BLCK VC

Our mission is to create an open and inclusive environment for current and future Latinx investors to thrive. VCFamilia bring Latinx cultures into the venture community and increase representation in investment roles.

Our work directs how capital is formed and distributed to expand opportunities for Black and historically excluded communities. We actively reimagine the innovation economy by developing the next generation of venture capital leaders in communities where entrepreneurs face barriers to accessing capital. Our vision is to build a global innovation economy where Black and historically excluded innovators can boldly create, fail, invest, and thrive. Our origins are rooted in the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which forged opportunities for Black Americans in a time when our country would not. We are anchored in this intention, and similar to HBCUs, we purposefully extend our support to all overlooked communities, including but not limited to Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and undocumented immigrants. We know that innovation lives within us–and has been untapped, underinvested, and ignored for far too long.

Illumen Capital has developed a 10 year bias-reduction program for fund managers, designed to help managers make better decisions, expand their investable landscape, and maximize and protect every dollar invested. We apply cutting-edge research to reduce racial and gender bias, and help our managers identify, evaluate and invest in entrepreneurs who have been overlooked and underestimated. We hold fund managers accountable for investing in and growing the impact companies of the future. We evaluate managers to invest in through a diligence process that emphasizes both impact and financial return. We deliver bias reduction coaching and curriculum to managers, ultimately aimed at driving capital to entrepreneurs - and communities - that have long been overlooked and undervalued. We cultivate a synergistic and robust network of GPs, LPs, consultants and researchers designed to create a learning environment on issues of racial equity and investing.

The financial sector is enormous, accounting for roughly 20% of global GDP. But it only works well for a tiny fraction of the population. The big opportunity within fintech is not serving the top 10% that every fintech already caters to. It’s in creating economic opportunity for everyone else. Outside VC is creating the financial system the world deserves, betting on outsiders building fintech infrastructure and products that will lift up 100M people to the middle class over the next decade. Moving outsiders to the inside track As a founder, it often feels like the world is conspiring against you. But sometimes there’s this magic moment where everything flips and slowly but surely it starts to feel as if the world is conspiring for you. Our goal is to be part of that moment for you. Outside VC is backed by a world class network of top VC partners, CEOs, and fintech leaders from across the world who are all invested in seeing you succeed. Not a normal VC Let’s be honest, we’re not even normal humans. Instead, think of us as a friend who is also your investor. Let’s call it a friendvestor. Or if you’d prefer using a not-totally-made-up word, we’re the one investor on your cap table you can be real with when you don’t feel like you can talk to anyone else. We’ve been doing this long enough to know there is no magic startup playbook. So our promise to you is simple. Through all the ups and downs, we’re going to be here with you, rolling up our sleeves, picking up the phone, and doing the work. Because we’ve been in your shoes and know how insanely hard this journey is. We’ve got your back. Let’s go put a dent in the universe.

We envision an inclusive economy that thrives with innovation by realizing the value and potential of each of us. Our Mission: Building the Future Together We aim to transform people, companies, and industries in order to build a more equitable and inclusive economy. We work with today’s leaders to create long term growth by integrating diverse perspectives and dismantling personal, organizational and systemic barriers to inclusion. We are creating a new class of companies by investing in the next generation of inclusive ventures We believe that an inclusive economy thrives with innovation by realizing the value and potential of each of us. We build an inclusive economy alongside companies and people like you. We believe in the possibility of a brighter future. Let’s Build The Future Together We pledge to build a brighter future. We envision an equitable, entrepreneurial future, and we come alongside diverse leaders to build that future together.

We are an angel syndicate and startup board member network. Board placements: We facilitate connections, ensuring that corporate and advisory board members find roles that align with their skills, experience and preferences. Community: Our community members get matched with partner startups that are raising investments and are looking for corporate or advisory board members. Investments: We organise and manage startup investment syndicates where a group of private investors pool their financial resources and invest collectively in early-stage startups. Trainings: Our trainings are aimed at business angels and corporate or advisory board member candidates. Community members receive discounts.