Building a startup is like navigating uncharted waters, and when that startup is a social company, the stakes are even higher. That’s exactly what we set out to do with Tecnogueto—a mission-driven organization dedicated to breaking down barriers and bringing marginalized individuals, including Black, women, LGBT, and older people, into the tech world.
The Birth of a Social Company
But first, what is a social company? Think of it as a hybrid between a regular company and a nonprofit, with the best of both worlds. Like any other business, a social company generates revenue and might even turn a profit. However, its heart beats for a mission: to solve social or environmental issues, while maintaining financial sustainability. This is not about charity—it’s about creating lasting change.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
In 2019, the tech world wasn’t exactly the most diverse place. Stack Overflow’s annual report revealed some harsh truths: only 3% of tech professionals were Black, a mere 5.2% were women or non-binary in Brazil, 2.6% identified as LGBT, and only about a quarter were over 35 years old. These numbers weren’t just statistics—they were my daily reality as a Software Engineer. Finding Black people, women, or LGBT individuals in my teams was like finding a needle in a haystack.
But here’s the kicker: as of 2023, Stack Overflow no longer provides these demographic insights. They decided to remove those questions from their survey. A critical source of truth for the tech community was gone, and I found myself asking, “Why? What could possibly justify this decision?”
Just when I was feeling disheartened, I stumbled upon a registration link for Tecnogueto’s first class. It was love at first sight. Without hesitation, I reached out to offer my help. Soon, I was not just a supporter—I was in the trenches, teaching students and helping to build something bigger than myself.
From Teacher to Leader
My role at Tecnogueto quickly expanded. What started as teaching a few classes soon morphed into coordinating, developing, and eventually co-founding alongside my now-great friend Rodrigo Ribeiro—better known as Digão. The opportunity of a lifetime came when a partner offered to pay our salaries for part-time work, leaving us free to focus on Tecnogueto for the rest of the time. So, I quit my job, packed my bags, and dove in headfirst.
We hustled secured partnerships, and even got into incubation programs with major brands. And let me tell you—those early days were a rollercoaster. Volunteers came and went, our location changed more often than I could count, and keeping the dream alive felt like trying to hold water in my hands.
The Impact That Matters
But despite the chaos, we saw miracles happen. Students who once doubted themselves began to thrive, landing jobs abroad, and getting promoted. Our first year saw four programming classes in Rio and São Paulo. By 2021, a crowdfunding campaign allowed us to offer online training, reaching 16 states and training 60 new developers. The numbers spoke volumes: 55% of our students were women, 70% were Black, and every single one of them came from the periphery.
The Roadblocks and the Revelations
Of course, the road wasn’t always smooth. Volunteer turnover, constant moves, and the never-ending hunt for funding were hurdles that sometimes felt insurmountable. But every challenge was a lesson, every setback a stepping stone. We became stronger, more resilient, and more determined to change the face of tech.
Closing the Chapter, Opening the Future
Tecnogueto has been more than a project; it’s been a journey of growth, both professional and personal. Transforming the tech industry and the lives of those who were often overlooked has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. But this isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning. The fight for a more inclusive and diverse tech sector is far from over.
If my story resonates with you, and if you believe my experience could add value to your project, company, or social initiative, I’d love to connect. Together, we can create a positive impact in the tech industry and beyond.
This version adds a more engaging narrative, using storytelling elements to draw readers in and make the journey of Tecnogueto come to life.