Minneapolis-based tech startup 26 Letters has scooped up Hack the Gap, a local group that organizes hackathons for women and non-binary people in Twin Cities tech.
Founded in 2016, 26 Letters is creating an online platform that creates assessments and action plans for companies to increase diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Named after the number of letters in the alphabet, 26 Letters hopes to make people conscious of the culture and language used while trying to build more inclusive workplaces.
26 Letters CEO Caroline Karanja was a first-year participant in Hack the Gap. She's also served as a judge at the event.
Hack the Gap is 26 Letters' first acquisition. Karanja will assume leadership of the organization. Hack the Gap Founder Kristen Womack will remain involved as an adviser and participant in future hackathons. 26 Letters declined to disclosed other terms of the deal.
In January, Hack the Gap completed its fifth annual hackathon. The organization describes the competition as a "sporting event for nerds and builders." At the start of the weekend, people pitch a problem they want to solve, then form a team and build something that proves out the idea in less than 48 hours.
"It's a place to stretch your mind, learn new skills, work against constraints and have an experience with a group of people that is more bonding than a networking happy hour," Hack the Gap said in a release.
Over the last five years, more than 350 women and non-binary people have participated in the hackathon. Minne Inno reported earlier this year that Hack the Gap planned to expand the program.
"We're joining 26 Letters to amplify more voices and keep working toward a more inclusive and diverse tech community full of companies with inclusive and diverse cultures," the organization said. "Creating this kind of environment is critical to keeping women and non-binary folks interested in technology stay within the tech industry."
