Feedback on tech startup

[NotYouNaanBread]

I'm in the research phase of a platform to link women tech/software development freelancers with projects. It will be pitched quite seriously - nothing fluffy or mumsy.

Is there anyone here who hires freelance developers who would have feelings either way about something like this?

I would really appreciate opinions.

Ablystaffing.com

While I would welcome a platform that encourages women into tech roles and helps them to find projects, especially flexible roles, it could be perceived as very sexist - imagine the outcry if there was a platform open only to men. Also I have hired many freelancers and it has never occurred to me to go specifically for women. I would always choose the best person for the job based on past experience, attitude and understanding of requirements (as well as price). I would be concerned that I was limiting my chances of finding the best person for the job if the platform excluded so many potential people i.e. men.

Thank you MarthaS - I really appreciate that.

I feel that the current platforms are practically only open to men, in a sense though. Women are invisible and unsupported and while yes, the best contractor is definitely the priority, and you should never accept 2nd best just because you want to work with somebody of a particular gender, race or whatever, it would be nice if the pool of "best" also featured women, particularly from countries like Pakistan where there is obviously a very pro-technology culture, as evidenced by the huge number of male contractors coming from there.

If I could even gather a pool of contractors where the sexes were equally represented that would be a huge leap away from the current situation on free-for-all platforms like Odesk.

I'm still at the research point rather than being dead set on one approach, so I will definitely take your input on board.

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to talk more.

Hi Op

Sorry, but I do wonder if there is a need. I hire freelancers through Peopleperhour.com and I want the best person for the job, gender doesn't come into it.

There are mixed experiences on MN of using PPH but I find it great for finding good people. They are continually making changes and enhancements, I assume to trying to increase their bottom line.

I also wonder if the name 'staffing' suggests jobs rather than freelance contracts? Although I appreciate that employers offer contracts.

If you can make it the place to find techy creatives then maybe there is a niche. The site would need to look really cutting edge and reflective of the market?

Sorry for not being more positive.

Good luck with developing your idea.

Ah, this was the one www.powertofly.com/

Thank you for all this feedback - I really appreciate it & will keep moulding the idea.

Unfortunately there isn't a huge pool to draw from to start with, which means that the talented pool is even smaller. There actually is a group in London though dedicated to teaching female/minorities web dev skills.

There's still a lot of very talented women leaving IT each year, which should be a big enough pool to draw from, if only there was an easy way to tap it.

I work for a tech consulting organisation and I have to say for freelancers / contractors all I'd be worried about would be best skillset at best price as generally this is used to fulfil 'overflow' need. For permanent hires I'd be more interested as this is where we are much more vested and concerned about improving our ratios. We've not found an agency out there who can provide us with a steady stream of female candidates however this is no doubt largely to do with general supply shortage.