At Xero, we focus on ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace, as this benefits employees, drives stronger business outcomes and better reflects the diverse community of customers and partners Xero interacts with every day.

Led by the executive team, diversity and inclusion is one of the company's strategic priorities. We have a number of initiatives that specifically focus on achieving this goal, including champion diversity and inclusion within the wider community. Therefore we are proud to host the screening of SHE STARTED IT - a documentary on women tech founders. 

Through intimate, action-driven storytelling, SHE STARTED IT explores the cultural roots of female under-representation in entrepreneurship - including pervasive self-doubt, fear of failure, and risk aversion among young women. It exposes, too, the structural realities women face as they become entrepreneurs, including lack of female role models and investors, and the persistent dearth of venture capital funding made available to women-led companies.

After watching SHE STARTED IT, there will be a panel discussion with local female entrepreneurs, academics and investors who are all keen to encourage, support and inspire a new generation of female tech entrepreneurs into the marketplace.

This event is open to anyone (men, women, non-binary folk, and people who are other marginalised genders.

We would also like to encourage those 12 years of age and older to attend - although for anyone ages 15 or under we recommend bringing a parent or guardian.

Click here to view trailer for film

AUT campus map here to help find the event. We will be in the WG building which can be accessed from Mayoral Drive or the Wellesley Street East entrances.

Proudly hosted by AUT, the official University partner of Techweek’18