National Black MBA Association - DFW Chapter’s Post

In 2019, working full-time on my own business for the first time, I quickly realized the limitations of self-funding and relying solely on support from friends and family. In 2021 I moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, a city with deep historical roots in Black entrepreneurship. Here, I discovered a vibrant startup ecosystem and truly grasped the transformative potential of venture capital. 👉🏽 But remember, potential is nothing if not realized. I’m saddened but not shocked to hear that Black founders raised 0.13% of all capital allocated to U.S. startups in Q3 of 2023. That’s about $39.7 million out of $29.9 billion (TechCrunch). 🌟 In the face of these statistics, I’m choosing to be optimistic. Perhaps by shining a light on these disparities and actively working to address them, we can create a more inclusive and equitable entrepreneurial landscape for all. As we celebrate Black History Month, let's not just reflect on the achievements and contributions of Black entrepreneurs but also commit ourselves to fostering an environment where every founder, regardless of background, has the chance to thrive. 📣 What actions will you commit to this month to support diverse entrepreneurship? #InclusiveVentureCapital #DiversityInTech #BlackEntrepreneurs #BlackHistoryMonth #changemakers

The recent article from Wall Street Journal on how more Black Americans are buying stocks moved me to write a blog encouraging them to also become angel investors and why they should do it. Here's a snippet from the blog: "While the rise in Black stock ownership is an encouraging development, it opens up an important discussion about the next steps in wealth-building strategies. Building on this momentum, it’s time to explore the potential for Black investors to transition from being stock buyers to becoming angel investors. This shift could further empower the community by actively participating in the early-stage funding of innovative startups and, in turn, contributing to the creation of generational wealth." Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/etGuQKB9

How the Banking System Fails Black Communities: The Urgent Need for More Black-Owned Banks and Venture Capital Funding 💥 📉 Wealth Inequality: Shawn Wooden emphasized that "wealth isn’t just about a high income. It’s your assets minus your liabilities." He highlighted the necessity to focus on wealth creation through property ownership, savings, and investments. 💡 Venture Capital Disparity: Did you know? White entrepreneurs start with an average capital of $107,000, while Black entrepreneurs begin with $35,000. “This gap is a fundamental issue. We need to foster environments where Black entrepreneurs can access substantial venture capital.” – Jabari Young “Venture capital is about the highest return on investment. And we need more Black-owned firms investing in potentially billion-dollar companies founded by Black and brown entrepreneurs.” – Monique Idlett-Mosley Black founders in the U.S. raised 0.48% of all venture dollars allocated last year. Currently, less than 2% of venture funding goes to Black women. 🏦 Role of Black Banks: There are only 23 Black banks in the U.S. with a combined asset base of $8 billion. Congresswoman Maxine Waters pointed out that Black banks suffer from a lack of capital. These institutions are crucial for providing loans to small businesses and supporting community development. 📚 Financial Literacy: Shawn Wooden highlighted the importance of saving and investing within the Black community. "We have to become more savers and investors, less consumers and spenders." 🤝 Public Policy and Private Investment: Monique Idlett-Mosley called for legislative support to ensure the success of solutions like Solo Funds, a peer-to-peer marketplace aimed at underfunded communities. 📢 Call to Action: As Congresswoman Maxine Waters said, "This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. We need to open up the avenues of opportunity and ensure that capital flows into our communities." We need to foster environments where Black entrepreneurs thrive, promote financial literacy, and dismantle systemic barriers to achieve economic equality. Let's support Black banks and venture capital firms in driving meaningful change. 🌍 Read more https://lnkd.in/d-rCtCh9 Gillian Marcelle, PhD Joe Cardillo Samantha Katz Dr. Venessa Marie Perry Shari Dunn Mike Green Dorien Nunez Richard Venegar #entrepreneurship #founders #blackbanks

It's so disheartening to see that the amount of funding making it into the hands of Black founders nosedived for the third year in a row, with 2023 closing out at an abysmal 0.48% of total VC dollars. (This is ~$660 million out of $136 billion. With a B). The tech industry loudly pledged its support for Black founders and startups after the death of George Floyd... but as the outrage simmered to a faint whisper, so did the promised progress. This dip in funding is part of a larger trend so prominent it's been coined the "the Great Rollback" - the widespread reduction of support for black companies. It makes what we're building at Foresight even more important. One of our customers, who is a huge supporter of KC-based black business owners, eloquently explained why he's so passionate (and certain in the profitability) of the mission to loan to traditionally overlooked borrowers - They've spent so long doing so much with so little. 👀 Where others see higher risk, he sees the potential for much higher returns. And his logic? ROCK-SOLID. The inherent bias and blatant discrimination that locked generations out of mortgages, business loans, and all other forms of credit has resulted in extraordinarily self-reliant, fiscally responsible, and very very careful entrepreneurs. When you don't have a $100K credit line to lean on, you have only one option in your business - learn to masterfully manage your cash flow, or die. As we start 2024, let's shine more light on the need for renewed commitment to supporting Black entrepreneurs and startups. Diversity is a strength that drives innovation, and it's imperative that we ensure equitable access to funding and opportunities for all. Reversing the damaging narrative that intentionally supporting and advancing black-led startups is NOT equitable - that's priority #1. Looking at you, Edward Blum. #SupportBlackFounders #DiversityInTech #EquityMatters

