Why the Tech Scene Is Stuck at 14% Women
Gartner’s latest sniff reveals that the percentage of women holding roles in tech companies has been flat‑lined at a stubborn 14% for an entire decade. It’s the kind of “what, really?” statistic that sparks both frustration and a call to action.
Enter the Trailblazer: Maryse Liburdi of Pokeware
Maryse leads a $44 million tech unicorn called Pokeware. Founded in 1997, Pokeware lets users “poke” at products while binge‑watching content on tablets or smartphones. It’s a pay‑per‑click model – advertisers only pay when a consumer actually clicks.
Key highlights:
- Strategic partners include PayPal, the Olympic Games, NBA, Gucci, and Elle magazine.
- Selected as a Global Growth Company by the World Economic Forum in 2012.
- Maryse champions the tech sector in the U.S. and has meetings at the White House with Vice President Biden, Senator Chuck Schumer, and Senator Orrin Hatch to push for patent reform and innovation protection.
The UK Expansion Plan
Maryse is gearing up to beef up Pokeware’s footprint in the UK this year. Her strategy? Local partnerships, targeted pitches, and a sprinkle of Hollywood flair to make the brand stick. The tech scene can’t wait to see how she rolls it out.
Watch the Pokeware demo below to get the full scoop on how it works!
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Where did the idea for Pokeware come from?
Picture This: A TV Show Turns Into Your Personal Shopping Mall
So there I was, nose to the screen, watching my favorite show when… bam! A gadget slipped across the living room like an online treasure hunt.
Hunting the Mystery Item
I spent a whole week, sweating over Google, forums, and a handful of random websites – basically, I turned into a detective with a magnifying glass and a caffeine budget.
My brain said: “Why not just tap the TV and get the info right there?” That would’ve been like a pre‑select button for a hit‑list.
Enter the “Living Catalogue”
Imagine your set‑top box as a dynamic, ever‑changing catalog. All the sofas, hats, and kitchen gadgets are live 3‑D listings waiting to be explored. It’s the app‑store of the home.
Ready, Set, Shop!
- Click. Browse. Buy.
- No more scrolling through slow, dated product lists.
- Every item is a click away, right there on the screen.
Now that’s the future of binge‑watching and shopping.
What’s your business model?
Pokeware: Turning Old Movies into Shopping Adventures
What the Marketers Love
Picture this: while you’re binge‑watching the next superhero blockbuster or the latest viral music video, there’s a hidden “poke‑spot” that’s actually a clickable product. These tiny, eye‑catching hotspots are where brands put their magic. Click, tap, or swoosh – and you’re instantly steered to the product you spotted. It’s like having a super‑secret shopping list inside every ad‑free frame.
- Short‑form, high‑impact video – Think movie trailers, sports highlights, instant music clips.
- Instant product links – Click the hotspot and boom: you’re redirected to the exact item highlighted in the scene.
- Pay‑only‑when‑you‑click – Brands enjoy a “no‑click, no‑cost” payment model. If the audience ignores the poke‑spot, the bill stays at zero.
Why Creators are Going Nuclear
Content creators get to sprinkle brand magic into their stories without messing with the screenplay or the cinematic vibes. Every product in the frame is visible and gets its moment in the spotlight. This means a bigger, richer pool of product placement slots – and keep the content looking tidy.
- No script changes – Brands fit in perfectly, staying true to the story.
- Clear visuals – Every advertised item is clear and faithfully displayed.
- New revenue streams – More products = higher placement value = extra cash for the creators.
Bottom line: Pokeware is the ultimate “in‑video shopping” experience that keeps the content smooth, preserves the storytelling, and gives brands a way to advertise that feels almost invisible (but in a totally profitable way).
How are you funded?
Our Funding Story
We’re a self‑contained ship—no institutional investors hovering overhead, no VC sharks lining our decks. Instead, we keep our own sails billowing, fueled by cash‑flow positivity that keeps the lights on and the coffee flowing.
Why that matters
- We make decisions on our own terms, not on someone else’s schedule.
- The only “backers” we rely on are the customers who keep the revenue coming.
- We’ve proved you can run a business without the fancy funding frenzy.
So yeah, we’re privately funded, and that’s a good thing. We’re proud of running the show on our own, and we keep shipping smile‑wide results—no external backers required.
How did you win your first client?
How Pokeware Rocked the Market with a Few Smart Moves
Pokeware is more than just another tech startup; it’s a master strategist who knows that great products need hooking them up with great audiences. Instead of reinventing the wheel, the company lines up power‑plays with blockbuster channels—music videos, sports events, in‑flight entertainment, and celebrity shoutouts—to jump‑start growth.
