London Tech Week Under Fire After Barring Woman Tech Founder Who Had Baby in Tow
Davina Schonle, the founder of AI company Humanvantage, has urged business events to become more inclusive after being refused entry because she had her baby with her at the event. A Mother's Exclusion: The London Tech Week Incident
Davina Schonle had planned to attend London Tech Week with her young daughter, who was in a pram. However, after a three-hour drive to the event, she was disheartened to be denied access due to having her daughter with her.
In a LinkedIn post, Schonle explained that she limits how long she's away from her baby, believing she should be able to 'build my company with her by my side.' Her post detailing the experience quickly ignited a discussion about inclusion within the tech industry on the platform. After a three-hour drive, Davina Schonle felt 'humiliated' and 'angry' by the incident, which she shared in a viral LinkedIn post.
A McKinsey report from 2023 highlighted a clear gender imbalance, revealing that women held approximately 35% of entry-level tech roles but only 14% of senior leadership positions. Meanwhile, research carried out by Prospects in 2024 showed that 29% of IT professionals in the UK identify as female or non-binary. Sparking Debate: Inclusivity in the Tech Sector
'As someone passionate about innovation, tech and the future of work, I was excited to attend, connect, have meetings, and contribute,' Schonle wrote in her LinkedIn post. 'In today's age shouldn't we be more inclusive? This moment was more than inconvenient. It was a clear reminder that as a tech industry, we still have work to do when it comes to inclusion beyond buzzwords,' she added.
Schonle highlighted that parents are integral to this ecosystem, noting that caregivers are also innovators, founders, investors, and leaders. Then she posed a crucial question: "If major events like London Tech Week can't make space for us, what message does that send about who belongs in tech?'
She said, 'I don't necessarily mean make it a kid-inclusive event in general, or do I? Doesn't our future belong to the kids?' Towards the end of her post, Schonle highlighted the excellent inclusivity efforts of individuals like Shaa Wasmund MBE and Vasily Alekseenko, then asked, 'shouldn't these large events be doing more?'
Schonle later told The Times that the incident left her feeling 'absolutely humiliated' and 'angry.' Calls for Change: Challenging Industry Norms
Davina's LinkedIn post garnered over 3,800 reactions and 1,000 comments within two days. Many commenters proposed boycotting London Tech Week unless the organisers revise their policies regarding parents attending with children.
'Say WHAT? This is a disgrace. Someone at Informa needs to address this,' one LinkedIn user wrote.
Another user expressed their dismay, stating, 'Absolutely appalling. It can be easy to forget within the echo chamber of female founder networks that things like this happen - there is still SO MUCH work to do. So sorry you had to go through this, well done for calling it out with such grace.' Others expressed gratitude to Davina for championing the cause of parents within the tech industry. London Tech Week Responds to the Incident
London Tech Week told The Independent: 'We're aware that one of our attendees wasn't allowed to enter with their child yesterday. As a business event, the environment hasn't been designed to incorporate the particular needs, facilities, and safeguards that under-16s require.'
'We want everyone in the tech community to feel welcome at London Tech Week. We've reached out directly to the person involved to discuss what happened and use this experience to inform how we approach this at LTW in the future.'
Originally published on IBTimes UK
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Int'l Business Times
22-07-2025
- Int'l Business Times
Top 5 IT Asset Management solutions
As organizations continue to adopt hybrid work models, invest in digital transformation, and scale IT infrastructure, the importance of robust IT asset management (ITAM) platforms has never been greater. From cost control to compliance, tracking every piece of hardware and software is critical to maintaining operational efficiency and security. Here are the Top 5 IT Asset Management solutions leading the market in 2025—with Teqtivity securing the #1 spot for its people-first approach, unmatched customization, and disruptive pricing model. Whether you're managing thousands of devices or a lean digital infrastructure, these platforms are built to help businesses of all sizes streamline asset lifecycle management, automate workflows, and improve decision-making. Choosing the right IT Asset Management (ITAM) platform can mean the difference between operational efficiency and costly chaos. 1. Teqtivity Website: Teqtivity IT Asset Management Solutions Platform Overview: IT Asset Management Made Easy Contact: Get in touch with Teqtivity Social: LinkedIn | X (Twitter) Teqtivity is redefining IT asset management by eliminating unnecessary complexity and bringing human-centered design into an industry that's long been bogged down by rigid systems and outdated pricing models. Founded by CEO Hiren Hasmukh, the company originally launched as a smart locker solution for developers. It quickly pivoted to a software-first ITAM platform after realizing the backend system offered far more scalable value for organizations. Today, Teqtivity helps IT teams manage the entire asset lifecycle—from acquisition and assignment to maintenance, recovery, and retirement—with clarity, control, and customization. What Makes It #1? The single most disruptive element of Teqtivity's model is its user-based pricing structure. Unlike competitors who charge based on the number of devices or licenses tracked, Teqtivity only charges for active system users. That means organizations can track unlimited devices, dramatically lowering the total cost of ownership and enabling broader asset visibility without financial penalties for scale. Its second major strength is integration and workflow flexibility. Teqtivity doesn't force organizations to adapt to its platform—it adapts to them. Every