Female representation at board level is lower at technology start-ups than at blue-chip firms, according to research.
A survey by B2B services marketplace Approved Index revealed the low number of women on UK tech start-up boards, which has been on a continuous decrease since 2010.
Across the UK, female directors make up less than a tenth (8.37%) of technology start-up boards. The average for UK blue-chip firms is 22.8%.
"It seems that despite tech start-up firms being heralded as the pioneers for innovation and technological advances, the inherent culture is far from progressive. Emerging entrepreneurs do not have the excuse of a history of bad cultural practices to latch on to. They should know better," said Trilby Rajna, editor at Approved Index.
The firm suggests that technology start-ups appear to be repeating the diversity mistakes of traditional corporates and, in many cases, are lagging behind.
Start-ups are making some attempt to change the profile of the stereotypical director, but through the appointment of younger faces.
The research shows the average board member age for technology start-ups is 48, which is ten years younger than the average for blue-chip firms.
