Published on 29/10/2024
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Himanshu Sharma and Vishal Mishra
Himanshu Sharma and Vishal Mishra
  • Vishal Mishra and Himanshu Sharma are the co-founders of GoDiverse
  • It aims to connect corporations with underrepresented suppliers
  • The founders credit Aston University’s accelerator program, BSEEN, for playing a significant role in the GoDiverse journey.

Two Aston University alumni have launched a ‘game-changing’ platform designed to simplify access, amplify visibility and unite efforts in supplier diversity across the UK.

Vishal Mishra and Himanshu Sharma are the co-founders of GoDiverse, which aims to connect corporations with underrepresented suppliers, creating a centralised resource for minority, women, LGBTQ+, disabled, veteran-owned and small businesses to easily reach potential corporate partners.

They say the platform is a response to the challenges that many organisations face in accessing a consolidated database of diverse suppliers and that by uniting data across diverse supplier categories, GoDiverse eliminates the fragmentation that often hinders corporate procurement, making it simpler for businesses to engage with suppliers who represent the UK’s diverse communities.

GoDiverse offers a one-stop solution for corporations looking to partner with underrepresented suppliers. The platform is designed to save corporates from the need to visit multiple organisations or websites, thereby streamlining their procurement processes. Suppliers, whether officially certified or not, are encouraged to claim their profile on the platform at no cost. The founders credit Aston University’s accelerator program, BSEEN, for playing a significant role in the GoDiverse journey.

Vishal Mishra, co-founder of GoDiverse, said:

“We realised early on that the biggest hurdle in amplifying supplier diversity in the UK was fragmentation and the lack of a reliable data source.

“GoDiverse aims to complement the groundbreaking work done by advocacy networks by leveraging the power of technology.

“Our mission is simple: make it easy for corporates to access diverse suppliers, saving time, money, and effort.”

Himanshu Sharma, co-founder of GoDiverse, said:

“Over the past few years, the need for improved supplier diversity data has become more evident.

“GoDiverse is tackling this head-on with a proprietary Unified Database that brings together supplier information across all diverse categories at no cost to the suppliers.

“With less than 5% of UK-based diverse suppliers officially certified, many corporations are struggling to find and engage with diverse suppliers.

“GoDiverse bridges that gap by creating a centralized source where corporates can easily identify and connect with diverse suppliers, fostering economic inclusion and growth.”

Carolyn Keenan, head of Aston Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, said:

“I am extremely proud of what Vishal Mishra and Himanshu Sharma the two co-founders of GoDiverse have achieved. 

“They have maximised what they learnt from studying for their Masters in Entrepreneurship at Aston Business School along with their time being supported by the BSEEN startup support programme. 

“Through GoDiverse they have successfully utilised technology to create a comprehensive database to make it easier for corporates to access a trusted diverse supply chain.”

If you are a founder from underrepresented background, increase your visibility amongst corporate at no cost, you can sign up to the GoDiverse Unified Database here.

For more information on GoDiverse click here.

Notes to Editors

About Aston University

For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.

Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.

Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming The Guardian University of the Year in 2020.

Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.

For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7446 910063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk

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