Gone are the days when people fantasized about having a white picket fence, 2.5 children and a job they would remain with for most of their working lives. That’s just not what most of us Gen Yers want, or maybe it’s just that we’re wired differently from our parents and grandparents. Whatever the reason may be, it doesn’t change the fact that we are a generation of thinkers and entrepreneurs, innovators and philanthropists, techies and environmentalists — we want to change the world, with the hope that we will be happy, passionate and free of corporate America.
Yet regardless of our idealisms, the playing field is still not completely equal. According to The Huffington Post, “researchers at the University of Utah found that despite identical personal qualifications and firm financials, female founders and CEOs were perceived as less capable than their male counterparts. In turn, the initial public offerings for companies led by those women were considered less attractive investments.” So now instead of facing a glass ceiling women entrepreneurs are dealing with a “green ceiling” when seeking out investors.
In hopes of shedding some light on this issue, we thought it important share some women-run startups that are worth knowing about. We invite you to leave a comment mentioning an awesome startup run by women, so that with continued support, we can shatter any ceiling — green or glass — and work towards a common goal of growth, passion and innovation.
{r}evolution apparel
Founders, Kristin Glenn and Shannon Whitehead, launched in 2011 with the highest-funded fashion campaign in Kickstarter history, raising over $64,000 by selling their signature piece, the Versalette. Their clothes are 100% American-made, 100% recycled fabric, and all other materials are either domestic or certified organic.
DocPons
Founder, Susan Nicholas, “enables allied healthcare providers to render services to the uninsured, underinsured, or those with caps on their existing coverage with this healthcare savings program.” The program also “benefits persons with catastrophic insurance policies and high deductibles by providing access to affordable primary and preventative care services.”
Salsa Labs
Co-Founder, April Pedersen started this site to help nonprofits organize & energize supporters by providing online fundraising, supporter management (CRM), communications and advocacy solutions.
Allvoices.com
Founder and CEO, Amra Tareen, launched the world’s premier platform for citizen journalism, Allvoices delivers a community-driven platform for open, global news and idea exchange. In January, 2011 the site received over 11 million unique web visitors.
MyReceipts
Founder, Birame Sock, created this “free service that allows consumers to receive and track receipts online, access information about products purchased and create customized reports, as well as receive special savings and coupons instantly in one safe, convenient place. It’s a green solution for consumers to receive and file receipts.
Catchafire
Founder and CEO, Rachael Chong, created a volunteer-based company that matches professionals who want to give their skills, with nonprofits and social enterprises that need help. Each collaboration is paired based on a variety of characteristics including skills, cause interests, and time availability.
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