Venture capital (VC) is a form of private financing provided to startups or emerging companies with high growth potential. Generally speaking, venture capitalists are predominantly comprised of white men. Black founders currently only receive about 1-3% of VC funding, revealing not only a major economic blind spot in the startup space, but unfortunate levels of unconscious bias as well.
Fortunately, the social justice awakening during the summer of 2020 generated increased interest in supporting Black business, including discovering and funding Black founders. This panel discussed how lawyers have started to help level the playing field for Black founders and entrepreneurs by investing, mentoring, offering support and building community.
Panelists:
• Allison Cooper, Partner at Fenwick
• Venroy K. July, Principal at Miles & Stockbridge
• Dennis F. Craig II, Associate at Cooley LLP