Ventures WorkerTech newsletter: November 2023 The latest update from Resolution Ventures 30 November 2023 by Emma Selinger Emma Selinger Last week we hosted our first WorkerTech Conference bringing together startup founders, investors, policymakers, unions, and researchers all interested in how tech can improve low-paid and precarious work. More details on the day are in this newsletter, and a link to re-watch the sessions if you weren’t able to join us. Since then, we’ve been busy spreading the word about Bethnal Green Venture’s Tech for Good Programme, which now has a brand new £38m fund to invest. If you have a WorkerTech idea and want to develop your startup, apply by 3rd December to receive £80k of investment and a 6-week support programme! Emma Ventures Manager Resolution Foundation WorkerTech Conference Last week we hosted our first ever WorkerTech Conference bringing together over 100 startup founders, investors, policymakers, unions, and researchers all interested in the potential of technology to create a fairer future of work. Through a packed day of panels and discussion sessions, we heard about: 💸 The potential role of impact investing in catalysing change in the world of work to help scale innovative approaches to improving work for those in low-paid or precarious jobs in the decade ahead. 🎓 New routes to inclusive recruitment, training and skills using technology as an enabler. 💪 The growth of tech-powered communities that seek to enhance worker power and choice through better communication and information sharing. 🤖 The potential and pitfalls of tech and AI in the future of work. If you weren’t able to join us, you can re-watch the day on our website and read more about our work in our latest impact report. Latest insights from the Resolution Foundation A pre-election statement – our analysis of the Autumn statement. While all tax and benefit measures of this parliament mean it remains a progressive one, the new measures from the latest fiscal event are most beneficial to the richest fifth of the population. Giving with one hand – what are the consequences of raising the minimum wage to £11 or above? This briefing note looks at how this potential rise, without consideration of other policy changes, could interact with means-tested benefits and tax thresholds in a way that negatively affects those on the lowest incomes. Ending Stagnation – On Monday 4th December, Resolution Foundation will be launching the final report of the Economy 2030 Inquiry at an all-day conference exploring the future strategy for increasing growth and reducing inequality in the UK. You can register to join the conference online. WorkerTech stories Congratulations to our portfolio founder, Anna Moynihan, who won Virgin Startup and Fiverr’s pitching competition with her company, TaskHer. She was selected to pitch from 700 applicants and has won extra resource to explore how AI can help improve their customer booking process. TaskHer is a platform for booking female tradespeople, addressing the gender imbalance in the trades sector. Atomico published their annual State of European Tech report. While investment into tech is down globally, it’s promising that European investors have consistently backed more tech founders over the past five years than our counterparts in the US. Our WorkerTech partner, Ufi VocTech Trust, hosted a successful Week of VocTech this month. It was a packed week with over 10 events, and we were particularly pleased to co-host a webinar with the team on selling into the public sector. If you missed the event, you can re-watch it on Ufi’s website. Get involved Do you have a pre-product or pre-revenue WorkerTech idea? Apply for the WorkerTech stream on Bethnal Green Venture’s Tech for Good Programme by Sunday 3rd December. Apply for direct investment from Resolution Ventures. We accept applications from WorkerTech ventures on a rolling basis. Or you can book a slot in our office hours for an initial conversation. GoodTech Ventures and Zebras Unite are teaming up to host their first in-person social on 7th December in London open to anyone interested in technology for a stronger society. Register to secure your place. Impact VC and Nesta Impact Investments are hosting a networking event for impact investors, Seeing the Good in AI, 7th December. Register to join the event.
