Disclaimer: This list is presented in no particular order. Each organisation is making remarkable contributions to diversity and inclusion in their own unique way.
TechNational is thrilled to unveil the top 25 startups championing diversity across the UK and US in 2025, showcasing the innovative companies that are actively transforming workplace culture and breaking down barriers in their industries.
As a leading voice in the startup ecosystem, our panel of judges from TechNational aimed to identify the most impactful ventures that are not only driving business success but also prioritising inclusive hiring practices, diverse leadership, and equitable workplace environments.
These startups represent organisations that understand diversity as a competitive advantage and are setting new standards for inclusion in their respective industries.
Our Criteria
- New to-market ideas - Our selected startups have demonstrated innovation and problem solving, helping to bring new ideas to the UK market and beyond.
2. Sustainable - Sustainability continues to be a huge factor in 2025, with startups not only being revenue generating but also sustainable, helping society, the environment and future generations.
3. Problem-solving - Entrepreneurship typically starts with finding a problem, addressing needs and serving demand - and some of our startups selected cover this very effectively.
Judges
Daniel Tannenbaum - One of the TechNational founders, with more than 15 years of journalism and startup experience.
Iwa Adio - TechNational Editor, with a keen eye for detail, particularly in the sustainability, fashion and AI industry.
Dean Benzaken - TechNational Journalist with a passion for tech, startups and entrepreneurship
For any feedback or comments, or if you would like to be featured, please contact us at hello@thetechnational.com
1. Tribepad (Sheffield, UK)
COO: Neil Armstrong
Website: https://tribepad.com/
This innovative HR tech company is revolutionising recruitment through its powerful "Stop the Bias" campaign and AI-driven solutions. Tribepad's platform offers features like anonymous applications and inclusive language suggestions to eliminate discrimination in hiring processes. Their recent analysis of over 2 million job applications uncovered critical insights into workplace bias, leading to practical resources like their DEI playbook. With CCO Neil Armstrong's leadership, Tribepad combines data, technology, and a genuine commitment to fairness to create recruitment processes that are faster, fairer, and better for everyone.
2. Nexer Digital (Manchester, UK)
Managing Director: Hilary Stephenson
Website: https://www.nexerdigital.com/
This design agency is embedding diversity not just in its client services but within its organisational DNA. With a leadership team reflecting the diversity it champions, Nexer Digital collaborates with organisations like Historic England and serves as the pro-bono digital partner for Diversity Role Models. As a Disability Confident Employer and member of Neurodiversity in Business, the company boasts impressive diversity metrics: over half of their team identify as women and nearly a fifth as LGBTQ+. Under Managing Director Hilary Stephenson, they're proving that inclusive design begins with inclusive teams.
3. Blendoor (San Francisco, USA)
Founder: Stephanie Lampkin
Website: https://backstagecapital.com/headliners/blendoor/
Founded by MIT graduate Stephanie Lampkin, Blendoor tackles tech's diversity problem through data transparency and analytics. Their BlendScore ranks companies on diversity metrics, pay equity, and inclusion practices, creating accountability in an industry struggling with representation. Their blind recruiting app removes identifying information from applications, focusing purely on qualifications. With partnerships across Fortune 500 companies and startups alike, Blendoor is creating systems that make diversity measurable, actionable, and integral to business success.
4. Textio (Seattle, USA)
Founders: Kieran Snyder and Jensen Harris
Website: https://textio.com/about
This AI-powered writing platform is transforming how companies communicate by highlighting biased language in job postings and company communications. Founded by Kieran Snyder and Jensen Harris, Textio uses machine learning to analyse text for inclusivity, suggesting alternatives that appeal to diverse candidates. Their "Tone Score" feature evaluates whether content will resonate with people from different backgrounds. With clients including NASA, Twitter, and Johnson & Johnson reporting up to 25% more qualified applicants, Textio is making tangible diversity impacts through the power of words.
5. Jopwell (New York, USA)
Founders: Porter Braswell and Ryan Williams
Website: https://jopwell.pixieset.com/
Founded by Porter Braswell and Ryan Williams, Jopwell connects Black, Latinx/Hispanic, and Native American professionals with top employers committed to diversity. Their career platform serves over 100 leading companies, including Spotify, BlackRock, and Goldman Sachs. Beyond recruitment, Jopwell creates community through their digital magazine "The Well" and hosts networking events nationwide. Their approach has garnered investment from Magic Johnson Enterprises and Andreessen Horowitz, demonstrating how purpose-driven diversity initiatives can also build successful business models.