implementation is tailored to reflect the customer's internal processes, system integrations, and business logic. Key Features Unlimited asset tracking User-based subscription model Remote asset management Custom workflow support Integration with HR, ticketing, procurement, and MDM tools Centralized visibility into the full asset lifecycle Remote and Hybrid Ready With more companies shifting to remote-first and hybrid models, managing devices outside the office has become essential. Teqtivity's cloud-based platform allows IT managers to assign, track, reclaim, and decommission assets across any location, making it ideal for globally distributed teams. Customer-Centric Support Another reason Teqtivity tops this list is its exceptional customer success team. They act as partners, not just support reps. The company's roadmap is shaped by real-world customer feedback, and many of its most impactful features originated from client requests. Simplicity Without Compromise Unlike traditional enterprise software that relies on jargon and dense interfaces, Teqtivity is refreshingly intuitive. Its clean UI and transparent language empower teams across IT, finance, and operations to access the data they need, when they need it. Pros Unlimited asset tracking Extremely cost-effective for scaling organizations Custom-built implementations Highly responsive support Seamless remote asset visibility Cons Best suited for companies willing to invest in customization Still growing its brand presence compared to legacy players Final Take For companies seeking a future-proof ITAM platform that aligns with real-world workflows, Teqtivity delivers the ideal balance of power, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. It's not just software—it's a partnership. 2. ServiceNow IT Asset Management ServiceNow is a dominant name in enterprise digital workflows, and its IT Asset Management suite is a natural extension of its platform. Designed primarily for large enterprises, ServiceNow ITAM integrates tightly with modules for IT service management, procurement, change, and risk. The platform provides centralized control over the full IT asset lifecycle, from onboarding through decommissioning. Using AI and automated workflows, it streamlines procurement, reduces unused licenses, and ensures compliance across global environments. Key Features Integration with ServiceNow's full ITSM suite Software license optimization Hardware and software lifecycle tracking Native risk and compliance modules Pros Enterprise-grade scalability Strong governance and compliance tools Deep automation capabilities Seamless experience for ServiceNow users Cons High total cost of ownership Complex implementation timeline Overkill for SMBs or mid-market companies Final Take For enterprise organizations already using the ServiceNow ecosystem, adding ITAM to their tech stack is a natural move. While expensive and complex, its capabilities are unmatched in large-scale IT governance. 3. Freshservice by Freshworks Freshservice is an intuitive, cloud-based ITAM and ITSM platform built for mid-sized businesses that want sophistication without the bloat. It combines ticketing, workflow automation, and asset tracking into one unified system with a modern UI. Freshservice stands out for its ease of use. The platform is plug-and-play for most businesses and offers native integrations with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and Slack. Key Features Agent-based and agentless asset discovery Native ticketing and incident management Software license tracking Modern, clean UI with low learning curve Pros Quick setup and onboarding Affordable pricing tiers Ideal for SMBs and growing teams Easy integration with SaaS tools Cons Limited custom workflows Less suited for complex, large-scale IT environments Reporting features are fairly basic Final Take Freshservice is a great all-in-one platform for teams looking to combine IT support and asset management in a single system without breaking the bank. Best for businesses that value simplicity and speed over deep customization. 4. ManageEngine AssetExplorer ManageEngine's AssetExplorer, part of the Zoho family, is a feature-rich platform focused on deep asset intelligence and compliance. Designed for both cloud and on-premise deployments, AssetExplorer supports IT and non-IT asset tracking, license management, purchase order integration, and configuration auditing. The platform offers agent-based and agentless scanning, allowing teams to maintain control over all connected assets with minimal manual effort. Key Features Asset discovery across networked devices Contract and license tracking Barcode integration and procurement tracking Compliance and audit readiness tools Pros Excellent for detailed IT asset reporting Budget-friendly for its feature set Customizable reports and alerts Strong discovery capabilities Cons UI feels dated Steeper learning curve for new users Limited mobile accessibility Final Take AssetExplorer is best suited for IT departments that require thorough tracking and audit tools on a lean budget. It's ideal for mid-sized organizations that want strong oversight without an enterprise-level price. 5. Lansweeper Lansweeper is best known for its best-in-class asset discovery engine, capable of scanning an entire network to automatically inventory connected hardware and software. It doesn't rely on agents, making setup simple and unobtrusive. Designed for hybrid and multi-site environments, Lansweeper gives IT teams a complete view of on-prem, cloud, and remote devices without manual entry. Key Features Agentless network scanning Custom dashboards and alerts Cloud-native and on-prem deployment Real-time asset intelligence Pros Industry-leading discovery tools Fast deployment Flexible integration with CMDBs and ticketing tools Robust reporting options Cons No built-in service desk or ticketing Limited workflow automation Focused more on visibility than lifecycle management Final Take Lansweeper is ideal for IT teams looking for powerful asset discovery and network intelligence. It pairs well with service desk solutions and excels at delivering clear, real-time hardware and software visibility.
