Cate Luzio’s Post

I feel this deeply, and in my core. The painful truth in this post may startle some or may be confirmation to others of their own capital-raise experiences. I started my business with my own capital, and when I found I would get no investment help, I took out a small loan to pay for the startup of my technology infrastructure, marketing, solutions development, state registration, etc. Since I started The Board Curators, I am blessed to have a wonderful team, and we have served public, for profit, not for profit organizations, and individual senior level executives. Why did Fearless Fund get frozen? Why do so few women get funding (2 pct)? Why do black women get only 1/2 pct of all funding? Is it intentional? Is it that we just dont know how to do it? Funding is designed to be an accelerator. To enable the company to get to a minimally viable product (MVP) as soon as possible to drive change in their market and enable economic success. Why do folks not want black women to do that? It boggles my mind, and hurts me deeply. We need to look at this as a business opportunity and not through the lens of hatred, sexism, racism. Thank you Netta Jenkins CEO, Aerodei for calling this out. Only when we see the problem, can we then fix the problem. Remember that most disparities are systemic, and we must do our fair share to vote against, petition about, look into and question those behaviors and principles that seek to stall or minimize contributions of others. #winwhentheysayyouwont #promoteprosperity #blackbusinessfunding

"Less than 0.39% of VC funding goes to businesses led by women of color." Shocked? No. Disappointed? Absolutely. Breaking economic disparities that started centuries ago is hard enough. Blocking people, companies, and initiatives from restoring this systemic injustice is just pure cruelty. What bootstraps can women of color pull from at 0.39%? Please take time to watch this video about the Fearless Fund and support their organization (if you're financially able to). If you are in a position of power, please bring these conversations to the board, trustees, and/or C-suite conversations because these are the battles that matter. https://lnkd.in/gAd9fb_N

As a Black woman, I'm not meant to receive ANY venture capital, and if I do, I won't receive more than 0.2%! Disgusting! Then the Fearless Fund comes along, simply wanting to level the playing field. They show that less than 1% of venture capital raised companies are founded by women of color, and the fund offered $20,000 grants to businesses owned by Black women. But then, racism kicks in! Screaming and Kicking! Fearless Fund was sued! It's been a non-stop battle! The court's decision has suspended the grant program while the case makes its way through the legal system. Please recognize that if you are reading this post and it's your first time learning of this, then recognize the privilege in that. This means that you are not directly impacted, therefore, it's not top news. But now that you know and if you care, and understand the stark inequity in this, 1. Share this post and bring more attention to this story! 2. Call on Congress and fill this form, and invest in Black women founders. Congress can act by passing legislation to ensure that founders of color are better able to access loans and equity capital. https://lnkd.in/e8PDpmQH 3. Follow Aerodei, Inclusive Performance Platform Black women founders literally need to beat the odds. It's like trying to win the lottery! #blackwomenfounders #inclusion #leadership

As a fellow Black woman business owner, I can deeply resonate with the struggle to secure venture capital. The statistics are both shocking and disheartening. Black women receive less than 0.2% of venture capital, a glaring inequity that highlights systemic barriers we face. The Fearless Fund's initiative to offer $20,000 grants to Black women-owned businesses was a significant step and a beacon of hope toward leveling the playing field. However, the backlash and subsequent lawsuits that have paused this vital program are a stark reminder of the persistent challenges rooted in racism. If this is your first time hearing about this, it's crucial to recognize the privilege in that. Many of us live in this reality every day. Now that you're informed, you can act and make a real difference in the lives of Black women business owners. 1. Share this post to amplify this critical issue. 2. Advocate for change by calling on Congress to support legislation that ensures equitable access to capital for founders of color. You can use the link below to make your voice heard. 3. Support and follow organizations dedicated to driving inclusion and equity. Black women founders are not just striving for success; we are fighting against overwhelming odds. Your support can make a significant difference. Together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future for all entrepreneurs. #BlackWomenFounders #Inclusion #Leadership #EquityInFunding

As a tech founderwho has bootstrapped her way through a pandemic and beyond, the Supreme Court's ruling against Fearless Fund deeply resonates with me. Access to funding is crucial for women of color who face systemic challenges that many cannot fathom. It enables us to launch ventures, create jobs, and drive economic growth in our communities. For those of us with intersecting identities—navigating the complexities of race, gender, and disability—the barriers are even greater. I can say that from experience. This ruling isn't just a setback… it's a call to action. We must advocate for inclusive funding practices that recognize and address our diverse needs. What happens when we ensure equitable financial support? We can create a more just society where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to succeed. You ask us to be the backbones, well we need back support! #Equity #VC #Entrepreneurship #WomenAndBiz #WomenInTech #BlackInTech #DOBE

🌟 The Fearless Fund is crucial in bridging the venture capital funding gap for women of color founders, and this divided court ruling widens it. To all the Black women business owners out there: WE BELIEVE IN YOU. 💪🏾🌈✨ #BlackWomenLead #FearlessFund #BlackWomenFounders #VCFunding #SupportBlackBusiness 💼👩🏾💻👑

Breaking Barriers in Fundraising 🚧💼: Debunking Myths and Confronting Race-Based Challenges For many minority founders building companies we know the cycle of trying to raise funding. Adonica Shaw CBE, INHC, CIHC debunks the myth that black and brown founders have access to "more money" or "extra money" from black venture capitalists, emphasizing that venture capital are merit-based rather than racially biased. She also points out that black venture capitalists are often investing money from limited partners (LPs) who are not people of color, and their investment decisions are driven by the potential for returns rather than racial solidarity. Thanks to Adonica for the reminder to black and brown entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo, pursue funding from major firms. Go Hard 🔥🔥 Richard Venegar Samantha Katz Samella Watson Evan Leaphart Will Stringer Giselle Melo #blackbusiness #blackfounders

Here's what you need to know. 👉🏾 A federal appeals court has ruled that the Fearless Fund grant program for Black women business owners is discriminatory.⁠ The truth of the matter is that the playing field has never been even. 👉🏾Total venture dollars in the U.S. went below $1 billion for the first time since 2016, with Black founders receiving only 0.05% of startup funding. 👉🏾Access to capital is a struggle for many business owners, and research from Goldman Sachs also shows that, although Black women make up the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S., they face a 3x higher rejection rate for funding than white business owners. The Fearless Fund bridges the gap in venture capital funding for women of color founders, and this divided court ruling widens it. To the Black women business owners: We believe in you. Read the full story from 21Ninety here: https://lnkd.in/gaSNimWC #BlackWomenLead #FearlessFund #BlackWomenFounders #VCFunding

Edward Blum...Wants to Burn it All Down For Black Women Business Owners. The Facts: Black women only receive "less than 0.35 percent of all VC funding" "Only 93 Black women had ever raised over $1 million in venture capital" "White women have received 79% of seed-stage funding categorized as deployed to diverse founders, according to an analysis of Crunchbase data." "While white males have a staggering 93% of the venture capital funds." The Fearless Fund Which Grants Up to $20,000 to Black Women Entrepreneurs is causing Blum substantial harm. He feels distressed knowing Black women have the Opportunity to Succeed without Cleaning his homes and Caring for his Children. History shows anytime powerful white men "perceive" Black Americans are getting ahead when in fact this program is only leveling the playing they use a mob to burn it all down. Except this time he is using Ultra Conservative Appeals Court Judges appointed by Donald Trump. Go Figure. Blum's attacks are Primitive and Giving Plantation Owner Vibes. Do Black Women Sue White Venture Capital Companies for Excluding Them? No, instead Strong Smart Black Women Build Companies Like the Fearless Fund to Bridge the Gap.

This is serious business.