For any feedback or comments, or if you would like to be featured, please contact us at hello@thetechnational.com
6. Kai Collective (London, UK)
Founder: Fisayo Longe
Website: https://kaicollective.com/
Founded by Fisayo Longe, this fashion brand celebrates diversity through inclusive sizing, representation, and storytelling. Kai Collective's vibrant designs honour multicultural influences while their marketing features models of diverse ethnicities, sizes, and backgrounds. Beyond fashion, their platform amplifies conversations about diversity and inclusion in the industry. With features in Vogue, Forbes, and CNN, and a growing social media community, Kai Collective demonstrates how creativity and commerce can combine to challenge industry norms and create spaces where everyone feels seen.
7. Applied (London, UK)
CEO: Khyati Sundaram
Website: https://www.beapplied.com/
This behavioural science-backed hiring platform was incubated at the UK's Behavioural Insights Team to make recruitment genuinely meritocratic. Applied removes traditional CV screening, replacing it with skills-based assessments and anonymised applications to eliminate unconscious bias. Their data shows that using their platform increases hiring of women by 70% and ethnic minorities by 60%. Led by CEO Khyati Sundaram, Applied works with organisations like the UK Civil Service and Penguin Random House, proving that removing bias doesn't just increase diversity—it finds better talent.
8. Pod People (New York, USA)
Founder: Racheal King
Website: https://www.podpeople.com/
This talent marketplace connects companies with diverse freelance professionals in creative industries, particularly audio and podcasting. Founded by Rachael King, Pod People prioritises inclusivity by ensuring at least 60% of candidates presented to clients come from underrepresented backgrounds. Their database features over 12,000 creative professionals across 30+ countries, serving clients like Amazon, Netflix, and Spotify. By centring diversity in talent sourcing, they're changing who gets to tell stories in media, ultimately transforming both content and industry demographics.
9. Diversity VC (London, UK & San Francisco, USA)
Founders: Check Warner and Travis Lyles
Website: https://diversity.vc/about-us/
This nonprofit venture capital organisation works to increase diversity in tech investment. Founded by Check Warner and Travis Lyles, Diversity VC provides data benchmarking, training programmes, and internship opportunities to underrepresented groups. Their groundbreaking research reports highlight diversity gaps in funding and VC firms themselves, while their "Future VC" programme has created pathways for hundreds of diverse professionals to enter venture capital. By changing who controls capital allocation, Diversity VC is fundamentally restructuring who gets funded in the startup ecosystem.
For any feedback or comments, or if you would like to be featured, please contact us at hello@thetechnational.com
10. mRelief (Chicago, USA)
Founders: Rose Afriyie and Genevieve Nielsen
Website: https://www.mrelief.com/about_us
This tech nonprofit founded by Rose Afriyie and Genevieve Nielsen helps low-income Americans access food stamps and other social services through user-friendly digital tools. Their diverse founding team built technology specifically addressing barriers faced by marginalised communities, with 88% of their users identifying as people of colour. Their SMS-based platform has unlocked over $277 million in food stamp benefits for families. mRelief demonstrates how diversity in tech leadership creates solutions that better serve diverse populations, making them a powerful example of representation driving social impact.
11. Multiverse (London, UK)
Founder: Euan Blair
Website: https://www.multiverse.io/en-GB/about
Founded by Euan Blair, Multiverse is revolutionising the traditional university path by connecting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds with apprenticeship opportunities at leading companies. With a focus on addressing socioeconomic inequality, over 50% of Multiverse's apprentices come from underrepresented ethnic groups and low-income communities. Their professional apprenticeship model has partnered with companies like Google, Facebook, and Morgan Stanley, creating alternative pathways to career success. By challenging the university-only approach to professional advancement, they're breaking down barriers for talented individuals regardless of background.
12. StatusNow (London, UK)
Founder: Susan Melnick
Website: https://statusnowsolutions.com/
Founded by Susan Melnick, this HR tech platform focuses specifically on improving recruitment for ethnically diverse candidates. Their AI-driven technology helps companies track diversity metrics throughout the hiring process while providing candidates with transparent feedback. What makes StatusNow particularly innovative is their reverse mentoring programme, pairing junior staff from underrepresented backgrounds with senior executives to build cross-cultural understanding. Working with organisations like Deloitte and HSBC, they've helped increase diverse hiring by an average of 32% while improving retention rates.