🔎 Did you know? Black founders secured only 0.5% of the $11.9 billion raised by Web3 startups in 2022, and Latino founders received none. These innovators are at the forefront of creating solutions that meet market needs but continue to encounter challenges in accessing capital and networks. 📊 Key Insights from our latest report in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, "Building a More Equitable Web3:" ◾ Overall VC investments in Web3 fell by 36% in 2022, with Black-led businesses experiencing a dramatic 45% decrease. ◾ The funding gap for Black and Latino founders highlights the urgent need for more inclusive support and investment. ◾ CCI spoke to over 60 underrepresented builders across the US who are solving problems like financial exclusion, inefficiencies in healthcare data management, and fragmentation in cross-border payments. As the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) prepare for their gatherings in DC, the focus remains on advancing equity, justice, and economic opportunity - just as Black and Latino builders are doing in Web3. By creating solutions that drive inclusive innovation, they’re helping shape a more equitable digital economy. Read more👇 https://lnkd.in/eFfVjDsN

We have approaching 3 million Black businesses but 92% have no employees. Blacks get less than 2% of high financing in the stock market, venture capital, or angel investing. We also lose $157 billion because of undervaluing our real estate today which - gives us less equity capital. High Powered Commercial Real Estate insider and Business Investor Gary Smith gives us the Scoop on fighting "The War On African American Entrepreneurs." Check it out at: https://lnkd.in/e-GZt3Z7

Thanks Wellington Management Private Investing for having me as the speaker for over 100+ of your team members. Discussion on entrepreneurship, venture investing, diversity in tech and so more. I enjoyed the thoughtful questions and discussions. Cc: Van Jones , Ahmed Ismail, CFA

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 #BlackOwnedBusinesses ✊ It’s more than just a transaction; it’s a commitment to uplifting voices, talents, and dreams that deserve to thrive. Let’s all do our part this #BlackBusinessMonth and beyond. Here’s how you can make an impact: 1/ Support Niche Markets Black entrepreneurs offer unique products across various sectors—from fashion and beauty to technology and food. Explore, embrace, and support the diversity of what’s offered. 2/ Invest in Black Entrepreneurs Crowdfunding/Investment platforms are great ways to invest in Black-owned startups. If you have expertise, consider offering mentorship or resources to help Black entrepreneurs grow their businesses. 3/ Partner with Black-Owned Businesses Collaborate with Black-owned businesses on projects or events to unlock new opportunities for everyone involved. For instance, include Black-owned businesses in your supply chain to promote supplier diversity. 4/ Commit to Long-Term Support Make supporting Black-owned businesses a regular habit, not just during Black Business Month. Educate yourself and others about the challenges Black entrepreneurs face - advocacy and awareness are crucial to driving change! 5/ Advocate for Policy Changes Support policies that promote economic equality and better access to capital for Black entrepreneurs. Vote with your dollars by supporting companies committed to diversity and inclusion. Let’s create lasting change by supporting and uplifting Black-owned businesses today and every day. 🚀 — ⭐️ Featuring our incredible pledged funds: Anita C Roberts of Silicon Hills Capital Euler B. of VestedWorld Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes of Aruwa Capital Management #BeyondTheBillion #EconomicEquity #SupportBlackBusiness

This is why we do what we do at Nobellum - and why hosting events like the BIS Summit is critical for increasing representation at all levels of leadership and industry. Black female fund investors are a fraction of 1% of all financiers. That being the case, what chance do you think female founders have - particularly ones that are bringing products and services for the black community to market like Rochelle Smith and Tosin Olivia During? At the current rate of economic mobility, it’s estimated that it’s going to take black households 320 years to reach parity with white ones. We refuse to accept that as fact, and are going to encourage as many investors and entrepreneurs as possible to think BIG and make their impact on the innovation economy. Our mission is simple: 💥Bring awareness and resources to black founders 💥Lead by example as black female angel investors and VCs 💥Advocate for policy that protects and supports diverse founders and funders 💥 Be at the table when it comes time to write a cheque and support the growth of diverse founders and pro-social companies Want to get on board with this? Tickets to the BIS summit are FREE - link in comments. #blackinnovation #blackexcellence #venturecapital #bissummit #nobellum #entrepreneurship Melisa Ellis

Excited to be a judge for Black Ambition. Founded by Pharrell Williams in 2020, Black Ambition empowers Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs to excel. To date, the fund has awarded approximately $6,000,000. The Black Ambition network of founders has gone on to raise more than $9,000,000. Applications close May 6th, at 6 PM PST... If you're building in the following categories, I encourage you to apply. - Consumer Products and Services - Healthcare - Media and Entertainment - Technology - AI Check size will range from  $15,000 to $1,000,000. - Must have at least one founder or co-founder who identifies as Black/African/African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/a/ - Must have raised no more than $1M in dilutive funding to date - Must have progress (working prototype, minimum viable product, etc.) - Must not be a capital intensive business (pharmaceuticals, biotech, etc.) - Must be based in the US To learn more about the eligibility requirements for the Black Ambition Prize, please visit https://lnkd.in/eTDKeASN For additional support to complete your application please refer to https://lnkd.in/ebsg8bNs #blackfounders #latinfounders #venturecapital #closethewealthgap Ron Oliver Rochelle Grayson Joe Hurd Ivan Montoya Carolina Huaranca Mendoza Lorena C Tobi Adamolekun Monique Woodard Brittany Charlton