Making VC more equitable and using it to solve big problems. Views are my own.
NYC
Joined January 2014
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The way VC works limits the potential of entrepreneurial innovation to solve big environmental and social problems. But what is the way VC works? And how does that limit innovation for good?
Been sitting on this for a while but posted my thoughts today: linkedin.com/pulse/inclusive…
Systemic bias in VC doesn't just limit potential to support ideas that improve society, it limits financial returns, too.
How does that bias actually show up in the VC process? What should we do about it?
Check out part II of last week's post here: linkedin.com/pulse/inclusive…
Excited to be featured in @julesemiller and @kaganj's book Designing the Successful Corporate Accelerator. If you're in the corporate innovation space, it's full of helpful perspectives on design ctt.ec/U4o0j+
Dustin Shay retweeted
Any “rising star” list that has zero Latina or Black women should be thrown in the trash – at Brookline, MA
The future of philanthropy is to truly adopt the "nothing about us without us" mindset and recognize, fully, that the traditional model is as flawed or more so than venture capital. If you're a grantmaker, this is a conversation and event you have to be a part of.
Our first book event - we'll be talking about how foundations that invest their endowment through MRI's or PRI's can shift decision-making power to the communities they serve @ACFoundations @MissionInvest #ImpInv
Authentically engaging and creating a representative culture and new strategic decision making process is fucking hard. We've been trying for years and have been in overdrive since last March and it's taking SO much time, money, and energy.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Today we replace President Trump in a ceremony amid fears of a second violent coup attempt and a global pandemic as the nation mourns over 400,000 deaths and grapples with the loss of three million jobs.
Imagine reading that in 2014.
If we want to strike at the heart of division, let's recognize the divider: wealth.
It dictates opportunity, education, healthcare, housing... Everything.
Wealth dictates these things because our government will not ensure a good life FOR ALL.
It's time for change and this is a framework for that.
All it takes is good sense and a little creativity.
rooseveltinstitute.org/publi…
Systems change comes from the places where those systems break down.
The healthcare system has BEEN failing women and people of color. Proud to see @villagecapital & @JNJInnovation shouting out how entrepreneurs from these communities are key to making healthcare better for all.
Personal experience opened Kimberly Wilson’s eyes to the inequities in the American healthcare system. It inspired her to found @WeAreHUED.
Our new research with @JNJGlobalHealth on healthtech startups like HUED supporting frontline workers & communities: ow.ly/Qrw250D0GOD
Proud to have played my part - thanks in such a large way to you, @RobLalka! The partnerships you spearheaded were essential to our growth, and your mentorship is something I still draw on every day.
Here's what 10 years of leadership looks like ... over 100 investments, in a truly diverse portfolio, with impacts far outside the elite/elitist VC circles, $4 billion in follow-on capital later: newsandviews.vilcap.com/repo…
Congrats, @rossbaird, @vefram, @AllieB, @ShayImpact, et al
Dustin Shay retweeted
Possible new favorite quote: “In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught.” - Baba Dioum
Oh man guys I really hit it big if @joinrepublic is retweeting me! I feel like I should actually use twitter or something now...
Listen to amazing Republic Venture Partner @ShayImpact talk about social impact investing with @WOCstarFund co-led by our CSO @pialyaditya 🙌🏽
open.spotify.com/episode/0Io…
I'm beyond honored to have had the chance to join @WOCstarz on her podcast VCs Off the Record to talk about creating a more equitable approach to venture capital. We had a really wonderful conversation and I hope you'll give it a listen. lnkd.in/dKy2J7j
This is such a great overview of how the financial system is stacked against people of color (and it features a quote from @Marla_Blow, who is amazing in all things). Addressing the structural biases in this system is going to take every tool society has. nytimes.com/2020/06/30/busin…
This is the reason @villagecapital has been leading #finhealth #accelerator programs since 2014 - to leverage entrepreneurial solutions to systemic issues. Our latest, #FinanceForward US, with @MetLifeFoundation and @PayPal, is going on now. Learn more: vilcap.com/current-programs/…
Black lives matter.
To my white friends and family who don't know how to support, start by amplifying Black voices when and where you can.
Then evaluate yourself and the role you play in perpetuating the system.
Be ruthless. It's the only way you can start to get better.
If you're looking for a way to start, here are 75 things you could try: medium.com/equality-includes…
Yes, they are work. No, they are not all fun. Yes, you should do something even if you don't think you're racist. No these aren't enough. Don't use that as an excuse to do nothing.