Epic Partnerships That Made Headlines
- Music Video Magic – In 2005, MTV premiered a tale‑twisting remix of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by Pras (Fugees). The clip wasn’t just about rhymes; it showcased Pokeware’s tech to a staggering 300‑plus million households.
- Sports Meets Tech – From scoring plays to streaming gadgets, Pokeware has snuck into stadiums, letting fans enjoy seamless connectivity during the biggest games.
- Flying High – On flights, the brand’s solutions keep passengers entertained, connected, and ready to share memes from the comfort of their seats.
- Celebrity Spotlights – When A‑listers lean on Pokeware’s technology, it’s instantly pushed into millions of social‑media feeds.
Results That Sparked a Boom
When the first MTV video launched, every product displayed in the clip sold out—proof that a single well‑placed shoutout can explode buzz. This bump catapulted Pokeware into Global Growth Company status by 2012, a title that’s all the more impressive because it came after the company kept its product line largely unchanged.
Why It Works (and Why It’s Irrepressibly Cool)
Pokeware’s key recipe: less change, more connection. They focus on the audience’s first impressions via high‑traffic venues, let their tech shine, and let the hype do the heavy lifting—least effort, most gain. If you’re looking for a brand that knows how to make noise without overhauling its core, that’s the one.
How have you scaled the business?
How Pokeware, Sofia Vergara, and Social Media Became a Goldmine
Picture This…
Pokeware joined forces with Sofia Vergara, the charismatic star of Modern Family, to turn her online presence into a streaming money machine.
Why This Matters
- Every post, whether a photo or a video, is now a cash‑cobweb for advertisers.
- Sofia brings over 4.8 million Facebook fans, and her total online fam is estimated around 9 million people.
- These numbers prove that folks are ready to pay to shout out in front of millions.
The Bottom Line
Those case studies are the sweet spot that convinced advertisers, content owners, and the tech gang at Pokeware that monetising social media is not just a wild idea—it’s a solid, revenue‑driven strategy.
How big is the UK market for you?
Digital Economy: From Myth to Reality
What the Story Really Says
People still think the internet economy is a handful of tiny dotcoms or bio‑tech start‑ups in a few tech hubs. In truth, it’s spread into every corner of the business world.
Why the Myths Still Persist
- Old News – The first wave of online companies got all the TV coverage.
- Size Matters – Outsized companies are easy to spot, smaller ones hide in plain sight.
- Cluttered Headlines – “Just another startup” becomes the default label.
The Digital Reality (No Fluff)
The digital economy has become the backbone of nearly every sector:
From software‑only firms to hardware specialists, the industry now relies on Big Data tools—touching everything from e‑commerce giants to machine‑tool producers who run large open‑source stacks like Hadoop.
Industries Gone Digital
- Retail & e‑commerce – Online storefronts and automated logistics.
- Manufacturing – Smart factories powered by real‑time analytics.
- Healthcare – Telemedicine and data‑driven diagnostics.
- Agriculture – Precision farming with IoT sensors.
- Finance – FinTech platforms handling transactions instantly.
Tech Behind the Scenes
Companies are no longer just “shiny apps”. Machine‑tool vendors and even large legacy firms are opting for open‑source data‑processing tools, and Hadoop is here for good.
Bottom Line: No More “Dotcoms‑Only” Thought
The internet economy is the first image of how the future will look, and it will keep growing—unfurling like a web across all industries. So if you still think it’s just a handful of small start‑ups, it’s time for a reality check.
What do you think of London’s tech scene? How can it be better?
Investment Shortfall: A Wake‑Up Call for the Tech Scene
Short on funding? A straightforward reality check: the tech economy across the UK and the EU is getting the short end of the stick when it comes to investment.
Why the Current Setup Isn’t Cutting It
- Ideas are flying high, but so are the costs of getting them off the ground.
- Bright minds are stuck waiting for capital—much like a marathon runner waiting for a clear finish line.
- The economy feels the heat because the lack of fresh money stalls growth and innovation.
What We Need on the Horizon
More than a splash of funds—think steady, strategic investment that fuels:
- Start‑ups with game‑changing tech.
- Research that turns tomorrow’s breakthroughs into today’s products.
- Industries that will drive the next wave of prosperity.
Doing It Right: A Few Key Moves
- Boost public‑private partnerships: Ensure governments and investors put their chips together.
- Create incentives: Tax breaks and grants that spark new ventures.
- Streamline regulatory hoops: Reduce bureaucratic friction so funding flows faster.
