The Future Built by Women

Overcome the obstacles in the way of women entrepreneurs and founders

In The Future Built by Women, Startup Product Leader of Riveter and veteran keynote speaker, Brooke Markevicius, delivers a compelling guide to entrepreneurship for women. With a particular focus on the technology sector, the author shares her fascinating and relevant experiences as a company founder. She explains the four main factors that contribute to success: grit, education, mindset, and support.

In the book, you'll explore strategies for conquering the challenges you encounter in the tech industry and in entrepreneurship. You'll also find:

• Learn practical ways to take your startup from concept to reality, navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence.
• Find out how to become "dangerously skilled" in technology, even if you're not a tech expert. Master the art of leveraging technology for the forces of good as an entrepreneur or intrapreneur.
• Discover the keys to defining and refining your unique entrepreneurial equation. Unearth your passion, purpose, and the roadmap to your vision.

An inspiring and exciting vision of women at the forefront of technological, social, and business change, The Future Built by Women is the engaging resource that managers, executives, founders, entrepreneurs, directors, and other business leaders have been waiting for.

Foreword ix

Introduction: A Vision for the Future Built by Women xi

Part I The GEMS Framework 1

Chapter 1 Tech for Good 3

Chapter 2 LEGO and GEMS 11

Chapter 3 The Power of Grit: Debugging Adversity, Scripting Triumph 19

Chapter 4 Education: Compiling Knowledge, Booting Success 33

Chapter 5 Mindset: Reframing the Logic of Your Code 43

Chapter 6 Support: Strengthening the Foundation of Your Code 59

Part II How to Build the Future 73

Chapter 7 The Entrepreneurial Equation 75

Chapter 8 She Innovates: Building from Idea to MVP 89

Chapter 9 Just Dangerous Enough: The Power of Technical Knowledge 115

Part III Building Together 143

Chapter 10 The GAPS: Data, Care, and Funding 145

Chapter 11 Women Building: Stories and Roadblocks 169

Chapter 12 Building the Future Together: The Code of Collaboration 195

Chapter 13 Testing the Vision: Before the Launch 211

The Built X Women Resource Guide 219

Acknowledgments 221

About the Author 225

Index 227

BROOKE MARKEVICIUS, a dynamic startup leader and keynote speaker, is known for her mission-driven tech approach. Transitioning from nonprofits, she used tech to drive change through her company, Allobee, which was acquired. Featured in Forbes and Fast Company, Brooke advocates for women in tech and entrepreneurship. She lives in Durham, NC, with her husband and two kids.

In The Future Built by Women: Creating a Brighter Tomorrow Through Tech and Innovation, dynamic speaker, startup product leader and serial entrepreneur, Brooke Markevicius, delivers a compelling guide to entrepreneurship in the technology sector. The author shares her timely and relevant experiences as a company founder and leader, explaining the four main factors that contribute to company—and personal—success: grit, education, mindset, and support.

In the book, you’ll explore strategies for conquering the challenges you encounter in tech and in entrepreneurship. You’ll also discover practical ways to take your startup from concept to reality and navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship with confidence and skill.

The author explores the Entrepreneurial Equation, walking you through the path from idea to Minimal Viable Product and beyond. You’ll learn about the gaps that exist—and that you’ll need to find ways to fill—in data, care, and funding for women- led startups and companies, and find energizing case studies of women building groundbreaking products and companies that have changed the world.

The Future Built by Women demonstrates how to become “dangerously skilled” in technology, even if you’re not a technical expert. You’ll master the art of leveraging technology for good as an entrepreneur or intrapreneur. It also shows you how to discover the keys to defining and refining your unique Entrepreneurial Equation as you unearth your passion, purpose, and the roadmap to your vision.

An inspiring and exciting discussion of many of today’s brightest women achieving at the forefront of the technological, social, and business arenas, The Future Built by Women is an engaging resource that’s perfect for managers, executives, directors, founders, entrepreneurs, and other business leaders.

PRAISE FOR
THE FUTURE BUILT BY WOMEN

“This book stands as a pragmatic compass for women charting their course in tech entrepreneurship.”
—From the Foreword by Randi Zuckerberg

“It’s time we invest in a future built by women! Brooke Markevicius’s The Future Built by Women is a groundbreaking work that illuminates the path for women in technology. This book is a vital resource for any woman ready to embark on her entrepreneurial journey.”
—Eve Rodsky, New York Times Bestselling Author of Fair Play

“The Future Built by Women is a must-read for women ready to break barriers and shape the future. Brooke Markevicius’s journey and insights provide a powerful roadmap for success in entrepreneurship.”
—Rebecca Minkoff, Fashion Designer, and Founder of Female Founder Collective

“This book is a catalyst for innovation, skillfully empowering women to lead in tech and entrepreneurship. It’s a vibrant roadmap for building a more inclusive and dynamic future.”
—Miki Agrawal, Co-Founder of Thinx and Founder of Hello Tushy

“As a marketer who has navigated the tech industry for over two decades I wish I had The Future Built by Women. Brooke has created is a must-read for any woman navigating the tech industry.”
—Amanda Goetz, Founder of House of Wise and Former CMO at The Knot