Keely Cat-Wells, a well-known disability activist, has successfully secured $2 million in pre-seed funding for her talent acquisition platform, Making Space. The startup aims to assist companies in hiring, training, and retaining disabled talent across various sectors. Job seekers can sign up for free to browse open positions, while recruiters can access qualified candidates and educational resources to support disabled workers effectively.
Cat-Wells identified the need for a platform like Making Space due to the exclusionary and inaccessible nature of traditional hiring processes. Many disabled individuals are hesitant to disclose their disabilities at work out of fear of discrimination, resulting in a lack of proper accommodation. Studies have shown that companies supporting disabled employees experience higher revenue and profit margins, highlighting the economic benefits of diversity in the workforce.
Despite facing skepticism from investors who doubted the commercial viability of a disabled-focused company, Cat-Wells remained steadfast in her mission to create equal opportunities for disabled workers. She emphasized the importance of integrating impact into business strategies to drive systemic change and combat deep-seated biases within the venture capital industry.
Through perseverance, Cat-Wells found a lead investor in Beta Boom, who recognized the unique value proposition of Making Space in addressing upskilling and trust barriers for disabled workers and employers. The platform is part of Cat-Wells’ broader vision to empower disabled talent, with initiatives such as a media arm partnering with major entertainment companies to enhance employment opportunities for disabled individuals in the industry.
In addition to the Making Space platform, Cat-Wells is developing innovative tools like Compass, which presents disabilities as transferable skills to employers. Her dedication to advocating for disability rights has garnered recognition, leading to engagements with prominent figures and organizations to promote inclusivity and opportunities for disabled individuals.
Looking ahead, Making Space plans to announce partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and expand its presence in K-12 schools to raise awareness about disability rights and employment opportunities. By challenging existing norms and advocating for systemic change, Cat-Wells aims to reduce the unemployment gap between disabled and non-disabled individuals and create a more inclusive and equitable workforce for all.
