BLCK VC

🎨 From Canvas to Capital: Pioneering the Black Vanguard 🌴 Where: Art Basel Miami 📅 When: Wednesday, December 4 👥 Curated for: Visionary Founders & Forward-Thinking Investors Are you ready to continue this movement?! Join us for an exclusive invitation-only brunch during Art Basel Miami that's redefining the intersection of creativity and venture capital. Sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley LLP, this intimate gathering of change-makers is poised to transcend traditional networking events. The brightest minds will come together to explore the frontier where artistic innovation meets entrepreneurial vision - all under the dynamic backdrop of Miami’s electric Basel energy. ✨ Will you architect the future with us? Register here: https://lu.ma/hwpt7tcy 🖌️ We are honored to feature the work of LaRissa Rogers, an interdisciplinary artist whose practice explores Black diasporic experiences through personal and historical narratives, inviting thought-provoking dialogue around culture, identity, and resilience. Learn more about LaRissa’s groundbreaking work here: https://lnkd.in/gvXz-6XQ *Please note that this event is registration only; your registration is not valid until officially approved. Registration does not guarantee entry. BLCK VC: Robert Gordon IV, Kareema Thomas Cooley: Alexander Knight, Yvan-Claude Pierre (“YCP”) SVB: Jeremy R., Tosh E., Sharon Marichalar, Meagan Williams, Vanessa Kuhlor, Karen Toste

🚀 Celebrating BiV Cohort 8: Transforming Potential into Venture Power We're thrilled to celebrate the wrap-up of our 8th Breaking into Venture Cohort! Please join us in congratulating 19 exceptional BiV Fellows – a group of visionary professionals who are poised to reshape the future of venture capital. The Breaking into Venture program isn't just a necessary initiative. It's a launchpad for transformative talent, thoughtfully designed to equip early-career professionals with the tools, knowledge, and community needed for lasting success. 🔑 Major Takeaways: • 19 Fellows | 1 Unified Vision • Developed groundbreaking investment theses • Built a network that transcends traditional boundaries • Equipped with cutting-edge VC insights and strategies To our Cohort 8 Fellows: This is not an end, but a beginning. The relationships you've forged, the skills you've honed, and the experiences you've accumulated are your greatest assets in the journey ahead. A profound thank you to our incredible mentors, guest speakers, and the VC community who invested their time, wisdom, and resources to make this Cohort extraordinary. 💭 Ready to be part of the next generation of venture leaders? Stay tuned for Cohort 9 application announcements.

The vibes are still high after last week’s Catalysts & Connections event at AfroTech in Houston! 🎉 💫 From unbridled innovation during our pitch competition to nostalgic two-steps during an epically DJ’d brunch, we cannot wait for the next installment of our Invest In series. Good news: we’ve decided to heed the call to further our mission via warmer weather and sandier shores… Miami Art Basel, we’re coming for you! 🌴 🏆 Thank you to our amazing BLCK VC Dream Team for executing what was truly a transformative event for all - Kareema Thomas, Brittany Johnson, Naji J., Pen Howell Much gratitude to our sponsors Silicon Valley Bank, AWS Startups, and Deloitte for their continued advocacy and partnership, and our partners StartupOS and non sibi ventures for their collaboration! Special thanks to Robert Franklin III for being an amazing partner on the ground in Houston, we appreciate you! 🙏🏾 Videographer: Mike Fermin (@creatvemike) Photographer: Sheldon Botler (@sheldonbotler) DJ: Bryce Willams (@thebrycewilliams) Venue: Late August (@lateaugusthtx) Tosh E., Jeremy R., Nehemiah Green, Marcus Marbrey, Jenea Carruth (Formerly Bradley), Kent Lucas, Joe Messina, Evin Henriquez-Groves, Paul Pluschkell, Sharon Marichalar, Karen Toste