13. Hack Your Future (London, UK & Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Founder: Gijs Corstens
Website: https://www.hackyourfuture.net/
This coding school provides free technology education to refugees and other underserved communities. Founded by Gijs Corstens and expanded to the UK by Germán Bencci, Hack Your Future offers intensive programming courses taught by volunteer professionals from companies like Salesforce and Amazon. Their model boasts an impressive 80% employment rate for graduates, who have gone on to work at organisations like IBM and the BBC. By focusing on populations typically excluded from tech education, they're diversifying the talent pipeline while helping newcomers build sustainable careers.
14. Beam (London, UK)
Founder: Alex Stephany
Website: https://beam.org/
This social enterprise uses crowdfunding to help homeless people access training and employment opportunities. Founded by Alex Stephany, Beam collaborates with homelessness charities to identify candidates ready for work, then creates tailored career plans and fundraising campaigns to support them. With a particular focus on supporting women experiencing homelessness and those from minority ethnic backgrounds, over 65% of their beneficiaries come from underrepresented groups. Their innovative approach has helped hundreds of people secure stable jobs with employers like Pret A Manger and Transport for London.
15. Finimize (London, UK)
Founder: Max Rofagha and Scott Tindle
Website: https://finimize.com/
This financial education platform is democratising investment knowledge for underrepresented groups in finance. Founded by Max Rofagha and Scott Tindle, Finimize breaks down complex financial concepts into accessible daily newsletters and community events.
Their explicit focus on women and people of colour in their marketing has led to a community where 42% of members are women (compared to industry averages below 25%). With partnerships across major financial institutions like BlackRock and JP Morgan, they're helping diversify not just who understands finance, but ultimately who participates in wealth building.
For any feedback or comments, or if you would like to be featured, please contact us at hello@thetechnational.com
16. Oddbox (London, UK)
Founders: Emilie Vanpoperinghe and Deepak Ravindran
Website: https://www.oddbox.co.uk/why
This sustainable food delivery service fights food waste while championing workplace diversity. Founded by Emilie Vanpoperinghe and Deepak Ravindran, Oddbox rescues "odd" and surplus produce directly from farms. Their team reflects their inclusive values—65% women, 40% ethnic minority representation, and a commitment to refugee employment through partnerships with Breaking Barriers. Their flexible working policies have helped them achieve 100% return-to-work rates after parental leave. Combining environmental and social impact, Oddbox demonstrates how diversity principles can extend across an entire business model.
17. Pymetrics (New York, USA)
Founders: Dr. Frida Polli and Dr. Julie Yoo
Website: https://harver.com/why-harver/?utm_source=pymetrics
This neuroscience-based recruitment platform uses gamified assessments to match candidates with roles based on their inherent cognitive and emotional attributes rather than CV credentials. Founded by Dr. Frida Polli and Dr. Julie Yoo, Pymetrics' algorithms are rigorously tested to eliminate bias across gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Their technology has helped companies like Unilever increase diversity in leadership roles by 16% while reducing recruitment costs. By focusing on potential rather than pedigree, Pymetrics is democratising access to opportunity across industries.
18. We Are Rosie (Atlanta, USA)
Founder: Stephanie Nadi Olson
Website: https://wearerosie.com/about/
This flexible talent marketplace connects companies with independent marketing professionals, with a particular focus on parents, caregivers, and those who need flexible working arrangements. Founded by Stephanie Nadi Olson, who draws on her Palestinian heritage and understanding of outsider status, the company maintains a talent network where 70% identify as diverse. Working with major brands like Bumble, IBM, and Diageo, We Are Rosie demonstrates how alternative working models can open doors for talent traditionally excluded from workplace opportunities.
19. Career Karma (San Francisco, USA)
Founders: Ruben Harris, Artur Meyster, and Timur Meyster
Website: https://careerkarma.com/
This platform connects individuals from underrepresented backgrounds with coding bootcamps and tech training resources. Founded by Ruben Harris, Artur Meyster, and Timur Meyster, all first-generation immigrants, Career Karma focuses particularly on Black and Latino communities historically underrepresented in tech. Their peer mentorship model and income share agreement partnerships make education accessible regardless of financial background. With over 25,000 placements and partnerships with organisations like Lambda School and General Assembly, they're creating new pipelines of diverse talent into the tech industry.
