Breaking the Bias Perception of the Existence of Female Entrepreneurs in the Startup World

The issue of the low number of female entrepreneurs in the technology world and the low number of female C-Levels in startups has become a highlight which was thoroughly discussed in the discussion session held Alpha JWC Ventures.

Also present on the occasion were: Grace Natalia (founder of the AsmaraKu site), Dayu Dara Permata (SVP GO-JEK, Head of GO-LIFE), Sonia Barquin (Partner, McKinsey&Company), and Alyssa Maharani (Google Launchpad Accelerator Startup Success). Manager) to discuss the balance of life and career, how to get support to move forward, to how to carry yourself in a male-dominated work environment.

In front of the invited guests, mostly students and female startups, it was revealed that the lack of self-confidence and the small number of successful female entrepreneurs are the reasons why there are not many female entrepreneurs in the technology world today.

Limitations and skewed perceptions

In the discussion session, the resource persons explained some interesting tips to their working experience so far. An interesting note which is then concluded is that there is still a skewed perception to bias among the general public which states that women do not have a good emotional balance so that women's priorities in the end have to return to being housewives.

Although this issue was denied by the interviewees present, it was difficult to convince colleagues and other related parties (most of whom were men) to put women in a better position and have abilities that are not inferior to male colleagues in general.

According to Dayu Dara Permata, it is important for aspiring female entrepreneurs to create an image or Branding strong, as a female entrepreneur. In addition, it is also important to build a solid network with other female entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, according to Grace Natalia, don't be afraid to express your feelings and thoughts to your superiors, convey your weaknesses and strengths so you can find them work life balance balanced.

Lack of successful female entrepreneur figures

Although there are currently many startup founders and female CEOs, not many of them have succeeded in leading startups. This was later claimed by Dayu as the reason why not many women were interested in entering the world of technology.

"Lack of role model This is what ultimately makes most women reluctant to enter the world of technology and run a business."

In a survey released by Linkedin, it is stated that currently the number of C-Levels from women is around 17%, compared to men. Meanwhile, for manager positions, only 30%, senior manager 27%, VP 25%, SVP 20%. The rest for the entry level of women amounted to 36%.

To be able to appear superior to men, according to Alyssa Maharani, women must have sponsors, in this case are superiors or seniors who already have important positions in the company but see the great potential or ability of you, working women or entrepreneurs. That way they can fight for your position to be one step ahead.

If you're having trouble finding that sponsor or mentor at your current company, look elsewhere, as Sonia Barquin points out.

Demand for commitment from investors

In the discussion session, a Google survey was also discussed which said that most investors were more interested in listening pitching of male startup founders compared to female founders, despite content pitching those are the same. In addition, the issue of commitment is also questioned by investors, if the existing startup has a female CEO.

"I see investors just want to see how good the commitment of female CEOs is. They are worried that women will then be busy with their household affairs so they leave their initial commitments to become leaders in startups," said Grace.

To be able to break this perception, female entrepreneurs must be able to give the best commitment to investors, by setting priorities when it's time to make the right decision.

"So far, women have become decision maker in their household. Of course, this can be applied when running a company," said Dayu.

During her profession as a Google Launchpad Accelerator Startup Success Manager, Alyssa saw that many startups had received revenue which is more thanks to the touch of the leadership ranks to the female CEO.

At the end of the discussion session, the resource person's suggestions about things that must be done and must be avoided by working women and female entrepreneurs when running a business are to remove doubts, don't be afraid to fail and find support system, can be a place to complain and get motivated when you get a challenge when leading a startup or working at a startup.