Building a successful startup is a big task for anyone. In a male-dominated field like tech, this is another challenge for women and, more so, for transwomen.

As the aim As covered earlier, people from disadvantaged backgrounds are often demonized, as evidenced by the recent crowd strike closures, which many concluded that The reason was “DEI engineers” rather than lack of quality testing..

Addressing. the aim About her struggles coming up and navigating the industry right after graduation, Kanao RThe IIT Madras graduate and transwoman said success and authenticity are inseparable, and her achievements are proof of that.

“Going through my early career coming to terms with my identity was difficult. My journey and achievements have, I hope, proven that success and authenticity are not mutually exclusive, for exceptional people in the tech industry. has been instrumental in increasing visibility and acceptance.”

Initially studying mechanical engineering, Kanao found her love for AI when she managed to land an internship at IIT Madras in her first year. “During my first year, despite the common belief that freshers don’t get internships, I managed to work with a startup applying AI to fashion. This initial experience fueled my interest in AI. Daya,” Kanau said.

“After a short stint at a Europe-based tech startup, I realized there was a lot of potential in the Indian market. This eventually led me to start my own venture, Contineu AI,” he said.

How do you crack the code for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in AI?

While much of the conversation surrounding DEI in the AI ​​industry revolves around how large companies treat their employees, people like Kanao have taken matters into their own hands.

Kanao is the founder and CTO of her own AI startup. Contains AI.With a graduate from IIT Bombay Herschel N, is becoming an inspiration to many in the Indian LGBTQIA+ community. The startup has gained significant traction since its inception in 2023, having already secured pre-seed funding from Entrepreneur First earlier this year.

The Bengaluru-based startup is currently building the world’s first AI-native construction project management platform and hopes to use AI to provide end-to-end visibility to developers and contractors across all their active sites. Currently, the company is already catering to Tier-1 and Tier-2 real estate developers on a pilot basis.

“We use helmet-mounted 360-degree cameras to capture all possible information about actual execution and inventory usage,” Kanao explained. “On top of that, we understand all of this data using an LLM layer that fundamentally understands the construction process, thereby solving the data interoperability challenge that has slowed software and technology adoption from the average. kept low,” he added.

Apart from being the first AI startup to venture into this area of ​​expertise, Contineu AI has also made it a point to prioritize the well-being of LGBTQIA+ people within the company, leading other Indian tech startups to do the right thing. An example is set in

“We clearly state that we prioritize candidates from these communities to help balance the inherent biases in the broader job market. We believe this approach not only provides opportunities for underrepresented groups. does but also enriches our team with diverse perspectives,” said Kanau.

With a background working in multiple AI and tech startups, as well as her own lived experience as a transwoman, Kanao has also made it a point to ensure that her startup caters to the LGBTQIA+ community. Stay a welcoming place.

“My leadership mantra focuses on fostering an inclusive and communicative environment where each team member understands their role in the bigger picture and values ​​their contribution.

“At Contineu AI, we make it a point to educate our team about the importance of using correct pronouns and respecting everyone’s identity.”

Additionally, the startup ensures that there are regular sensitivity training sessions and open discussions to ensure that their employees are protected and supported in a safe environment.

“Ensuring an inclusive and dignified environment for LGBTQIA+ identities includes actively promoting inclusion and addressing any bias,” she added.

What is missing?

While Kanau’s story may be one of the few trans success stories in the tech industry, it’s not for lack of trying. There is often a huge lack of data for trans and non-binary members of the community, Kanau said, because their workplaces are not conducive to coming out.

“The problem of lack of data for trans and non-binary people in the tech industry can be viewed through the lens of survivor bias. The extreme lack of data about trans and non-binary people is largely because these people often lack the necessary protections and policies that encourage them to come out and be visible in their workplaces.

This is one of the many reasons why DEI initiatives matter in the workplace, and as Kanao says, “For their support to be real, companies need to have supportive policies and ongoing advocacy. One has to commit to involvement throughout the year.”

Even with creative AI, Kanao pointed out that it can have a positive impact on bringing visibility to trans and non-binary folk, especially in the way language is used to convey respect. However, inherent biases need to be overcome when it comes to training. As Kanau points out, image generation platforms can also rely on stereotyping, with dire consequences for the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Platforms like Midgernie can portray LGBTQ+ individuals in narrow, culturally stereotypical ways, such as fashionable gay men or hypersexed transwomen,” she said.

Overall, however, while the tech industry has a lot to work on when it comes to acceptance, Kanao advises that LGBTQIA+ people take care of themselves and be aware of their surroundings.

“Coming out is a deeply personal journey, and every story is unique. Understanding whether or not your workplace is a safe place for you to come out. In my own experience, I was fortunate to have a supportive partner. It was the founder who stood by me in this journey.

“Remember, while coming out can be liberating, it’s important to do so at your own pace and comfort level,” Kanau concludes.