BLCK VC

As a Black-owned Executive Search Firm, we're constantly looking for information around multicultural and women owned startups to support. With majority of these companies having VC backing... a couple years ago while doing research around the representation of Black investors within venture capital... we came across the "State of Black Venture Report" put together by BLCK VC... This report has been a game changer for us and we wanted to take the time to shed light on this insightful report... and over the next few weeks breakdown our key takeaways. https://www.blckvc.org/ - checkout their website for more information and learn how you can download the most recent "SBVR 2023"

A couple of weeks ago, as we commemorated Juneteenth, we were reminded of the power of community, the importance of resilience, & the transformative potential of diversity, equity, & inclusion in venture capital. Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans & serves as a powerful symbol of freedom & resilience. It also stands as a poignant reminder of our ongoing journey towards equality & justice—a journey that continues today. At BLCK VC, our mission has always been driven by the collective progress we aim to achieve towards a more inclusive & equitable venture capital landscape. Since our inception in 2017, we have been dedicated to connecting, engaging, empowering, & advancing Black venture investors. Our journey has been fueled by a vision to drive systemic change, reduce the Black wealth gap, encourage entrepreneurship within the Black community, & stimulate economic growth & innovation. Our community is the heart & soul of BLCK VC. It's more than a network; it's a family that uplifts & empowers. The support, mentorship, & opportunities within our community have enabled many to excel in the venture capital industry. I am proud of your dedication & resilience. Your efforts show that investing diversely is investing in the future. Our achievements, including continued investment in high-potential, under-resourced founders despite current challenges, underscore the importance of our collective effort. Shout to: WAV; Zeal Capital Partners; Capitalize VC; Collab Capital; Collide Capital The ongoing challenges we face highlight the critical need for our work. Recent legal decisions & growing opposition to DEI initiatives underscore the persistent systemic barriers in society. These challenges emphasize the urgent need for organizations like us & others to champion equitable access to capital for historically excluded groups. These setbacks are not isolated incidents, but broader challenges to inclusion & fairness. They are a call to action for us to intensify our efforts, counter regressive forces, & continue advocating for equity in venture. Our work is guided by the belief that DEI is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage - & by promoting diversity within venture capital, we're creating opportunities for Black investors & driving better outcomes for the entire industry. To the BLCK VC community—our members, mentors, partners (Salesforce Ventures, GV, AWS for Startups, SVB, Cooley, NEA, Norwest) & supporters—thank you for your relentless pursuit of excellence & equity. In the spirit of John Lewis's powerful words, "Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble." Let's continue to rise together; lift as we climb; & create a legacy of opportunity, empowerment, and success for future generations. -rob

🚀 Mark your calendars for the Emerging Manager Policy Webinar on July 10, co-hosted by National Venture Capital Association and Venture Forward! This virtual event is a must-attend for emerging managers eager to stay informed on important policy developments affecting VC funds and portfolio companies. 🌟 Learn about pressing policy issues such as the SEC ruling on the Private Funds Rule, FinCEN regulations, tax matters, March-In Rights, the R&D/Deal Act, and more! 🔔 Hear from Carmen Palafox of 2045 Capital and Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures as well as the NVCA and Venture Forward teams. Don’t miss this opportunity to better understand the policies that impact you - register today: https://lnkd.in/exDuZ28S