AI researcher, entrepreneur, and investor Rana el Kaliouby expresses concern that AI may evolve into yet another “boys’ club” within the tech sector. During her talk at the SXSW conference in Austin on Sunday, el Kaliouby articulated her belief that insufficient diversity in the field could create economic challenges for women in technology, with broader consequences.

“Currently, I perceive AI as a boys’ club. The topic of diversity isn’t particularly trendy at the moment, but its significance cannot be overstated, as AI is generating remarkable economic prospects,” el Kaliouby stated onstage when questioned if the notion of AI as a boys’ club is merely a myth. (The interviewer presented various headlines from TechCrunch highlighting AI startups led by male founders to illustrate the issue.)

El Kaliouby, who divested her emotion-recognition software enterprise Affectiva in 2021 and is presently a co-founder and general partner at Blue Tulip Ventures, mentioned that 75% of her firm’s investments go to startups led by women CEOs.

“I don’t merely invest in women,” she explained. “However, I actively seek to support these women entrepreneurs, whether through funding or other means, as they aren’t receiving the opportunities they truly deserve.”

“If women are sidelined—whether from not founding these firms, not acquiring necessary funding, or even from not investing in the funds that are backing these companies—we will look back five or ten years from now and…widened the economic divide significantly. This issue greatly troubles me,” el Kaliouby emphasized.

Her mention of the current “unpopularity” of diversity discussions is in reference to the Trump administration’s reduction of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and initiatives, which subsequently affected the tech industry. Such changes influence not just hiring practices in tech firms, but also the development of their products. In AI, for example, companies might be pressured to align their model outputs with the priorities of the White House.

For el Kaliouby, the absence of diversity is not solely about potential economic disadvantages; it also pertains to the outcomes as well.

“I genuinely believe we are in a very thrilling era. However, I firmly assert that if we fail to take action, stand up for what matters to us—like ethics and diversity of thought and viewpoint while prioritizing the human element—the outcomes may not be favorable,” she continued. “Thus, this is a crucial moment to utilize our voices and leadership to shape the future direction.”