💡 What happens when you put 70 Black founders, investors, general partners, and limited partners in a room and strip away the traditional power dynamics of venture capital? Pure excellence! 🥂 Our Catalysts & Connections Brunch & Pitch Competition was a masterclass on what the future of venture looks like when we intentionally center Black voices and authentic relationships. In an industry where access to capital often hinges on warm intros and pattern matching, we created a space where merit and vision took center stage. 💥 Every conversation challenged the status quo. Every connection formed represented another step toward dismantling systemic barriers in venture capital. And it’s our commitment to continue this important work; our community deserves the lasting change that happens when we show up and out to amplify their voices. This transformative gathering was powered by our partners who don't just talk about change – they invest in it. Deep gratitude to StartupOS for organizing our pitch competition programming and our title sponsor Silicon Valley Bank for their unwavering advocacy. Special thanks to our additional sponsors AWS Startups, Deloitte, and non sibi ventures for backing our vision of an equitable venture ecosystem through this impactful event. 🏆 The spotlight shone brightly on five extraordinary founders: First Place Winner, Ashton Keys, Founder & CEO, Athlytic Second Place Winner, Chrystal Graves, Founder & CEO, LiQUid Third Place Winner, Olaoluwa Ogundeji, Co-Founder, Mimrr Finalist, Jen Fry, PhD (she/her), Founder, Coordle Finalist, Bryant Williams, Founder & CEO, Hardcore Peanut Butter Spread Co Catalysts & Connections reminded us that when we redesign the tables of power, we all rise. The future of venture hinges on rewriting the rules of engagement. Where to next? (Art Basel, anyone? 👀 ) We're excited to continue our Invest In Brunch & Dinner series - and honestly, we’re just getting started! ⚡️ Thank you to all who made this event such a success: BLCK VC: Robert Gordon IV, Kareema Thomas, Pen Howell, Brittany Johnson, Naji J. StartupOS: Joe Messina, Evin Henriquez-Groves, Paul Pluschkell SVB: Tosh E., Jeremy R., Vanessa Kuhlor, Sharon Marichalar, Karen Toste, Ronnie Harris II AWS Startups: Nehemiah Green Deloitte: Marcus Marbrey, Jenea Carruth (Formerly Bradley) non sibi ventures: Camille Little, Kent Lucas RFS Consulting: Robert Franklin III Bag Ventures: Jackson Georges Jr, Eric Blackmon Photographer: Sheldon Botler Videographer: Mike Fermin Audio/Visual: Way Better Sound and Visuals, Charlie Way, Aerron Ellisor DJ: Bryce Williams Late August: Danny Davis

A message from our CEO, Robert Gordon IV — BLCK VC Community, This week’s election outcome has left many of us with a deep sense of uncertainty, and I want to acknowledge that this is a challenging time for many in our community. As we take a moment to reflect on what it means to be here, in this moment, the weight of our reality is undeniable. Many of us are processing what this outcome means for both our personal lives and professional pursuits, while searching for ways to hold onto optimism for our shared future. Let’s remember that as we navigate these moments, we do so together, with resilience and a commitment to support one another. We must draw strength from what has always defined us: our ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and progress. Our work has never been more vital, and our commitment to excellence and innovation will continue to light our path forward. At BLCK VC, our promise to you and our shared mission remains unwavering. This community has been built on resilience, strength, and a dedication to creating lasting impact — we must and will lean into that mission with continued intention and persistence. While the landscape may shift, our vision remains clear and our determination to drive positive change is ever-present. In moments like these, our strength lies in our unity. I encourage each of us, now more than ever to connect with one another, to lean into the support of our community, and to take the time and care needed to process. We all deserve time for self-care, space for reflection, and recognition that nurturing ourselves also serves the greater good. By caring for ourselves and each other, we build the resilience that sustains us. Remember, it is in our collective resolve that we discover our greatest strength, not as individuals, but as a community united in service. Our shared purpose is the driving force behind our togetherness and fuels our commitment to BLCK VC’s transformative mission. BLCK VC is here for you, now and always. With unwavering commitment, -rob gordon iv

🎤 Can't make it to Houston? No problem! Calling all Bay Area startups: Your next big break awaits! We're thrilled to share that the NBA Foundation All-Star Pitch Competition is coming to the Bay Area, powered by the National Basketball Association (NBA) Foundation, the Golden State Warriors, and Kapor Center! 💫 What's at stake? $150,000 in cash prizes and a chance to showcase your vision to business leaders from across the NBA Family. They're on the hunt for game-changing early-stage startups that are: • Making a real impact in diverse Bay Area communities • Led by underrepresented entrepreneurs • Ready to take their venture to the next level 🌉 Eligible regions: San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma counties. 🔗 Ready to shoot your shot? Apply here: https://t.co/ly0OAZnFt1 Deadline to apply is Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 11:59pm PST. Kapor Capital Mitch Kapor Dr. Freada Kapor Klein Brian Dixon Uriridiakoghene (Ulili) Onovakpuri

