NewME, the popular accelerator for entrepreneurs of color, today announced that it has been acquired by LightHouse–the parent company of the Cincinnati based Hillman Accelerator program. 

Entrepreneur Angela Benton, a mainstay in the tech world, founded NewMe in 2011 as one of the first online programs geared toward providing support for entrepreneurs of color. She created the program after seeing a lack of diversity in the tech industry and among underrepresented entrepreneurs  who’d received funding for their ideas.

NewMe launched in Silicon Valley and moved its headquarters to Miami in 2017. Since it’s launch, the program has helped secure over $40 million in venture funding for entrepreneurs of color.

Hillman Accelerator was launched in 2016 by HelloParent founder Candice Matthews-Brackeen, former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones, and Ebow Vroom. It provides underrepresented founders with seed funding, partnership opportunities, and mentorship. 

“Lighthouse’s acquisition of NewME is a win across cultures,” said Matthews. “Our accelerator expansion will enable us to reach even more underrepresented founders and their transformative businesses, which offers even more opportunities to connect all people with the disruptive technologies that enhance and define the human experience.”

The original programming created by Benton will continue through the acquisition, and she’ll stay on as an advisor.

“Candice’s passion and commitment to not only continue the work that I’ve developed with NewME but also to the minority tech community at large is unique and doesn’t come often,’’ said Benton. “Her energy and vision are exciting and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish moving forward.”

The program offers one-week long accelerators hosted in partner cities including Cincinnati, Columbus, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Miami. Free online resources are also available for entrepreneurs.

The next accelerator begins on January 28. Apply here.