Environments Where Women in Tech Thrive

Livingston James consultant, Rachel Sim, explores the environments in which women in tech are thriving, as well as the factors influencing their career progression across start-ups and corporate organisations.

Despite decades of progress, women remain significantly underrepresented in tech, particularly in leadership and highly technical roles. Women currently make up approximately 35% of the global tech workforce – a notable rise from 9% in the early 2000s – yet a considerable gap remains. In leadership roles, the figures are even more stark: within the UK tech industry, women hold only 5% of leadership positions, highlighting a substantial gender disparity at the executive level.

With the odds often stacked against them, where should women focus their careers to maximise their progression opportunities? And is the environment you’re in just as important as your personal ambition? While the culture of established corporates differs considerably from that of start-ups, both settings come with their own unique barriers, challenges and opportunities.

 

What’s Happening?

Culture & Pace:

The start-up environment is known for its fast pace, agile working methods, and rapidly evolving demands. This dynamic atmosphere requires adaptability, often involving individuals taking on multiple roles – something that can be both rewarding and exhausting. While expectations can be high, a supportive start-up culture can foster collaboration and camaraderie that help women thrive.

In contrast, larger corporate organisations typically offer clearer progression pathways, structured management hierarchies, and opportunities to gain varied experience through internal mobility. However, slower decision-making and rigid promotion cycles may limit the pace of career advancement.

Beyond the day-to-day operations, another key distinction lies in how employees are recognised and developed.

 

Visibility & Growth:

Start-ups usually have leaner teams with flatter hierarchies and less bureaucracy. This often enables individuals to take on more responsibility early and gain visibility for their contributions – potentially accelerating career growth. However, start-ups may lack access to formal mentorship and structured training, depending on their stage of development and resources.

Conversely, working for an established brand can provide credibility on a CV, as well as access to a broader network of colleagues who may open doors to future opportunities. Corporate organisations often invest in leadership development programmes to identify talent early and define clear career trajectories.

That said, there are trade-offs. Start-ups may operate on tighter budgets, meaning lower pay and benefits – even when contributions are highly valued. Job security can also be more precarious compared to corporates, which typically offer more stability.

 

Diversity & Inclusion:

Start-ups, by nature, often value diversity of thought and innovation. Many strive to build inclusive teams and hiring practices that offer better access to senior roles for women and minority groups. However, while the mindset may be inclusive, start-ups frequently lack formal accountability structures or policies to ensure equity is consistently upheld.

The leadership profile of a business is also worth noting. If the C-suite is already diverse or includes a female founder, it may signal a more inclusive environment. Still, with female-founded start-ups receiving just 2% or less of venture capital funding in Europe and the US in 2023, securing a role in such companies remains a challenge.

In contrast, progress is increasingly evident in the corporate world. In Britain, women now hold nearly 45% of FTSE 100 board seats. Formal policies around parental leave, DEI groups, and other support structures – often reinforced by legislation – can help ensure fair treatment. Yet unconscious and legacy biases may still persist, regardless of company size or reputation.

 

Making Informed Choices

Despite the contrasting pros and cons of start-ups and corporates, women in tech still face an uphill journey. No professional environment is perfect. The best fit often comes down to personal attributes, organisational culture, and individual motivations.

While global representation of women in leadership is improving – with figures such as Linda Yaccarino (CEO of X) and Melanie Perkins (Co-Founder & CEO of Canva) leading the charge – significant disparities remain, particularly in large corporations and male-dominated sectors like tech and finance. Interestingly, mid-sized enterprises tend to show higher inclusion rates, suggesting that company size can influence leadership diversity.

Addressing these disparities requires coordinated efforts from both startups and corporates. Equitable policies, transparent pay structures, and accessible career development programmes are essential to fostering inclusive environments.

Choosing between a start-up and a corporate isn’t about identifying a “better” option, it’s about finding the environment that aligns with your values, ambitions, and personality. Taking the time to research a company’s culture, leadership visibility, and long-term growth potential will be key to making an informed decision and maximising your career trajectory.

Whether you are pursuing rapid growth in a start-up or structured advancement in a corporate setting, it is important to understand what drives you and seek out organisations that prioritise inclusion, support development, and align with your long-term goals.

 

For further insight or a confidential discussion about your technology requirements, please reach out to Rachel Sim: [email protected].