Many entrepreneurs rely on so-called “friends-and-family” money to get their venture off the ground, and build a safety net in case their venture is unsuccessful. But many Black founders, observes RUNWAY founder Jessica Norwood, don’t have friends and family who can afford to invest tens of thousands of dollars in a nascent business. To combat systemic racism and discrimination at that early stage of the entrepreneurial journey, she explains, RUNWAY has focussed on providing “I Believe In You” money to Black founders who often struggle to raise funding through traditional means.
Related

Elise Densborn,
Splendid Spoon
From Customer to Co-CEO [Entire Talk]
Passion for a brand or industry can be an incredible starting point for gaining entrepreneurial experience.
Video
45 minutes
Elise Densborn,
Splendid Spoon
From Customer to Co-CEO [Entire Talk]
Passion for a brand or industry can be an incredible starting point for gaining entrepreneurial experience.

Dante Disparte,
Circle
Ethical Crypto Innovation [Entire Talk]
To build a better crypto industry, start with ethics.
Video
48 minutes
Dante Disparte,
Circle
Ethical Crypto Innovation [Entire Talk]
To build a better crypto industry, start with ethics.

Ursheet Parikh,
Mayfield
Trevor Martin,
Mammoth Biosciences
Building Biotech to Last [Entire Talk]
The keys to future success must be established at the beginning of a platform biotech company.
Video
47 minutes
Ursheet Parikh,
Mayfield
Trevor Martin,
Mammoth Biosciences
Building Biotech to Last [Entire Talk]
The keys to future success must be established at the beginning of a platform biotech company.