​The Tech Debate: Pipeline vs Power

​What’s holding underrepresented founders back, and how can investors and founders reshape the rules?

​The tech ecosystem prides itself on innovation—but when it comes to who gets funded, the system hasn’t changed fast enough. Is the lack of diversity in tech a pipeline issue—not enough founders from underrepresented backgrounds coming through? Or is it a power issue—the rules of the game, controlled by investors and gatekeepers, that determine who gets a shot?

​This debate brings together two founders and two investors, each taking a side:

• ​Pipeline: arguing that representation starts with increasing access, visibility, and quality deal flow from diverse founders.

• ​Power: arguing that the real barrier is how capital is distributed—who holds influence, sets criteria, and shapes the definition of “backable.”

​Expect a candid, no-fluff conversation on what’s holding founders back, and how both founders and investors can challenge the status quo.

​Who it’s For

​Founders, operators, investors, and ecosystem builders who care about where power sits in tech—and how to shape it.

​What to Expect

• ​A high-energy debate format with founders and investors on each side

• ​Real talk on systemic barriers—from early-stage funding to who gets a seat at the table

• ​Practical insights on how founders can navigate and reshape the system

• ​Space for Q&A and discussion with an audience of builders, operators, and VCs

​Speakers

• ​Asher Ismail is a serial founder, angel investor, and board member at Tech London Advocates, having raised over $150M across three startups, including Uncapped.

• ​Dama Sathianathan is a Partner at Bethnal Green Ventures, leading on deal flow and community while championing diversity and ESG across early-stage ventures.

• ​Adam French is a Partner at Antler and Co-Founder of Scalable Capital, a fintech unicorn, with a background in trading at Goldman Sachs and leading Houghton Street Ventures.

• ​Gary Izunwa is Co‑Founder & CEO of Tangent, an AI‑powered referral platform democratising access to tech roles, and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree for social impact.

​Moderated by Hannah Leach, a Partner at Antler and Executive Chairwoman of VentureESG, with over a decade of experience launching, advising, and investing in early-stage startups.

​About Atomico

​Atomico is a founder-built European venture capital firm. They partner with the most ambitious entrepreneurs who use technology to rewire the world for the better.

​About Antler

​Antler is one of the most active early-stage investors globally. The firm leads in ‘Day Zero’ investing, an approach to venture capital focused on partnering with founders pre-launch. Antler systematically removes capital and network constraints for early-stage technology entrepreneurs by providing co-founder matching, deep business model validation, initial capital, expansion support, and follow-on funding.