In honor of Black History Month, Kauffman Fellows highlighted 28 Black Fellows, their ventures, and the profound impact they’re making to build and fund the future.
We recognize the particular obstacles they have overcome to become leaders in venture capital, and are incredibly grateful for their voices, their work, and the immense value they bring to the Kauffman Fellows network.
1) On Day 1 we celebrated Austin Clements (KF Class 25) and the launch of Slauson & Co., a VC firm driven by intentional inclusion.
Austin shared, “We’re here to compete at the highest level and demonstrate that investing in underrepresented founders provides a competitive advantage.”
Day 1: We celebrate @AustinLAC (#KF25) & the launch of @SlausonAndCo, a VC firm driven by intentional inclusion.
"We're here to compete at the highest level & demonstrate that investing in underrepresented founders provides a competitive advantage."
➡️ https://t.co/erp6M0hiVD pic.twitter.com/a64g4CXLuK
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 2, 2021
2) We highlighted @MichaelLints (KF Class 23), who is creating Our Broken Chains, a documentary exploring the modern-day challenges of racial injustice.
Michael shared, “As a VC, I am trying everything I can to address racial or social injustice.”
Day 2 of #BlackHistoryMonth: We’re highlighting @MichaelLints (#KF23), who is creating @ourbrokenchain, a documentary exploring the modern-day challenges of racial injustice.
“As a VC, I am trying everything I can to address racial or social injustice.”https://t.co/OCnQlHH0ZX pic.twitter.com/QLNLKZz6e3
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 3, 2021
3) We were lucky to spotlight Dia Martin (KF Class 23).
Dia shared, “One of my favorite quotes is ‘A man cannot sit down alone to plan for prosperity.’ I truly believe in the power of community and collaboration.”
For Day 3 of #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re lucky to spotlight Dia Martin (#KF24).
Dia says, “One of my favorite quotes is ‘A man cannot sit down alone to plan for prosperity.’ I truly believe in the power of community and collaboration.” pic.twitter.com/wceSMGxk3F
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 3, 2021
4) We spotlighted Terri Burns (KF Class 24). Terri is not only the youngest partner in GV’s history, she’s also one of the youngest VC partners in SV!
Learn more about her investment thesis: http://tcrn.ch/39OCxNq
On Day 4 of #BlackHistoryMonth, we're spotlighting @tcburning (#KF24). Terri is not only the the youngest partner in @gvteam history, she's also one of the youngest VC partners in SV!
Learn more about her investment thesis: https://t.co/bvJvWBSae3 pic.twitter.com/xIomlEIOsU
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 5, 2021
5) We celebrated Chris Lyons (KF Class 19).
Chris shared, “We want to figure out how we can enable more African Americans to get not one foot in the door, but two feet in, and really be a part of the growing change that I was fortunate enough to get into.”
Today we spotlight @ChrisLyons (#KF19) of @clfcapital & @a16z. #BlackHistoryMonth
"We want to figure out how we can enable more African Americans to get not one foot in the door, but two feet in, & really be a part of the growing change that I was fortunate enough to get into." pic.twitter.com/Qb1yjV9BuF
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 5, 2021
6) We honored the work of Jackson Cummings (KF Class 25), co-founder of the Black Venture Institute, VC at Salesforce Ventures, and board BLCK VC.
Jackson shared, “Like Rev. Jesse Jackson said – ‘At the end of the day, we must go forward with hope and not backward by fear and division.’ We must see this through.”
Day 6 of #BHM, we honor the work of @JacksonTheVC (#KF25), co-founder @BlckVentureInst, VC @SalesforceVC, and board @BLCKVC.
"Like Rev. Jesse Jackson said – 'At the end of the day, we must go forward with hope and not backward by fear and division.' We must see this through." pic.twitter.com/prgUrU4LjD
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 6, 2021
7) We were proud to highlight Wayne Moore (KF Class 25) on Day 7 of #BlackHistoryMonth!
A summary of Wayne’s priorities as a VC: “Working hard to broaden access to venture for diverse founders and investors. Ensuring the future of technology is inclusive.”
We are proud to highlight @WMoore02 (#KF25) on Day 7 of #BlackHistoryMonth!
