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Entrepreneur ‘humiliated’ after London Tech Week turns her and baby away

(6 months ago)
Ben Quinn
Technology sectorLondonWomenTechnologyUKParents and parentingSocietyTechnology startupsBusiness

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Davina Schonle, founder of Humanvantage AI, was prevented from entering London Tech Week with her eight-month-old baby due to an 'insurance' policy, leading to humiliation and cancelled meetings. The incident sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing issues of sexism and inclusion in the tech sector.

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  1. 1 Davina Schonle travels for three hours to London Tech Week with her eight-month-old baby
  2. 2 Schonle is prevented from entering the event on Monday
  3. 3 Schonle cancels meetings with potential suppliers
  4. 4 Prime Minister Keir Starmer addresses London Tech Week on the same day
  5. 5 Schonle posts about her experience on LinkedIn
  6. 6 London Tech Week issues a statement regarding the incident
  7. 7 Julia Hobsbawm responds to Schonle's LinkedIn post
  • Davina Schonle felt humiliated and had to cancel meetings
  • Outrage caused and shadow cast over London Tech Week
  • Highlighted issues of sexism and lack of inclusion in the tech sector
  • London Tech Week reached out to Schonle to discuss and inform future approach
What: Davina Schonle, an entrepreneur, was denied entry to London Tech Week while accompanied by her eight-month-old baby, leading to her feeling 'humiliated' and having to cancel business meetings. The event organizers, Informa, cited insurance reasons, but the incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about inclusion and sexism in the tech industry.
When: Monday (implied June 10, 2025)
Where: London Tech Week, London, UK
Why: London Tech Week organizers (Informa) stated they were 'not insured' to allow under-16s, including babies, into the business event, as the environment was not designed for their needs. This policy led to Davina Schonle being turned away.
How: Davina Schonle traveled to the event with her baby in a pram. Upon arrival, she was questioned about being a VIP, then informed she wasn't allowed in with a baby due to insurance issues. She later shared her experience in a widely shared LinkedIn post, drawing public attention and criticism.

Davina Schonle, founder of Humanvantage AI, was prevented from entering London Tech Week with her eight-month-old baby due to an 'insurance' policy, leading to humiliation and cancelled meetings. The incident sparked outrage and highlighted ongoing issues of sexism and inclusion in the tech sector.