The AI start-up analyses hiring, pay, performance, potential and promotion data to help companies identify internal areas of unconscious bias and make gender equity actionable and achievable
Pipeline is said to help firms evaluate, address and act against gender biases. (Credit: Tumisu from Pixabay)
Accenture, through Accenture Ventures, has made a strategic investment in Pipeline Equity, a Colorado-based firm that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) technology to close the gender equity gap.
With its cloud-based AI platform, Pipeline is said to help firms evaluate, address and act against gender biases.
The AI start-up analyses hiring, pay, performance, potential and promotion data to help companies identify internal areas of unconscious bias and make gender equity actionable and achievable.
Pipeline founder and CEO Katica Roy said: “History has demonstrated that financial incentives and good intentions alone will not close gender equity gaps, which have become even more pronounced in the wake of the pandemic.
“By putting a laser focus on these issues at the corporate level, and with the close collaboration and investment from Accenture, Pipeline looks forward to accelerating its impact in the market.”
The AI start-up is part of Project Spotlight, the exclusive Accenture Ventures programme that provides access to Accenture’s technology domain expertise and its business customers.
As part of the programme, Pipeline will work with Accenture at its Innovation Hubs, Labs and Liquid Studios to adapt its solutions to the enterprise market.
Accenture talent and organisation/human potential global lead Christie Smith said: “Today’s C-suite leaders are driving responsible business practices, which include ensuring a workforce that’s inclusive and diverse in every way.
“Pipeline’s data-driven analytical platform provides a solution for organisations to close the gender equity gap, create strong cultures, and unlock new sources of value that increase financial performance.”
Earlier this year, Accenture Ventures invested in Beamery, a UK-based startup that leverages AI technology to help firms attract, engage and retain talent at a global scale.
It also invested in SkyHive, a Canadian startup that uses AI and quantum analysis to facilitate labour market transformation, reskilling and learning.
Accenture Ventures managing director Tom Lounibos said: “Our investment in Pipeline aligns with Accenture Ventures’ commitment to cultivate the latest technologies, enhanced by human ingenuity, that solve for our clients’ most important challenges.
“Pipeline can help our clients stop unconscious bias in the workplace and increase financial performance, allowing them to do well while doing good.”