#12: Equity, portfolio careers, quotas for VCs - Naïma Camara

Equity is often part and parcel of employees’ compensation packages. Particularly start-ups, that cannot afford to offer exorbitant salaries, will often additionally offer equity incentives. In this episode we sat down with Naïma Camara, CEO & Founder of Ownership, an app that allows founders to pay for talent using equity. As we discuss the evolving role of equity, she tells us why it should be viewed as more than merely an incentive.

Naïma has a master’s degree in US History & Politics from University College London. She believes that her knowledge of the systems of power that govern society, allows her to thrive within teams working towards social good. She is passionate about tech that can achieve realistic positive change.

Time commitment during early startup development.

With the equity management system, team members are compensated according to the time they put in, as well as milestones reached. At first glance, this system appears to be one that goes back to rewarding facetime rather than output. Naïma explains the importance of time commitment, particularly at the idea generation stages of startup development.

Better access to talent for underrepresented founders.

Not everyone is given the opportunity to save up capital to bootstrap, or has access to external funding, particularly less privileged founders. For underrepresented founders, virtual equity thus has the potential to democratise access to talent. For skilled professionals, owning shares and equity offers the possibility to increase one’s wealth and opportunities.

Women, particularly of colour, often face additional hurdles when it comes to attracting external investment. We speak about why representation matters and how entry barriers may be lowered for for BIPoC female founders.