Badassery Company Profile

Background

Overview

Badassery is a dynamic organization dedicated to empowering individuals and businesses through strategic brand positioning and personal development. Founded in 2018 by Danielle Letayf, the company operates as a public speaking marketplace that connects diverse professionals with event organizers seeking unique perspectives. The mission is to amplify underrepresented voices and foster inclusivity in various industries.

Mission and Vision

Badassery's mission is to create a more connected and inclusive world by providing a platform for diverse voices to share their stories and expertise. The vision is to become the leading resource for event organizers seeking authentic and varied perspectives, thereby enriching conversations and driving meaningful change.

Primary Area of Focus

The company focuses on facilitating connections between diverse speakers and event organizers, ensuring that a wide range of voices are represented in professional settings. This includes professionals from underrepresented communities who offer unique insights and experiences.

Industry Significance

In an era where diversity and inclusion are paramount, Badassery plays a crucial role in reshaping the landscape of professional events. By bridging the gap between diverse talent and event organizers, the company contributes to more inclusive and representative industry dialogues.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Empowerment: Provide a platform for underrepresented professionals to showcase their expertise.

Inclusivity: Ensure diverse representation in professional events and discussions.

Connection: Facilitate meaningful connections between speakers and event organizers.

Specific Areas of Specialization

Public Speaking Marketplace: Offering a curated selection of diverse speakers for various events.

Community Building: Creating a supportive network for professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.

Event Management: Assisting in the organization and execution of events that prioritize inclusivity.

Key Technologies Utilized

Online Platform: A user-friendly website that allows event organizers to browse and book speakers.

Virtual Event Tools: Utilizing technology to host virtual events and workshops, expanding reach and accessibility.

Primary Markets Targeted

Corporate Events: Conferences, seminars, and workshops seeking diverse speakers.

Educational Institutions: Universities and schools aiming to provide students with varied perspectives.

Non-Profit Organizations: Events focused on social impact and community engagement.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

As of the latest available information, Badassery has secured a total of $1.5 million in funding. The most recent funding round was a Series A in 2020, raising $1 million. Notable investors include Ryan Darden and Sascha Mombartz, who joined the board in 2020.

Intended Utilization of Capital

The capital raised is intended to:

Expand Speaker Network: Recruit a broader range of diverse professionals.

Enhance Platform Features: Develop advanced tools for event organizers and speakers.

Marketing and Outreach: Increase brand awareness and attract more clients.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Badassery's pipeline includes a diverse array of professionals specializing in various fields such as technology, education, social impact, and the arts. The company continually seeks to expand this network to meet the growing demand for diverse speakers.

Stages of Development

Speaker Onboarding: Recruitment and vetting of new speakers.

Platform Enhancement: Ongoing development of the online platform to improve user experience.

Event Coordination: Planning and executing events that feature diverse speakers.

Target Conditions

The company aims to address the lack of diversity in professional events and the challenges event organizers face in sourcing diverse talent.

Relevant Timelines

Speaker Network Expansion: Ongoing, with quarterly goals for recruitment.

Platform Upgrades: Scheduled updates every six months.

Event Planning: Events are planned annually, with additional virtual events as needed.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Speaker Matching Algorithm: An AI-driven system that matches speakers with event requirements based on expertise, experience, and audience engagement metrics.

Significant Scientific Methods

Data Analytics: Utilizing data to assess speaker performance and event impact.

User Experience Research: Conducting studies to continually improve the platform's usability.

Leadership Team

Danielle Letayf – Founder & CEO

Danielle Letayf is the founder and CEO of Badassery. With a background in marketing and business administration from Boston University, she has a passion for creating a more connected and inclusive world through community, cultural experiences, and events. Prior to founding Badassery, Danielle was the community lead at Shine, a mental health app, and the head of programs and community for Built by Girls, a social impact brand encouraging teen girls to become tech leaders.

Ryan Darden – Board Member

Ryan Darden joined Badassery's board in October 2020. His expertise in community building and event management has been instrumental in guiding the company's strategic direction.

Sascha Mombartz – Board Member

Sascha Mombartz became a board member in May 2020. With a background in diversity and inclusion initiatives, Sascha provides valuable insights into fostering inclusive environments within the organization.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The market for diverse public speakers is growing as organizations increasingly recognize the importance of inclusivity. Event organizers are actively seeking platforms that can connect them with a wide range of speakers to enrich their events.

Competitor Analysis

The TAI Group: Specializes in leadership development and executive coaching.

Scope of Work Consulting: Focuses on strategic planning and organizational development.

Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology: Provides arts education and workforce development programs.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Badassery collaborates with various organizations to expand its speaker network and enhance event offerings. These partnerships are crucial for accessing new audiences and resources.

Operational Insights

Badassery differentiates itself by offering a curated selection of diverse speakers and providing a seamless booking experience for event organizers. This focus on inclusivity and user experience sets it apart in the marketplace.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company plans to expand its speaker network internationally, develop additional services such as workshops and training programs, and enhance its platform with new features to better serve both speakers and event organizers.