The Bottom Line
Our tech talent isn’t the thing—capital is. With a robust inflow of investment, the UK and the EU stand to not just grow their economies, but to lead the world into a bright, tech‑powered future.
You were at the White House recently discussing patents, why?
What Pokeware Knew About the White House
Over two whirlwind days, Pokeware sat down with the front‑line policymakers tackling the tech world’s hottest topics. I had the chance to dream big (and tinker a little) in the Roosevelt Room and even got to chat with Vice President Joe Biden and a squad of senior White House staff.
The Dream Team
- Joe Biden – The Vice President himself
- Jason Furman – Economic mind behind the table
- Cecilia Munoz – Policy strategist extraordinaire
- Valerie Jarrett – Experience in all things tech
- Jeffrey Zients – Think tank wizard
What Told Us Why It Matters
Our conversation kicked off with a big picture mind‑game about how the tech sector is building jobs in America, reshaping immigration, and revamping the patent system. And because—let’s face it—I’ve been knee‑deep in patents for years, hitting “apply” on my shiny inventions multiple times, the patent debate hit close to home. It’s not just policy; it’s personal.
Humor & Emotion In the Table
Every time we touched on a patent, I laughed inconspicuously, thinking about the “mad scientist” vibe I bring to the office—one that might actually earn me a Nobel if I won’t be incautiously hiding it in the cold, simplistic formulation of the patents. “Hold on, there’s a new kind of patent that one’s not discovered yet.” “It feels a bit old.”
Why It’s Going To Matter
When the tech gig, as I tackled, becomes a benchmark for worldwide software, vision by “Neon “ + “Silver” does not get long birth, it’s been a game‑changer for all the systems, and is just the final corner with the most of hundreds.
What should be done to get more women in tech?
Women in Tech: The Stride to the Top
Why the Gender Gap Still Exists
Tech has plenty of talented women, but the climb to leadership is still steep. Without a clear path, many brilliant gals get stuck in the “support” roles instead of steering the ship.
Mentorship: Your Secret Super‑Power
- Lean in. Find a mentor who will teach you how to champion your own ideas.
- Celebrate every win. It’s not just about the final product; shout out your small victories too!
- Stay authentic. You can be strong and still keep that feminine spark alive.
- Keep pushing. Consistency is the key to breaking those invisible barriers.
Think of It Like a Marathon
Every year I lace up and train— because staying in that mindset turns a marathon into a masterpiece.
Role Models That Rock
Big thumbs up to Lisa Lambert from Intel Capital and Safra Catz from Oracle— two trailblazers who prove that ambition and grace can live side by side.
What are your plans for Pokeware?
The Pokeware Playbook: Turning Video Clutter into Clickable Wonderland
Picture this: you’re scrolling through TikTok, and suddenly—bam—a full‑screen advertisement steals your attention, hits a random button, and you’re left wondering if you’re watching a video or being pushed into an ad‑filled void. Pokeware says “No thank you!” and invites us to stop the ad‑noise circus.
Channel Sync: A Seamless Fit for Every Platform
Pokeware is already chewing up the big names in media:
- YouTube – because who doesn’t love watching binge-worthy videos?
- Vimeo – the creators’ playground.
- Vevo – all the pop music vibes.
- Facebook – the forever social hub.
- Instagram – where every swipe is a story.
- Twitter – quick nuggets and long threads.
- And more: the list is ever expanding, like a buffet that never ends.
For each of these, Pokeware promises smooth integration so that your favorite channel’s traffic flows into a tidy, ad‑free pipeline.
Mobile: The New Frontier – Less Clutter, More Clicks
Suddenly, mobile isn’t just a shortcut. It’s a full‑blown playground where users keep everything in their pocket. Pokeware’s goal? To be the go‑to for mobile viewers who simply can’t stand time‑consuming ads.
Why the buzz? Because:
- No invasive video ads. It’s all about preserving the user’s flow, not hijacking it.
- Mobile real estate waiting. Our users crave content that respects their space; Pokeware delivers.
- Social synergy. When a pokable photo drops into a feed, it sparks organic chatter—great for that “word‑of‑mouth” magic that, frankly, is the holy grail for crossing the chasm.
The result? A sticky, shareable experience. No more interruptions, just pure, engaging content that keeps users on their screens for longer.
Bottom Line: The Pokeware Difference
It’s not just a friendly gesture; it’s a strategic shift. By slipping into popular channels and sprouting up on mobile, Pokeware aims to outshine the ad‑tech crowd and become the friendly giant that viewers actually love. The future is click‑free…and that’s the sweet spot we’re chasing.
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