2024 Ecosystem Spotlight: Black Future
2024 Ecosystem Spotlight: Black Future
At The Impact Seat Foundation, we’re creating a world in which women, particularly women of color, can succeed as business leaders. This Black History Month, we’re spotlighting 'Black Future,’ which imagines what is possible for African-American business leaders going forward as we fulfill the promise of the past.
We asked esteemed members of our ecosystem of founders and funders the following question: “What are the next steps needed, in your opinion, to create an economically brighter future for Black entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders?”
A BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD
“I see a bright Black future ahead for us all. This month really highlights who is boosting and celebrating Black history and who is afraid of a bright Black Future. There are those in America and abroad who seem to believe that prosperity is a zero-sum gain. Some must lose for others to win and yet that’s not the history of America. We can see that when opportunities are fair, when doors are opened, when barriers are lifted - everyone succeeds. There are groups of people who are fighting against Black History from being seen – banning books, changing school curricula. They are silencing the accurate recounting of the lived experiences of Black people in this country due to shame and fear. Fear is not what made this country great. We must remember Black history and how far we’ve come.Yet we also see that Black futures are being written and created right now. To ensure an economically rich future for all, it is imperative that we fight to protect door-openers and barrier-lifters such as Fearless Fund, Hello Alice and more, who are tirelessly working to create a level playing field for Black entrepreneurs.”
Elizabeth Clayborne, Founder and CEO of our Portfolio Company, NasaClip
REPRESENTATION MATTERS
“As the CEO & Co-Founder of NasaClip, I have learned that representation matters. If you can see it, you can believe it. It is essential that more women and people of color are highlighted as successful business owners who had access to capital to get their ideas off the ground. I want my journey to success with NasaClip, soon to be a household name for nosebleed rescue, to serve as an example of Black Excellence and what can be accomplished when funding and support are available to founders like me.”
Juanita Lott, Investor and Board Member of The Impact Seat Foundation
DEI EQUALS ROI
“The change that is encouraging? The increasing numbers of women and people of color who are establishing funds and becoming the investors that are needed to support these often overlooked founders. This is an important and necessary step to changing the outcome for these businesses.
And while funding is very important, it will be equally important to create the infrastructure necessary to take these early stage businesses to the finish line. We do that by building access to the networks that matter, to mentors and advisors, and to the connectors that can open doors so more black and women entrepreneurs can gain access to the revenue and traction needed for growth.”
Janelle Benjamin, Investor and Board Member of The Impact Seat Foundation
DIVERSITY FUELS BRILLIANCE
“Black History Month reminds us that diversity fuels brilliance. As an investor and entrepreneur, I believe in the untapped potential of Black-owned startups. Let's not just celebrate the achievements of the past, but invest in the promise of the future. Supporting Black entrepreneurs isn't just a moral imperative. It's an investment in a richer, more inclusive road to success for everyone. Embrace diversity, empower brilliance, and watch our collective potential soar.”
The insights shared by our ecosystem members highlight the critical steps necessary to pave the way for an economically prosperous future for all. The journey towards economic empowerment and equality is ongoing, and it is through such discussions and actions that we continue to build a foundation for lasting change.