20. Elpha (San Francisco, USA)
Founders: Cadran Cowansage, Kuan Luo, and Abadesi Osunsade
Website: https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/elpha
This professional community platform supports women in technology through networking, mentorship, and job opportunities. Founded by Cadran Cowansage, Kuan Luo, and Abadesi Osunsade, Elpha provides a space where women can discuss workplace challenges, share opportunities, and build relationships across companies. With over 35,000 members from organisations like Google, Amazon, and countless startups, they're helping address tech's gender imbalance through community building and direct hiring partnerships. Their approach focuses on creating both psychological safety and tangible career advancement for women in male-dominated industries.
21. Floss Bar (New York, USA)
Founders: Eva Sadej
Website: https://craft.co/floss-bar
This healthcare startup is transforming dental care access through mobile clinics serving underrepresented communities. Founded by Eva Sadej, Floss Bar brings preventative dental services directly to workplaces and community centres, focusing particularly on neighbourhoods with limited healthcare infrastructure. Their team of providers reflects the communities they serve, with over 60% identifying as people of colour and 75% as women. By reimagining where and how healthcare happens, they're addressing both employment diversity and service accessibility in an industry traditionally struggling with both.
22. Vercida (London, UK)
Founder: Morgan Lobb
Website: https://www.vercida.com/
This diversity recruitment platform connects underrepresented talent with inclusive employers across the UK. Founded by Morgan Lobb, Vercida focuses on creating pathways for ethnic minority professionals, women in STEM, and LGBTQ+ candidates. Their platform combines job matching with diversity analytics, helping companies track and improve their inclusive hiring metrics. Working with major employers like Sky, Accenture, and the NHS, Vercida has facilitated thousands of diverse hires while providing companies with data-driven insights into their recruitment processes.
23. DiversityJobs.com (Chicago, USA)
Founder: DirectEmployers Association
Website: https://www.diversityjobs.com/
This established job board specifically targets diverse candidates across multiple demographics including veterans, people with disabilities, women, and ethnic minorities. Operating since the early 2000s, the platform partners with major corporations like Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson, and IBM to promote inclusive hiring. Their approach includes targeted outreach to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and diversity-focused professional organizations. With millions of job seekers and thousands of employer partners, they've become a cornerstone resource for diversity recruitment in the US.
24. Headstart (London, UK)
Founder: Nick Shekerdemian
Website: https://londonyouth.org/what-we-do/youth-social-action/headstart-action/
This app connects university students from underrepresented backgrounds with graduate opportunities at top companies. Founded by Kate Glazebrook and Tessa Clarke, Headstart addresses the diversity pipeline issue by focusing on early career intervention. Their platform provides CV feedback, interview coaching, and direct connections to graduate schemes at companies like Goldman Sachs, L'Oréal, and Deloitte. With over 80% of their users coming from state schools and 70% being first-generation university students, Headstart is democratizing access to competitive graduate programs.
25. PowerToFly (New York, USA)
Founders: Milena Berry and Katharine Zaleski
Website: https://powertofly.com/
This platform connects women and underrepresented groups with remote and flexible job opportunities at major tech companies. Founded by Milena Berry and Katharine Zaleski, PowerToFly focuses on addressing workplace flexibility barriers that particularly impact women and caregivers. Their virtual career fairs and matching platform have connected thousands with roles at companies like Amazon, Dell, and GitHub. Beyond recruitment, they provide career development content and community support, recognizing that retention requires ongoing support beyond just hiring.
Final Thoughts
These 25 companies exemplify how diversity and inclusion can be embedded meaningfully into business practices rather than treated as mere box-ticking exercises. From redefining recruitment processes to changing representation in fashion, media and venture capital, each organisation demonstrates that championing diversity isn't just the right thing to do—it drives innovation, connects with broader audiences, and delivers stronger business results.
What's particularly encouraging is the variety of approaches. Whether using AI to eliminate bias, creating platforms specifically designed for underrepresented communities, or ensuring diverse leadership from day one, these companies show there are multiple pathways to creating more equitable workplaces and industries.
As the business landscape continues to evolve, these organisations are worth watching not just for their commercial success, but for how they're fundamentally reshaping what inclusive business can look like in the 21st century.