A summary of Wayne's priorities as a VC: "Working hard to broaden access to venture for diverse founders and investors. Ensuring the future of technology is inclusive." pic.twitter.com/GXBGKUa3Zb
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 8, 2021
8) We were proud to feature Mike Asem (KF Class 24), whose blog was read by thousands in 2020 and raised thousands for social justice charities. As a VC who has made over 100 investments, Mike believes “Founders need stewards, not masters.”
We are proud to feature @DMikeAsem (#KF24), whose blog was read by thousands in 2020 and raised thousands for social justice charities. #BlackHistoryMonth
As a VC who has made over 100 investments, Mike believes "Founders need stewards, not masters."
➡️ https://t.co/NeBAIIOV9F pic.twitter.com/CaP3kWHvn7
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 9, 2021
9) We spotlighted Marlon Nichols (KF Class 18 and BOD), Managing Partner at Mac Venture Capital. Marlon believes, “We must invest in Black and Brown founders. In our increasingly diverse world, they are best positioned to address billion $ opportunities.”
#BHM Day 10: We spotlight @MarlonCNichols, Managing Partner at @MacVentureCap (#KF18, KF BOD).
Marlon believes, "We must invest in Black & Brown founders. In our increasingly diverse world, they're best positioned to address billion $ opportunities.”
➡️ https://t.co/mms3QMCYTl pic.twitter.com/VLAn1wBBUD
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 10, 2021
10) We featured SidMofya (#KF19), COO of @DraperNetwork.
⬇️ Read more about Sid’s work building an international alliance of venture capital funds and a platform for their collective portfolio of over 900 companies here:
Today we feature @SidMofya (#KF19), COO of @DraperNetwork.
⬇️ Read more about Sid's work building an international alliance of venture capital funds and a platform for their collective portfolio of over 900 companies here:https://t.co/F0qNqonb8f pic.twitter.com/NQrAVa3HpI
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 11, 2021
11) We honored Allan Jean-Baptiste (KF Class 23) of KKR & Co. Growth, featured by Digital Insurance for leading one of 2020’s top insurtech deals, Policy Genius.
Allan shared, “I get excited by companies that are not only great businesses, but create new markets, impact society, and democratize access.”
#BHM Day 12: We honor @AllanCJB (#KF23) of @KKR_Co Growth, featured by @_diginsurance for leading one of 2020's top insurtech deals @Policygenius.
"I get excited by companies that are not only great businesses, but create new markets, impact society, and democratize access.” pic.twitter.com/utE7hEgWb3
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 12, 2021
12) We highlighted Kevin Lockett (KF Class 21, Mentor KF Class 25).
Kevin shared, “I am honored to have the opportunity to be a Partner in the VC space, but there are many more people that look like me that deserve the same opportunity.”
Today we highlight @KLock81 (#KF21, Mentor #KF25). #BlackHistoryMonth
“I am honored to have the opportunity to be a Partner in the VC space, but there are many more people that look like me that deserve the same opportunity.” pic.twitter.com/gw13miDo6Q
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 14, 2021
13) We honored Nnena P. Nkongho (KF Class 23). Nnena is the Founder and Managing Partner at Otundi Ventures, a VC firm investing in entrepreneurial teams with tech-focused businesses that accelerate growth and impact in Africa.
On day 14 of #BHM, we’re honoring @NnenaP (#KF23).
Nnena is the Founder and Managing Partner at Otundi Ventures, a VC firm investing in entrepreneurial teams with tech-focused businesses that accelerate growth and impact in Africa. pic.twitter.com/vgWWnqAK8N
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 15, 2021
14) We featured Maia Sharpley (KF Class 24), Ed-Tech investor & co-founder of Juvo Ventures.
Maia believes, “the purpose of education is to educate each one of us to think critically & to think intensively. Character plus intelligence – that’s the objective of true education.”
Today we feature Maia Sharpley (#KF24), Ed-Tech investor & co-founder of Juvo Ventures. #BHM
Maia believes, "the purpose of education is to educate each one of us to think critically & to think intensively. Character plus intelligence – that’s the objective of true education." pic.twitter.com/04NlbFgoPD
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 16, 2021
15) We spotlighted Neb Mela (KF Class 24).
