Code of silence: speak Stonger’s mission beyond borders

Research methodology This case was developed through a multi-pronged research approach combining primary and secondary data sources. Primary data was collected through interviews with Speak Stronger (an Indian tech startup founded by Bhoomija Vadehra)’s leadership team, including founder Bhoomija Vadehra, COO Nisha Sharma, CTO Amit Kapoor and other key personnel. Additional insights came from interviews with women’s advocacy groups, university administrators and impact investors. Secondary research included analysis of organizational documents, industry reports on gender diversity in technology and data on sexual harassment reporting patterns. Case overview/synopsis This case explores the strategic challenges facing Speak Stronger that has developed an encrypted platform to help sexual harassment survivors document experiences, identify patterns of abuse across institutional boundaries and pursue coordinated action when appropriate. After 18 months of successful operation in Delhi with 47 matches facilitated and 12 coordinated actions supported, Speak Stronger stands at a critical inflection point when an unexpected international match connects users in Delhi and Singapore. With seed funding set to run dry in five months and inquiries flooding in from international locations (Mumbai, Singapore, London, New York), Bhoomija and her leadership team – including COO Nisha Sharma, CTO Amit Kapoor, Head of Product Priya Malhotra and Head of Survivor Support Zara Khan – must make several interconnected strategic decisions. The case presents four key dilemmas: (1) selecting an appropriate funding model that balances financial sustainability with mission integrity; (2) designing an international expansion strategy across diverse cultural and regulatory environments; (3) creating a partnership approach that leverages institutional resources without compromising survivor-centerd values; and (4) developing metrics that meaningfully capture impact beyond conventional growth indicators. The case also highlights how Speak Stronger’s predominantly female team (65% women compared to India’s tech sector average of 26%) provides both challenges and potential strategic advantages in the male-dominated technology ecosystem. This multifaceted case offers instructors flexibility to emphasize social entrepreneurship scaling, international strategy, gender in technology leadership or impact measurement depending on course objectives. Complexity academic level This case is designed primarily for graduate-level business education, specifically MBA and Executive MBA programs. The complex strategic challenges facing Speak Stronger – balancing mission integrity with financial sustainability, navigating international expansion, designing effective partnerships, measuring social impact and leveraging gender diversity as a competitive advantage –provide rich material for advanced management education.