Local Germany
15-07-2025
- Local Germany
'Don't lose hope': How to navigate Germany's painful job market
It's well documented that Germany is suffering from a shortage of workers across a wide range of jobs and industries. But despite labour shortages in sectors ranging from tech and IT to healthcare and hospitality, people looking for a job in Germany are quickly made painfully aware that it's a tough market out there. Many large employers in the country have recently put freezes on hiring, and others have even announced layoffs. As the German economy has failed to climb out of a slump month after month for years, more recently unemployment figures have slowly began ticking upward . Meanwhile job-seekers, especially non-German job-seekers, complain that decent opportunities are hard to come by and getting an interview is even harder. So what exactly can you do, as a foreigner in Germany to improve your odds of finding and securing a good job? In a recent survey, we asked our readers about their experiences job-hunting in the country. Asked how they found their last job, responses were varied: readers cited Indeed, LinkedIn, recruiters, personal connections and even in-person visits to businesses. A couple sentiments that were shared by nearly all of our respondents were that 1) job-hunting is very difficult right now, especially for non-German speakers, but that 2) there are opportunities to be found if you are thorough, focused and persistent in your search. Not what you know, but who you know Reading through the responses to the survey, it quickly becomes clear that foreign workers in Germany are struggling less with a lack of open roles, and more with a complex web of invisible obstacles that combine to filter out foreigners, regardless of their qualifications. One respondent, a research assistant based in Berlin, who identified himself as John Doe said that nepotism is a particular problem: 'I believe the hiring process here is more focussed on who you know than on your actual technical skills and credentials." "I've seen people in management positions in technology who…aren't from the field and only got hired because they knew someone," he added. READ ALSO: Five hard truths foreign job seekers in Germany need to know Advertisement Lisa Quatmann, a senior engineering manager from the US, saw a similar problem in the German startup scene. "Most of the startups I interviewed with were all run by white German men who went to university together and had no real work experience, let alone founder experience,' she said. It's a language thing Mastery of German, even for English-speaking or multinational workplaces, remains the single most frequently cited challenge. 'Even international companies who use English every day ask for good German skills,' said Komal Vaghamshi, who added that he's job hunting in Germany on a Chancenkarte . Sourav Dey, a software product manager in Berlin, referred to it as 'the language filter.' Roshni Dlomen from Mumbai added that part of the problem is the number of employers who are unwilling to invest in foreign employees. "Managers don't have patience for 'work-in-progress' employees. They want someone already fluent in German and with relevant work experience," he said. And when employers are willing to take on foreign staff, it seems these relationships are more likely to become exploitative. Victorina Francis Walter, who comes from Mumbai and works in hospitality at Frankfurt airport, described poor working conditions for herself and her non-German colleagues. 'We are pushed to work overtime of my Asian colleagues are threatened with job loss if they don't work extra days. German and European colleagues are not treated in this way, regardless of whether the managers are Germans or immigrants,' she told The Local. In addition to the language barrier are bureaucratic barriers. Even in sectors facing acute labour shortages, many foreign job seekers in Germany need to have foreign qualifications recognised in the country. "As I'm in education, which is a highly regulated sector in Germany. Getting my diplomas recognized took a while," said Cansu from Turkey, who lives in Leipzig. Advertisement The secrets of success Look for jobs online, but try and attend networking events in person as well. Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash Respondents to our survey did offer some cause for hope, however, agreeing on a range of measures that can improve foreign jobseekers' chances of finding gainful employment. Do tap into your network Multiple respondents talked about the importance of networking in person wherever possible. 'Network network network!' said Lisa Quatmann. 'Not just on LinkedIn. Show up at meetups and conferences, volunteer, speak, coach, meet people, tell them what you're looking for and keep in managers tend to interview referrals first, so try to be one of them." "Many lasting, meaningful jobs come through honest networking," agreed Stephen Nock, an American coach and teamwork facilitator who has been living in Berlin since 2017. She added that "weak ties", or "people you know but not super well, can often be the most valuable relationships.' REVEALED: The jobs and skills growing in demand across Germany Taking advantage of online networking services can also be helpful. The most useful tools mentioned by respondents to our survey include: LinkedIn, Xing, Indeed, Stepstone, and Respondents also noted the importance of moving quickly when good opportunities appear. Stefano Piccinelli, a hiring manager based in Düsseldorf, said he receives more than 70 applications for every position advertised. "I have time to go through the first 20, usually those which arrive in the first week," Piccinelli said. Advertisement Sarah in Stuttgart, who works in HR, adds that however much you network and however fast you move, you still have to produce an appropriate CV. 