A New Wave Podcast
Queer Entrepreneurship, Overcoming Challenges, and Building Community
Naoufel Testaouni and Andy Saldaña , co-founders of QueerTech, explore their journeys as queer entrepreneurs and the creation of their organization. From their serendipitous meeting at a Montreal tech event to scaling QueerTech into a national movement, they discuss the systemic challenges faced by queer entrepreneurs, the importance of representation, and how they built a thriving community. Along the way, they share insights on transitioning from volunteer work to full-time entrepreneurship, the power of "program-market fit," and their ambitious vision for the future of QueerTech.
Season 11 — June 16, 2025
5 Key Takeaways:
- Representation Fuels Belonging
Both Naoufel and Andy noticed the lack of queer and diverse faces in tech spaces, which inspired them to create QueerTech. Seeing yourself reflected in your industry is critical for confidence and belonging. - Entrepreneurship Can Be a Lifeline
For many queer individuals, entrepreneurship isn’t always a choice—it’s a necessity due to workplace discrimination, especially for trans and non-binary folks. QueerTech provides support for those forced into entrepreneurial paths. - Community Drives Growth
QueerTech’s rapid expansion (from a local meetup to a pan-Canadian organization) was fueled by the pandemic’s virtual shift, proving that community-building transcends physical boundaries. - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Andy’s journey highlights how intersectional identities (queer, Latin, non-Ivy educated) can create self-doubt. Recognizing non-traditional entrepreneurial role models—like family hustlers—helped him claim his space. - Think Big, Start Small
From setting financial goals to quit their jobs to aiming for a billion dollars in funding for queer-led startups, Naoufel and Andy emphasize incremental wins while keeping ambitious long-term visions.
Show Notes:
[00:01:00] Naoufel and Andy introduce their backgrounds and the inception of QueerTech.
[00:03:00] Andy’s New York Tech Meetup experience and noticing the lack of diversity.
[00:07:00] How QueerTech scaled from a volunteer project to a full-time venture.
[00:09:00] An unexpected twist from the pandemic: Virtual events expanded their reach nationally.
[00:18:00] Systemic challenges for queer entrepreneurs—from micro-aggressions to funding barriers.
[00:20:00] Andy’s realization that entrepreneurship isn’t just for the privileged; it’s for hustlers like his mom.
[00:28:00] Wanting to see queers advance in leadership roles and executive roles
[00:30:00] Closing advice: Find your community and embrace non-linear journeys.
Highlights
"Things started to click in my head that I was surrounded by entrepreneurs my entire life. They just were not called entrepreneurs…it took seeing somebody talk about their own non-traditional entrepreneurial journey for me to start connecting the dots and find the confidence in claiming my own space in the entrepreneurial world.” [00:20:00]
"The world owes you nothing..are you ready to take advantage of the things that it presents to you when the time is right?"
[00:30:00]
"I think finding your community and people that can support you is very important to be successful and make it through that journey in a way that you can thrive and not just survive every day." [00:31:00]
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