Honoring those who paved the way, Neb shares this quote from Thurgood Marshall, “None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody – bent down & helped us pick up our boots.”
Today, we spotlight @nebiumela (#KF24). #BHM
Honoring those who paved the way, Neb shares this quote from Thurgood Marshall, "None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody – bent down & helped us pick up our boots." pic.twitter.com/vqk0v07Ssj
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 17, 2021
16) We were lucky to spotlight Temi M. Awogboro (KF Class 23), Executive Director at EverCareNG, Co-Founder at Kairos Angels, and Partner at Magic Fund.
Temi shared, “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – H Tubman
Today we spotlight @TemiMarcella, ED, @EvercareNG, Co-Founder @KairosAngels, Partner at Magic Fund. #BHM
"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, & the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” H Tubman pic.twitter.com/KDk9StxlJk
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 19, 2021
17) We were proud to feature Brian Dixon (KF Class 21) of Kapor Capital who penned this important piece on funding Black founders ➡️ https://bit.ly/37yHEQj
Brian shared, “The Black founders of today will become the Black investors of tomorrow. I am living proof of this.”
It's day 20 of #BHM, & we're proud to feature @MrStartup (#KF21) of @Kaporcapital who 📝 this important piece on funding Black founders ➡ https://t.co/XtJc7F04YU
Brian shares, "The Black founders of today will become the Black investors of tomorrow. I am living proof of this." pic.twitter.com/1sSFABlnAI
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 20, 2021
18) We spotlighted Elliott Robinson (KF Class 22) of Bessemer Venture Partners.
Elliott shared, “Tech entrepreneurs like my father have always made Black history while doing more w/ less. Equitable access to capital for funders & founders of color will redefine how Black history is written in the future.”
Today we're spotlighting @TheValuesVC (#KF22) of @BessemerVP. #BHM
"Tech entrepreneurs like my father have always made Black history while doing more w/ less. Equitable access to capital for funders & founders of color will redefine how Black history is written in the future." pic.twitter.com/whDN8xlQOu
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 22, 2021
19) We spotlighted Lisa Skeete Tatum (KF Class 4), Founder & CEO Landit.
“We partner with organizations to successfully move their DEI goals into action with access and accountability to make the workplace work for everyone.”
Read more from Lisa here ➡️ bit.ly/l-s-tatum
Today for #BHM we spotlight @LisaSkeeteTatum (#KF4), Founder & CEO @Landit.
"We partner with organizations to successfully move their DEI goals into action with access & accountability to make the workplace work for everyone."
Read more from Lisa here ➡️ https://t.co/I2wfRq9xgQ pic.twitter.com/8GuHLByW3Y
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 23, 2021
20) KF Charter Class Member Thomas Darden is executing a ‘Cradle to Career’ strategy that positions children in disadvantaged neighborhoods to “realize the happy and secure futures they deserve”.
Thomas shared, “I’ve always believed that the future is something that you make by the day.”
KF Charter Class Member Thomas Darden is executing a 'Cradle to Career' strategy that positions children in disadvantaged neighborhoods to "realize the happy and secure futures they deserve."
"I’ve always believed that the future is something that you make by the day."#BHM pic.twitter.com/S3XqcLFMaG
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 25, 2021
21) We honored Jessica Patton (KF Class 25), Co-Founder of recently launched 5th Century Partners.
Jessica shared, “I wake up excited every day to help black owned, led & focused businesses realize their full potential… In the words of many, I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.”
On Day 26 of #BHM, we honor @JessRPatt (#KF25), Co-Founder of recently launched 5th Century Partners.
"I wake up excited every day to help black owned, led & focused businesses realize their full potential… In the words of many, I am my ancestors' wildest dreams." pic.twitter.com/xxFIfYkeP7
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 26, 2021
22) We honored Ik Kanu (KF Class 23)!
Ik shared, “Innovation is driven by inspiration & derived from diverse cultural experiences. Celebrating #BHM is a celebration of innovation excellence. Congratulations to my friends Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins of Promise and Shola Akinlade of Paystack!”
#BHM Day 27: We honor @Ikiwoods (#KF23)!
