Investors With Proven Track Records Of Diversity Funding Respond To National Crisis

Published on June 6, 2020

With groups across the country protesting George Floyd’s death, venture capitalists and startups have weighed in, expressing solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and the black community overall. But talk is cheap, and actions (such as diversity funding) speaks louder than words.

In the world of VC, that means supporting entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented groups, not only through advice and networking but through investing as well. Tweeting support is one thing, writing checks for black entrepreneurs is another–and the latter is what really counts.

Here are seven powerful statements from firms and funds dedicated to investing in diverse founders and teams.

Note: We understand that this is by no means a complete list of firms dedicated to diversity, so stay tuned for more coverage.

Precursor Ventures

What it does: Invests in seed-stage companies.

Some investments: Spark Grills, Pepper, Planet FWD

“The Precursor team is grieving the loss of our brothers and sister to police violence. We are an all black team. We invest in black founders. We believe that their lives and our lives matter. We remain steadfast in our efforts to create a more just venture ecosystem. We stand alongside those who work to combat the effects that institutional racism and police brutality have on communities of color.” Via Twitter

Kapor Capital

What it does: Invests in seed and early-stage startups that address social needs, with a focus on diversity.

Some investments: Encantos, Bridge, Planet FWD

“This moment calls for more than words (and donations). Every aspect of business as usual needs disruption. We need actions so never again will we have two Americas, one privileged by wealth, opportunity, and safety and the other shackled by skin color and zip code. Some of us can turn off social media, choose not to watch horrific videos and retreat to comfortable private lives, but that escape is a luxury not all of us have. That’s white privilege and those of us who are white must understand and dismantle it…. Never lose sight–every action you take and those you don’t are political acts–where you work, spend your (money), the clothes you wear, the media you consume and who/what you invest in. Choose wisely and justly.”

You can read Kapor Capital’s complete call to action here.

Lo Toney, Plexo Capital Founding Managing Partner

What Plexo Does: Invests in emerging venture capital funds and early-stage companies.

Some investments: iSono Health, PlayVS, Blavity

“As an allocator of capital, it is not enough to invest in one company led by a “diverse” entrepreneur and check the box—it is now time to expand your network to find high potential Black entrepreneurs in your areas of investment and invest in them.”

You can read Toney’s complete post here.

Harlem Capital

What it does: Invests in early-stage companies led by diverse founders, aiming to invest in 1,000 founders over the next 20 years.

Some investments: Curu, Compt, Dexai Robotics

“While the protests are striking, we encourage people to focus on the root cause of these events, which are racism, injustice, and oppression. Words can be meaningful, but actions speak louder. Actions like texting a black colleague, educating yourself and your network, speaking up publicly, voting in elections and voting with your dollars are the start of meaningful change. As a firm with a mission focused on increasing access for minorities and women, we continue to focus on economic empowerment and using our energy to make the world a more equitable place. We cannot achieve this mission alone and will need your support to help uplift our communities. It is not radical to want safety, freedom, justice, and economic opportunity. It is American.”

You can read the full statement here.

Backstage Capital

What it does: Invests in companies led by underrepresented founders.

Some investments: Hava Health, Dressmate, Career Karma

“Investors–we are here to help you invest in more Black and underrepresented founders. We will help curate lists for you and make direct connections. DM for more info.” Via Twitter

Chris Lyons, Andreessen Horowitz Cultural Leadership Fund

What it does: Connects cultural leaders to tech companies. Limited partners include Shonda Rhimes, Quincy Jones and Kevin Durant. Fees and carry from the fund are donated to nonprofits helping African Americans enter the tech industry.

Some investments: Mayvenn, Incredible Health, Overtime, Propel,  Wonderschool,

“Protect our black owned businesses by any means. Black entrepreneurs work day in and out to pull us out of past conditions, and embody what Black excellence looks like in America. If you destroy their vision for making a better Black America, you destroy our hope for a future.” Via Twitter

Miriam Rivera, Ulu Ventures Managing Director

What it does: Invests in early-stage IT companies.

Some investments: Truth{set}, Span.IO, Cerebro Capital

“Let us be allies to communities of all colors and women in these painful times. African Americans, LatinX, Asians, Native Americans, and immigrants and are suffering distinctly in this pandemic. Also let us understand that all Americans and the world share in the great suffering of this pandemic, particularly first-responders, police included, the poor, the incarcerated, the homeless, the elderly, the unemployed, and women. ‘In the end, we will not remember the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends (MLK).’ ”

Related: Global Venture Funding Through The Pandemic, Late-Stage Stays Strong

The article Investors With Proven Track Records Of Diversity Funding Respond To National Crisis by Sophia Kunthara first appeared on Crunchbase News.

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