What it Means to Build with Accessibility-First in Mind
We believe in creating innovative solutions that uplift traditionally excluded communities and lesser-represented groups. Accessibility is not just about including everyone, but it benefits society as a whole. A good example is the use of closed captions, which was originally developed for members of Deaf communities, but it now has become a widespread feature. Many people are now used to—and even prefer—reading captions on screens while scrolling through social media, or using it to learn a new language. This is the curb-effect in action, when accessibility improvements extend beyond the intended audience. These improvements create meaningful change by allowing services to be accessible to all, especially those with differing abilities.
While many are familiar with accessibility, there is one important aspect that is not often explored: accessibility-first design. Entrepreneurs and investors alike are realizing that accessibility is not just a good deed to check off; it’s a business decision to include from the start. As the global market continues to diversify, so does the push for businesses to create solutions that cater to all. Accessibility-first design can future-proof your product, expand your customer base, and contribute to a more welcoming world.
A Trend Towards Accessibility-First Design
For venture capitalists, the shift toward accessibility-first design is both a unique opportunity and a responsibility. When accessible products can reach a wider audience, it can boost both brand loyalty and customer retention. More importantly, accessible businesses are more successful in the long run for reasons discussed later in this blog. After all, it’s far easier to include people than to exclude them.
Accessibility-first is also a mindset that applies to any product and service, whether it’s a tech platform, a physical space, or customer service model. It considers the experience of every user, including those with diverse physical, cognitive, or sensory abilities. According to the WHO, over 1 billion people worldwide today live with some form of disability. So, accessibility-first is about creating universal solutions that don’t need to be added later—solutions that work for everyone, from the start. Universal.
Think about it: how many times have you struggled to navigate a website because it wasn’t optimized for mobile use, or how many potential customers have been turned away because they couldn’t access key information? This is where accessibility-first design shines at its brightest, unlocking the real potential for social ventures and the investors who support them.
A great example of this can be seen in assistive technologies, which have transformed sectors from education to healthcare. One example is voice-controlled features in smartphones, which benefit anyone with mobility challenges or those who simply prefer hands-free interaction.
9 Startups Focused on Accessibility-First Innovation
For venture capitalists seeking high-growth opportunities, these are the nine disruptors at the forefront of accessibility-first innovation:
We’ve also compiled the above list into bite-sized insights for each startup here.
Investing in the Future of Accessibility-First Ventures
Investing in accessibility-first ventures also aligns with the increasing call for corporate responsibility and sustainability. Both consumers and employees are prioritizing companies that demonstrate social responsibility. The demand is stronger than ever, especially in light of the calls for unity and justice around the globe, with 71% of global respondents saying they expect businesses to do more to address societal challenges. To stand with accessibility is to listen to the people and your stakeholders. It’s a powerful differentiator in today’s competitive market.
As an organization committed to fair access and equality, we actively support partners who prioritize accessibility from day one, reinforcing our commitment to creating opportunities for all. The partners we want to back are building solutions that are not just scalable, but sustainable and capable of reaching varied communities, and creating lasting social impact.
By promoting accessibility-first ventures, we’re not only addressing the needs of unjustified groups, but we’re also creating a future where innovation, fair access, and empowerment go hand in hand. The businesses that adopt accessibility-first principles today can be the ones leading the charge in the next era of innovation, ones that break down hurdles and create new opportunities.
We believe that building with accessibility-first design is the right choice, not just ethically, but strategically. It’s about designing solutions that not only serve today’s market, but anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s world. It’s about closing the wealth gap, creating employment opportunities for Deaf and minority communities, and promoting social currency within them. As investors, when we commit to funding ventures that prioritize accessibility, we’re investing in businesses that will stand the test of time and help create a fairer future for all.
The future of business is accessible. And the future of social change starts with you.
