What were you doing before Onramp was launched?I worked for several years in the coding bootcamp sector, seeing thousands of students complete intensive programs that promised a new career. Even though candidates had a basic set of skills that would give them an edge in the job marketplace, I discovered that there was still bias in the hiring process. Many companies have spent years expanding traditional methods of hiring, such as university and industry recruiting. These processes exclude many qualified candidates from non-traditional backgrounds. These non-traditional hiring methods are where you will find more diverse candidates.It was clear to me that we had to create a bridge between the company and the candidates if we were to make any meaningful progress on this issue. I also wanted to encourage businesses to invest in worker development and upskilling of their employees. My co-founder, and I, saw a gap in this market, so we decided that it was worth filling.Let us know more about Onramp.Onramp is a platform that connects candidates, employers, employees and educators to create a more holistic workforce development platform. Onramp helps companies grow their talent pool and onboard qualified candidates. We also help underrepresented candidates to be more competitive in the recruitment process. This is not a new statement. However, the diversity pipeline problem is not a myth. We have seen the diversity of talent and know that there is more opportunity when people are willing to use their potential. The solution is not as easy as finding more Black, Latinx and Women candidates to teach code. It's about fixing the broken hiring processes that prevent candidates from gaining the skills they need.How can we raise the voice of female founders?Storytelling can be a powerful way to share new ideas with people. My story will be shared on the Founded podcast to hopefully inspire other women interested in starting products and businesses. I don't have the same pedigree as most successful founders. I didn't learn code in my youth and didn't hack and tinker for pleasure. I didn't go to college for computer science. I did not go to Harvard Business School or Stanford Business School. To give me credibility, my resume doesn't include any names-brand startups or tech companies. I worked hard to create a niche in an industry that reflected my personal experience. I also created something to solve a problem that I experienced. Now, I manage a venture-backed business. It's important that aspiring entrepreneurs understand that there is no right or wrong way to begin this journey. If they are willing to put in the effort, there will be a path.How can we make it easier for women entrepreneurs to start their own businesses?Funding. In 2020, only 2.3% of venture capital funding was given to women-founded businesses. This is a decrease over the previous year. These things are not getting better. Black founders only receive 1% of VC funding. It is clear that things are terrible for them. Everyone wants to talk progress. I don't mean to say that there aren't exciting things happening for Black founders. It's exhausting, but we are still pushing a boulder higher up the mountain.What advice would you give founders?It is easier to tap into a support network early on in your journey. You need to have somewhere to turn for support, advice, and mentorship, no matter what social network you use like Elpha, Hello Alice, or any accelerator program (we did Bridge to Success with Juvo Ventures last year, another Black/women-led venture capital firm).Lateesha can be heard more in the latest series on Founded on Google Podcasts, or wherever else you listen.
