Despite the progress made towards LGBT+ rights in various countries, many are experiencing unseen challenges and privately held fears at work preventing them from moving forward.
According to a report by Accenture, more than half (57%) of LGBT+ employees believe their gender identity and expression or their sexual orientation has slowed their progress at work.
Unfortunately, only 14% of LGBT+ employees feel fully supported by their employer when it comes to issues like welcoming those who identify as LGBT+.
Based out of London, myGwork is a business community for LGBT+ professionals, graduates, where they can connect with inclusive employers, find jobs, mentors, professional events, and news.
Raised £0.75 million funding
Recently, the company raised £0.75 million in a funding round led by 24Haymarket, to design and deliver a new app, develop a mentoring offer and bring on new team members to focus on myGwork’s growth over the next two years.
Founded by Adrien and Pierre Gaubert in 2014, myGwork hosted WorkPride in June, which brought high-level LGBTQ+ professionals, consultants, and thought-leaders under one roof to explore the current and future possibilities of LGBTQ+ professionals and the organisations that support them.
“The investment reflects a sustained interest within the corporate space to continue the great progress made concerning diversity, inclusion, and equality,” says Pierre Gaubert, Co-Founder of myGwork. “It has been an important year for myGwork. We’ve had to prove to our members, funders, and sponsors that we are a resource worth investing in, financially and professionally. The investment from 24Haymarket shows that workplace inclusion and equality for LGBT+ professionals is still very important to LGBT+ professionals and investors alike.”
Adrien Gaubert, Co-Founder of myGwork: “myGwork has had a great and demonstrable impact on workplace equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ professionals, but we’re very aware that we can be doing more, with the right support. The products we offer have to be in tune to not only the changing world around us, but with how businesses and professionals are living and working. The development and delivery of the myGwork app is the next step in our growth, and we feel confident we’re continuing to demonstrate myGwork’s leadership in this space.”
24Haymarket has appointed Andy Robertson, former Global Sales Director for drinks industry giant Diageo, as Investor Director. Andy brings over 25 years of experience in strategy and sales. Commenting on his appointment Andy said: “I’m delighted to support Adrien and Pierre in continuing and accelerating the myGwork growth story. What they have accomplished in creating both a hugely useful offering for the LGBTQ+ community, and an increasingly must have a platform for corporates, is truly remarkable, and very scalable.”
Mika Duma, new CTO, and investor said: “I’m impassioned to eliminate discrimination and on a personal mission to positively affect the world around me by breaking down stigmas and creating technology that impacts people’s lives. I was, therefore, thrilled at the opportunity to be involved with the team at myGwork. Drawing on my 20+ years of experience developing cutting-edge tech businesses, and in my position as Chief Technology Officer, I will be building on the great achievements already made by the team at myGwork.
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