Kanarys, a platform that analyzes cultural and demographic data to help companies create more inclusive and diverse atmospheres, has just secured $575,000 in its first round of funding.
Founders Mandy Price and Star Carter got the idea for Kanarys after facing issues with inclusion with previous jobs. The two met at Harvard Law School and the relationship bloomed into a business partnership that is reaching new heights.
Price, who also serves as Kanarys’ CEO, told Forbes that most corporate diversity initiatives “superficial” and do not actually have huge impacts on the company.
“As we started Kanarys, we realized that inclusive cultures don’t just happen – they’re intentional,” Price said to Forbes. “And by re-aligning our collective focus to value inclusion and equity, along with diversity, employees become more engaged, more productive, and ultimately, more valuable to a company’s bottom line.”
In addition to analytical demographic data, Kanarys offers business news on diversity and inclusion and employee reviews of companies.
The company’s advisory board houses some big names in the diversity and inclusion sphere, including former Essence magazine editor-in-chief Vanessa De Luca and Chief Global Diversity and Inclusion Officer of Pepsico, Inc Ronald C. Parker.
Price told Forbes that her team’s latest round of funding will be used to build out the platform and hire more analysts.
