Elysia recently won the top prize through a competition for Female-Fronted Startups developing technology in an innovative way awarded by Yes Montreal in partnership with SAP. In a city like Montreal, one that’s swiftly growing traction in the startup industry, it is increasingly important that entrepreneurial support agencies and technology funds not only recognize the gender disparity in the tech industry, but shine a spotlight to support female entrepreneurs.
Vanessa Cherenfant and her company Elysia are Graduates of the Montreal Founder Institute.
What you’ve heard about the issue (and likely you’ve heard a lot) is true: despite women making up 57% of undergrads, they represent only 14% of recipients of computer science degrees, and that number is falling every year. Women make up more than half the workforce, but they hold a quarter of the positions available in tech and computing. Women in tech are subjected to unaddressed poor treatment, from death threats to that subtle side-eye that keeps us from going after management positions. The pay gap: it’s significant. In Washington, D.C., where women occupy the highest rate of tech jobs, the number barely grazes 37%. There are more large companies run by men named John then large companies run by women, like, in general.
So grants that actively support women-fronted startups are important, not just for Elysia. It’s because all women need to be supported. Each of the 19 companies that qualified, including the other two finalists, Angela Mejia from Clever-Plays and Marie-Jo Leroux of 42 comets, can be empowered to know they have a voice and an important place in this industry. These companies - locally bred, women-led - are innovating technology. They’re staking their place, cutting their teeth in the Montreal startup sector, and coming after a world dominated by men (often named John).
And that’s worth a celebration.
