It's no secret that there's a real diversity problem in tech. While Blacks are huge consumers and influencers of technology, we represent only a minuscule percentage of the overwhelmingly white and Asian male workforces at major technology companies. Though the industry is taking measurable steps to foster inclusion and create more opportunities for underrepresented minorities, many POC in tech is setting their sites on creating, owning and marketing their own products and tech startups. If you're a tech entrepreneur, at some point you will likely be seeking venture capital to support the growth of your startup, but where do you start?
To help answer that question, the Rutgers Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CUEED) in partnership with ABF Creative (ABFC) has dropped 'VC Cheat Sheet,’ a new podcast to help Black and Latino led tech startups to navigate the landscape of raising money. The newly launched podcast gives an in-depth listen to a variety of fundraising advice rarely given to Black and Latino tech entrepreneurs and features interviews with the industry’s top venture capitalist. In addition, listeners will be granted behind the scene access and guidance from industry insiders and entrepreneurs like Brad Feld of The Foundry group, Kai Bond of Comcast Ventures, Porter Braswell of Jopwell, who were able to crack the fundraising code.
“It’s no secret the lack of funding people of color and women receive in the tech industry. Bias plays a huge part, but also the lack of network and advice these founders have access to” says Anthony Frasier, CEO of ABFC. One of 8 founders profiled on the CNN documentary Black in America 4: The New Promised Land – Silicon Valley, Frasier understands, first hand the importance of mentorship. “This is the candid advice I wish I would've gotten before my first meeting with a VC,” Frasier says of the podcast.
You can listen to the 'VC Cheat Sheet' podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or by visiting www.VCCheatSheet.com.