Ik shares, "Innovation is driven by inspiration & derived from diverse cultural experiences. Celebrating #BHM is a celebration of innovation excellence. Congratulations to my friends @phaedrael of PromisePay & @shollsman of Paystack!" pic.twitter.com/mGmcFtH1zv
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 28, 2021
23) We featured Michael K Madison II (KF Class 12), Founding Partner of Pangea Force which unites nations through venture capital & innovation.
A firm believer that “genius doesn’t decay w/ every mile beyond SV”, Michael nurtures diverse entrepreneurs globally through cross-border collaboration.
#BHM: we feature @MKM_VC (#KF12), Founding Partner of Pangea Force which unites nations through venture capital & innovation.
A firm believer that "genius doesn't decay w/ every mile beyond SV", Michael nurtures diverse entrepreneurs globally through cross-border collaboration. pic.twitter.com/UscqQtakkD
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 28, 2021
24) We honored the work of Alex Washington (KF Class 6)!
A Morehouse Man and Harvard Business School grad, Alex is also very involved with Chicago orgs. He serves as a director of Wintrust, board member Chicago Council, life trustee Chicago Foundation for Education, board member of Chicago Urban League & much more.
#BHM: We honor the work of Alex Washington (#KF6)!
A @Morehouse Man and @HarvardHBS grad, Alex is also very involved with Chicago orgs. He serves as a director of @Wintrust, board member @ChicagoCouncil, life trustee @CFEgrants, board member of @ChiUrbanLeague & much more. pic.twitter.com/WP9F0z2lrZ
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 28, 2021
25) We spotlighted Israel Rollins (KF Class 15), Founder of Rocket Propulsion Labs.
Israel shared, “As an AA fund manager and a proud 2x HBCU grad, I am fully committed to make every attempt to finance Black and other underrepresented founders, including, but not limited to LatinX, Women, LGBTQ+.”
Today we spotlight @IERollins (#KF15), Founder of Rocket Propulsion Labs. #BHM
"As an AA fund manager and a proud 2x HBCU grad, I am fully committed to make every attempt to finance Black and other underrepresented founders, including, but not limited to LatinX, Women, LGBTQ+." pic.twitter.com/bp31TYnsOj
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 28, 2021
26) We were honored to spotlight the work of Wale Ayeni (#KF18), Acting Global Head Venture Capital at IFC and World Bank.
With over a decade of global technology experience, Wale says he is committed to “investing wherever the talent is”.
Today, we're also honored to spotlight the work of Wale Ayeni (#KF18), Actg. Global Head Venture Capital @IFC_Org & @WorldBank. #BHM
With over a decade of global technology experience, Wale says he is committed to "investing wherever the talent is". pic.twitter.com/LRNB0HczJe
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) February 28, 2021
27) We highlighted Kirby Harris (KF Class 21), Co-Founder and Managing Partner Base Ventures and Board at Space Perspectives. “One of the more satisfying developments since the founding of Base Ventures has been the recent emergence of minority-run firms & capital flows to non-traditional investors & founders.”
#BHM @KirbyDHarris (#KF21), Co-Founder & Managing Partner @BaseVC & Board @SpacePerspectiv 📝 "One of the more satisfying developments since the founding of Base Ventures has been the recent emergence of minority-run firms & capital flows to non-traditional investors & founders." pic.twitter.com/3aJvOVbu5X
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) March 1, 2021
28) And, last but not least, we highlighted Brentt Baltimore (KF Class 25) who reminded us that success starts with opportunity, “I look at my success & I see the people, events, & opportunities that brought me here.
I was determined & ambitious, but would I have been able to prove my mettle if I didn’t have the opportunity?” – Suzanne Shank
@BrenttBalt (#KF25) reminds us success starts w/ opportunity, “I look at my success & I see the people, events, & opportunities that brought me here.
I was determined & ambitious, but would I have been able to prove my mettle if I didn't have the opportunity?”-Suzanne Shank #BHM pic.twitter.com/Zf6YkDDFc3
— Kauffman Fellows (@KauffmanFellows) March 1, 2021
Please join us in celebrating these Fellows today and every day.
We feel privileged to be a part of these Fellows’ journey, and welcome you to join us in celebrating their accomplishments throughout the rest of the year!