunities, this resource on fulfillment center positions is excellent.
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