We are working to increase the diversity of new startups that join the MATTER community. By growing existing and cultivating new partnerships with neighborhood-based organizations, we are finding new ways to meet underrepresented founders.
Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion at MATTER
As we continue our work to increase the diversity of the MATTER community, our ultimate goal is to contribute to making diversity a core and abiding strength of the healthcare and entrepreneurial sectors.
Understanding diversity, equity and inclusion
To make a difference in DEI, we must first know what it encompasses. The following definitions are from our partner, the American Medical Association.
Diversity
There are many kinds of diversity, based on race, gender, sexual orientation, class, age, country of origin, education, religion, geography, physical or cognitive abilities or other characteristics. Valuing diversity means recognizing differences between people, acknowledging that these differences are a valued asset and striving for diverse representation as a critical step toward equity.
Equity
While equality means providing the same to all, equity requires recognizing that we do not all start from the same place because power is unevenly distributed. The process is ongoing, requiring us to identify and overcome uneven distribution of power as well as intentional and unintentional barriers arising from bias or structural root causes.
Inclusion
Inclusion is a set of behaviors (a culture) that encourages people to feel valued for their unique qualities and experience a sense of belonging. Belonging evolves from inclusion; it refers to the extent to which individuals are valued, respected and supported while being their authentic selves.
“Valuing individuals from communities that have been historically marginalized is imperative to rectifying disparities in health. Together, we must increase representation among innovators to be more reflective of our country and the customers we serve in order to advance innovation, achieve business success and make healthcare more equitable.”
Derek J. Robinson, MD
VP and Chief Medical Officer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board Member, MATTER
Representation matters
Embracing representation within the entrepreneurial and healthcare communities is essential to accelerating the pace of change of healthcare. More work needs to be done to improve representation from and provide opportunities for communities that have been historically marginalized.
1.3%
of U.S. venture capital funding went to Black-founded businesses in 2021 (Crunchbase)
17%
of digital health founders in 2020 were Black or Hispanic (Rock Health)
2.3%
of venture capital in 2021 went to companies founded solely by women (Pitchbook)
53%
of female digital health founders in 2020 were venture- or angel-backed compared to 80% of male digital health founders (Rock Health)
Promoting entrepreneurial diversity and fostering an inclusive MATTER community
At MATTER, entrepreneurial diversity revolves around equitably supporting all entrepreneurs to unlock their full potential.
Diversifying our growing community of entrepreneurs
Mentoring underrepresented healthcare founders
MATTER is taking the first steps toward driving more equitable access to mentorship and support resources for underrepresented entrepreneurs through BRIDGE. We match founders with experienced healthcare leaders, providing them with the building blocks and network they need to jumpstart their startup journey.
Uplifting underrepresented voices
As an integral part of our event strategy, we’ve implemented a process to source speakers from diverse backgrounds. We work with our Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and leverage the MATTER community network when selecting speakers to amplify new voices and broaden our breadth of perspectives. We also engage with this group to source a diverse group of mentors for our Expert Clinic and faculty for our workshops.
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Enhancing the experience for our startup founders
We’re improving the experience from the start by ensuring the language on our membership application and the resources we provide to our startup members are inclusive.