On August 4, the White House hosted its first ever “Demo Day,” an event that brought together more than 30 companies and 90 entrepreneurs represented by women, minorities and a wide range of ethnicities. Innovators not only had the opportunity to pitch their products, but to showcase their personal success stories and the obstacles they had to overcome along the way. It was a chance for these future business leaders to call for more support for female and minority entrepreneurs.
Several venture capital firms have promised to invest more money in startups founded by women and minorities, and many companies have pledged to adopt the so-called “Rooney Rule.” This rule, named after Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, calls for at least one female and one person of color to be interviewed whenever there is an opening for an executive position. This is intended to ensure that women and minorities at least have the chance to get in the door.
