UNDER EMBARGO — EMBARGO LIFTS 0001 WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH 2024
96% OF NEURODIVERSE FOUNDERS REPORT EXPERIENCING DISCRIMINATION, NEW SURVEY FINDS
London, 13 March 2024. A new report from The Entrepreneurs Network think tank, in partnership with Barclays Eagle Labs, reveals how neurodiverse entrepreneurs think and feel about running a business in the current economy.
Based on a survey of over 500 UK-based entrepreneurs who are diagnosed with at least one form of neurodiversity, and supplemented with in depth case studies, the research highlights how neurodiverse entrepreneurs think their conditions impact their work, how they feel society treats, understands and represents them, and what advice they would give to other neurodiverse individuals who have not yet started a business.
Among the key findings, the research reveals that:
Only 4% of neurodiverse founders surveyed report never experiencing discrimination because of their neurodiversity, while 48% report ‘regularly’ or ‘always’ experiencing discrimination because of their neurodiversity;
78% of neurodiverse founders surveyed agree they have ‘hidden’ their neurodiversity in business situations, compared to just 7% who do not;
67% of neurodiverse founders surveyed say their neurodiversity makes them a better business person, compared to just 7% who think the opposite;
48% of neurodiverse founders surveyed believe there is an adequate level of understanding of neurodiversity in the business community, but still 35% do not;
42% of neurodiverse founders surveyed think neurodiversity is accurately portrayed in the media compared to 38% who do not think that it is;
47% of neurodiverse founders surveyed agree there are enough role models for neurodiverse people in business, compared to 35% who do not;
66% of neurodiverse founders surveyed agree that they struggled to find employment prior to setting up their own companies due to their neurodiversity, compared to 16% who do not;
64% of neurodiverse founders surveyed agree that their neurodiversity meant that setting up a company of their own was the only way they could earn a living, compared to 17% who do not.
Commenting on the research, Eamonn Ives, Head of Research at The Entrepreneurs Network said: “A particularly important lesson we can draw from our research is how a pro-entrepreneurial society is typically also a pro-neurodiverse society. From the fact that so many neurodiverse people report struggling to find employment because of their conditions, or that they feel starting a business of their own is the only way they can make a living, we should recognise that failing to allow entrepreneurship to flourish will often equate to failing to allow neurodiverse people to flourish as well.”
Comments on the research from neurodiverse founders
Roei Samuel – Founder, Connectd: “This report provides critical insights into the experiences of neurodiverse entrepreneurs, highlighting the discrimination and obstacles faced, whilst also demonstrating the resilience and unique advantages that our community brings to the business world. The data is sobering – a significant portion of neurodiverse founders have felt compelled to mask their true selves to evade prejudice. However, it’s totally heartening to see a growing acknowledgement of neurodiversity as a business asset, with many founders, like myself, viewing their neurodiversity as a superpower that fosters creativity, innovation, and unparalleled problem-solving abilities.”
Kim To – Founder, Own Your Flair: “I’m grateful for this piece of research since it confirms what I have suspected from my own experiences navigating entrepreneurship with no support for my neurodiversity. This report confirms that there are high levels of entrepreneurship amongst the neurodiverse community but very little support in terms of mentorship and peer-to-peer support.”
Andy Clayton – Founder, Fermtech: “Of course being autistic impacts me as a founder, I am certain it’s one of the main reasons I am an entrepreneur. I struggle to work for other people, I need control over my environment, and I have a relentless curiosity that has taken me to many business opportunities.”
Ai Ling Walker – Co-Founder, Noetic Health: “Being a neurodiverse entrepreneur is a blessing and a curse – some parts of being a founder come naturally while some parts are way, way harder. Whether we find it an overall advantage very much depends on our environment and how well we can make accommodations for those challenges. It’s important not to judge the parts we find difficult and empower each other to lean into our strengths.”
Sarah Kingston – Co-Founder, In Good Company: “Being a neurodiverse founder isn’t always easy, with the endless and very different work. But it also gives us the freedom to work with, not against our brains, to create innovative business ideas and live more flexible work lives.”
Ben Lakey – Co-Founder, Syndi Health: “The journey of entrepreneurship with ADHD is a balancing act between leveraging hyperfocus for productivity and managing the risk of burnout. My mind’s constant activity fuels my drive and resilience but has also taught me the importance of trying to find a way to pause and recharge.”
Notes to editor
About The Entrepreneurs Network
The Entrepreneurs Network is a think tank for Britain’s most ambitious entrepreneurs. We bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and policymakers, with the aim of making Britain the best place in the world to start and grow a business. We have a network of over 10,000 entrepreneurs and are the Secretariat of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Entrepreneurship, which sits across the House of Commons and House of Lords.
Eamonn Ives, Head of Research at The Entrepreneurs Network, and who led the research, is available for interview.
About Barclays Eagle Labs
Barclays Eagle Labs is a growing national network that provides business incubation, dedicated growth programmes, mentoring as well as co-working, and office space for ambitious high-growth businesses. By cultivating a community of like-minded entrepreneurs and providing a collaborative work environment, access to peers, and opportunities to maximise growth through digital connections and growth programmes, curated events, and funding opportunities, Eagle Labs is able to help startups to grow at pace.
For more information
Eamonn Ives – Head of Research, The Entrepreneurs Network – 07506043997 – eamonn@tenentrepreneurs.org