🏙️ Any #AfroTech attendees in the house?! Join us for Catalysts & Connections, an exclusive brunch & pitch competition where we're flipping the script on traditional VC networking. 🗓️ Friday November 15th | 11AM - 3PM 🔗 Request Registration here: https://lu.ma/xjfpxdm9 🚀 Why? Because 70% of VC dollars are trapped in major metros, but genius knows no geography. We're bringing together 50+ visionary investors, founders, and industry leaders to change that narrative. The future of VC isn't in one zip code – it's everywhere talent grows. ✨ What's cooking: • A curated power brunch for real talk and deeper connections • 5 groundbreaking founders competing for backing • A room full of decision-makers ready to reshape venture capital Sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank, AWS Startups, Deloitte, and non sibi ventures. Pitch Competition powered by StartupOS. This isn't just another networking event – it's part of our mission to democratize access to capital, one conversation at a time. After successful stops in NYC and LA, we're continuing to build bridges across the ecosystem in Houston. Please note: Capacity is very limited and requesting to attend does not guarantee entry. Catalysts & Connections is a nod to our title sponsor Silicon Valley Bank, and the Catalyst 2045 initiative. Catalyst 2045 fuels the innovation economy – accelerating change that drives results through access to capital, resources, connections, expertise and advice to women, Black and Latinx innovators, entrepreneurs, founders and investors. ❤️ Show some love to the pitch competition finalists: Athlytic - Led by: Ashton Keys, Founder & CEO Coordle - Led by: Jen Fry, PhD (she/her), Founder Hardcore Peanut Butter Spread Co - Led by: Bryant Williams, Founder & CEO LiQUid - Led by: Chrystal Graves, Founder & CEO Mimrr - Led by: Olaoluwa Ogundeji, Co-Founder A very special shoutout to our amazing partners: StartupOS: Paul Pluschkell Joe Messina Jeffrey Wagner Evin Henriquez-Groves Silicon Valley Bank: Sharon Marichalar Jeremy R. Karen Toste Meagan Williams Tosh E. Ronnie Harris II Vanessa Kuhlor Sara Wilson Leigh-Ann Hanlon non sibi ventures: Kent Lucas Sid Smith Deloitte: Marcus Marbrey Jean-Denis Ncho-Oguie Robert Franklin III

Scenic drives + an immaculate guest list = the recipe for a perfect day at our Venture on the Green Golf Classic! ⛳️ It’s no secret that #LATechWeek can be a whirlwind! The chance to re-center and convene in the name of tee time was an incredible way to end our weeklong event series. Venture on the Green's impact extends far beyond the fairway, and the message is clear: bringing folks who are passionate about equity, leadership, and good music together is always a hole-in-one! The moments of connectivity and community shared on the course set the bar high for our upcoming events - stay tuned for big news to come! (AfroTech, anyone? 👀) 🎉 Special thanks to our sponsors PledgeLA, J.P. Morgan, Deloitte, Cap Table Coalition, Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co., Bragg Live Food Products, LLC, and Undefined Beauty, BLCK VC LA Chapter, and photographers Charles Averhart-Collins (@shotbychuck) and Sheldon Botler (@sheldonbotler).

As October comes to a close, we want to give a little insight into what the first half of our Breaking Into Venture program is looking like! 1/7: BiV Analyzing Startups and Due Diligence Process with Jillian Williams, Partner @ Cowboy VC 2/7: BiV AMA Session with JeanClaude Dorsainvil, Investor @  XYZ Venture Capital and Founding Member of BLCK VC’s Breaking into Venture (BiV) program 3/7: Valuation and Deal Structuring Workshop (early-stage investor) with John Smothers, Partner @ Scribble Venturesx 4/7: Midpoint Check-in with Chidima S. Okorie, MA, PMP®, Director of Programs at BLCK VC 5/7 BiV AMA Session with Solomon Hailu, Partner at March Capital 6/7: Crafting Investment Memos and Pitching to the Investment Committee with Lucas Turner-Owens, Principal at Building Ventures 7/7: Career in Venture Capital with Nicole DeTommaso, Principal at Harlem Capital Thank you to our amazing speakers for your time and for sharing such valuable insights and tips with our cohort members who want to make their mark in VC. And a special shoutout to our Fall Cohort for all the hard work you've been putting in! 👏🏾

We kicked off our #LATechWeek tour doing what we do best: creating an opportunity for underrepresented founders and funders to connect in a supportive, safe environment. In partnership with VamosVentures, SomosVC, Plug In Ventures & Harlem Capital, we created a space that did just that. The Founders & Funders in Color Happy Hour was magic. We laughed, we listened, and we learned from one another. Thank you to everyone who played a role in bringing this to life, including our sponsors, Propeller Industries, PledgeLA, Stifel Financial Corp., KPMG, Charger Help, and, of course, to each attendee who showed up as their most authentic selves—we couldn't have asked for more! 📸: Charles Averhart-Collins