Amplifying Black Voices in VC & Startups

Jun 5, 2020

Here at The Cap Table, our mission is to help more people get (and stay) on the capitalization table.

Historically, equity upside in startups and VC has been reserved predominantly for already-wealthy white males. This has helped create and perpetuate a cycle of inequity in this country.

We stand in solidarity with those protesting for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, David McAtee, and the countless other black and brown people killed by senseless police violence.

Unequal access to capital and resources is a result of systemic racism that permeates every aspect of our society.

The future will be built by black & brown founders and investors.

Period.

This week, we’re highlighting founders, investors, operators, and sharing resources for people of color and allies to the community.

For non-people-of-color in startups and VC, the time for talk is over. We’re encouraged by some of the efforts this last week to raise awareness and funds, but we’re barely scratching the surface.

We cannot allow this moment to be a flash in the pan; we need systemic change. We promise to listen to and amplify black voices in our community. We promise to continually advocate for change and to hold leaders accountable.

Bookmark this.

Take time to learn.

-TCT Team

A mural of George Floyd in Minneapolis by Xena Goldman, Cadex Herrera, Greta McLain, Niko Alexander, and Pablo Hernandez (via: Grace Ebert / Colossal)

Resources for Black Founders & Operators

A16Z Talent X Opportunity Fund
The Black Founder List (US-Based, Venture-Backed)
BLCK VC - Bringing Together Black VC's and founders.
Backstage Capital - Backstage Capital has invested over $7M in more than 130 companies led by underrepresented founders.
DivInc - bridging the gap between underrepresented entrepreneurs and the resources they need to build profitable, high-growth companies,
Fearless Fund - Fearless Fund invests in women of color led businesses seeking pre-seed, seed level, or series A financing.
Harlem Capital - focused on investing in minority and women founders in the United States.
⚡️ Ultimate list of Professional Online Communities - via Complish

Black Founders to Follow

Squawk Box @SquawkCNBC

"This world's unfair. The conditions of surviving in it as a person of color gives you the attributes of being the perfect entrepreneur," says @pauljudge on SoftBank's new $100M fund. "It's not only the right thing to do, but it's a profitable thing to do." https://t.co/QhYczezmjh

Emerging Black VCs You Should Invest into as an LP

Ivan Alo, Co-Founder & Managing Partner @ New Age Capital - a seed fund focused on Black and LatinX founders.
Simeon Iheagwam, Founding Partner @ NOEMIS Ventures - a seed fund with several Black founders in portfolio.
Jewel Burks Solomon, Co-Founder & Managing Partner @ Collab Capital - a seed fund focused on Black founders.
Maria Velissaris, Founding Partner @ SteelSky Ventures - a fund focused on women’s health with Black founders in portfolio.
source: (LinkedIn / Chase Ross Emanuel)