Abstract
This paper introduces the initial phase of research aimed at unravelling challenges of gender diversity within technology start-up teams. It delves into the barriers hindering gender diversity, the challenges in gender-diverse team, and elucidates strategies employed to foster innovation. Drawing upon case study findings derived from 20 interviews conducted with team members across five technology start-ups in Indonesia, this study investigates a unique cultural context in a developing country. By exploring diverse viewpoints within the same institutional framework, the research addresses a crucial gap in understanding how start-ups navigate the challenges of fostering gender-diverse teams for innovation. The study highlights two strategies used by particular start-ups to improve gender diversity and enhance innovation performance: establishing effective diversity management practices and developing strong internal dynamics. The preliminary findings underscore practical and theoretical implications for strengthening start-ups' capacity to drive innovation through gender-diverse teams. It also highlight the critical need for proactive measures to address the persistent gender imbalance within the IT sector. By advocating for gender equality, these efforts align with broader sustainable development goals, amplifying the importance of inclusive practices within entrepreneurial ecosystems such as start-up.