'The CV should be meaningful and suitable for the offered position, as recruiters take a special look at that,' she said. Speaking of CVs, when applying to German companies, it may be help to adopt a German CV format, including a photo . Be clear about what you want to do While it's vital to try and take advantage of a wide variety of potential opportunities, respondents agreed on the importance of being goal orientated. "Know what you want to do. Really narrowing your goals if it's more frustrating to search for fewer jobs," said Kelly, a project manager from Sweden. READ ALSO: German unemployment hovers under 3 million as economy stagnates Victorina Francis Walter advises applicants to do their own 'deep research' rather than relying on what other people say, however well-intentioned. 'Most people don't know what they're talking about,' she added. She and Roshni Dlomen both encouraged applicants to drop CVs off in person where possible. Harini, who lives in Siegen, also said he found his last job by making a direct approach. Advertisement It takes patience and persistence 'Don't lose hope,' said Minna from Finland, who lives in northern Germany, 'even when the process lasts a long time.' Patience is particularly important because of how difficult it can be for newcomers in Germany to learn how to strike the right balance between "standing out" and "fitting in", Stephen Nock explained. 'For many expats, including myself and the job-seeking clients I coach, the hardest part is balancing how to stand out while still 'fitting in.' You want to get noticed in the stack of applications, but you also want to be seen as a fit, possibly in a German company. It's not always clear how much German is required or whether they're open to transferable skillsets, and navigating those grey areas can be tricky.'
Int'l Business Times
15-07-2025
- Int'l Business Times
Tech Giants Scramble To Meet AI's Looming Energy Crisis
The artificial intelligence industry is scrambling to reduce its massive energy consumption through better cooling systems, more efficient computer chips, and smarter programming -- all while AI usage explodes worldwide. AI depends entirely on data centers, which could consume three percent of the world's electricity by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency. That's double what they use today. Experts at McKinsey, a US consulting firm, describe a race to build enough data centers to keep up with AI's rapid growth, while warning that the world is heading toward an electricity shortage. "There are several ways of solving the problem," explained Mosharaf Chowdhury, a University of Michigan professor of computer science. Companies can either build more energy supply -- which takes time and the AI giants are already scouring the globe to do -- or figure out how to consume less energy for the same computing power. Chowdhury believes the challenge can be met with "clever" solutions at every level, from the physical hardware to the AI software itself. For example, his lab has developed algorithms that calculate exactly how much electricity each AI chip needs, reducing energy use by 20-30 percent. Twenty years ago, operating a data center -- encompassing cooling systems and other infrastructure -- required as much energy as running the servers themselves. Today, operations use just 10 percent of what the servers consume, says Gareth Williams from consulting firm Arup. This is largely through this focus on energy efficiency. Many data centers now use AI-powered sensors to control temperature in specific zones rather than cooling entire buildings uniformly. This allows them to optimize water and electricity use in real-time, according to McKinsey's Pankaj Sachdeva. For many, the game-changer will be liquid cooling, which replaces the roar of energy-hungry air conditioners with a coolant that circulates directly through the servers. "All the big players are looking at it," Williams said. This matters because modern AI chips from companies like Nvidia consume 100 times more power than servers did two decades ago. Amazon's world-leading cloud computing business, AWS, last week said it had developed its own liquid method to cool down Nvidia GPUs in its servers - - avoiding have to rebuild existing data centers. "There simply wouldn't be enough liquid-cooling capacity to support our scale," Dave Brown, vice president of compute and machine learning services at AWS, said in a YouTube video. For McKinsey's Sachdeva, a reassuring factor is that each new generation of computer chips is more energy-efficient than the last. Research by Purdue University's Yi Ding has shown that AI chips can last longer without losing performance. "But it's hard to convince semiconductor companies to make less money" by encouraging customers to keep using the same equipment longer, Ding added. Yet even if more efficiency in chips and energy consumption is likely to make AI cheaper, it won't reduce total energy consumption. "Energy consumption will keep rising," Ding predicted, despite all efforts to limit it. "But maybe not as quickly." In the United States, energy is now seen as key to keeping the country's competitive edge over China in AI. In January, Chinese startup DeepSeek unveiled an AI model that performed as well as top US systems despite using less powerful chips -- and by extension, less energy. DeepSeek's engineers achieved this by programming their GPUs more precisely and skipping an energy-intensive training step that was previously considered essential. China is also feared to be leagues ahead of the US in available energy sources, including from renewables and nuclear.
