BLCK VC is transforming the venture capital industry to mirror the diverse demographics of the U.S. Venture Capital is a crucial component of achieving economic equality; it is a vehicle to build wealth, develop future leaders, and strengthen communities. BLCK VC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that equips Black investors with the access, education, and community they need to accelerate their careers in venture capital. We do not accept the status quo; we are driving the industry forward by pushing venture capital firms to become more inclusive in their hiring, deal flow, and portfolios. Venture firms in the United States invest over $130 billion annually, however, Black investors have systematically been excluded from mobilizing this capital. Today, only 3% of venture capital investors are Black; additionally, only 2% of partners–individuals that make investment decisions–at venture firms are Black. Over the past few years, there has been slow and sporadic progress within venture capital to become more inclusive. BLCK VC aims to transform venture capital into an inclusive engine for change and generational wealth creation by shifting the demographics of the venture industry to mirror the diversity of this nation. In the short term, we strive to double the percentage of Black investors and Black partners in venture capital to 6% and 4%, respectively, by 2024.
External link for BLCK VC
855 El Camino Real
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Palo Alto, CA 94301, US
BLCK VC CEO Robert Gordon IV joined KTVU Fox 2 to discuss the importance of education and access, and why our mission is a critical piece of bridging the Black wealth gap. 💡
Championing Black Representation in VC • Community Catalyst • Board Member • AI & Web3 Enthusiast • Shaping a More Inclusive 🌎
Thank you to the entire KTVU 2 team for having me on the morning show today to talk about BLCK VC. If compelled to support our work: BLCKVC.org/donate #GIVEBLCK
🌇 As the sun sets on another legendary Art Basel week, we're still absorbing the radiant energy of our "From Canvas to Capital" brunch. This gathering transcended traditional networking and touched the essence of what we do at BLCK VC. In spaces once defined by exclusion, we're continually creating something profound: platforms where Black professionals don't just participate, they lead and flourish. Each conversation was a testament to our core mission - breaking barriers, amplifying Black voices, and reimagining what's possible in the innovation economy. ⚡ Let's keep challenging the status quo. Let's keep shining the light on our collective power. Let's keep creating the ecosystems where brilliant Black founders and investors can thrive, where creativity meets capital, and where our community's vision inevitably becomes reality. To everyone who brought their authentic self and expanded our collective horizon: thank you. The real work continues. ✊🏾 BLCK VC Dream Team: Robert Gordon IV, Kareema Thomas, Naji J., Brittany Johnson, Pen Howell Cooley: Alexander Knight, Yvan-Claude Pierre (“YCP”) SVB: Jeremy R., Tosh E., Sharon Marichalar, Meagan Williams, Vanessa Kuhlor, Karen Toste Photographer: Sheldon Botler (IG: @sheldonbotler) Videographer: Mike Fermin (IG: @creatvemike) DJ: Bryce Williams (IG: @thebrycewilliams)
🖼️ BLCK VC had the pleasure of bringing together a vibrant community centered around connection and creativity to The Bath Club during Art Basel Miami. Our "From Canvas to Capital: Pioneering the Black Vanguard" brunch, sponsored by Cooley and Silicon Valley Bank, was a powerful testament to our mission of building and empowering Black venture capital professionals. ☀️ The Bath Club's walls have witnessed decades of cultural exchange. Because of Don Peebles' vision for “exclusive inclusivity”, what began as a pillar of separation almost a century ago has become a beacon of what's possible, and of what our community deserves. 🎉 From emerging founders and dedicated ecosystem builders to seasoned investors, everyone brought their unique perspective to the (literal) table. A special thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to an unforgettable day of inspiration and connection. What an amazing way to close out our last national event of the year! 🙏🏾 Huge gratitude to our sponsors and partners for their collaboration on this memorable event. BLCK VC: Robert Gordon IV Kareema Thomas Naji J. Brittany Johnson Pen Howell Cooley: Alexander Knight Yvan-Claude Pierre (“YCP”) SVB: Jeremy R. Tosh E. Sharon Marichalar Meagan Williams Vanessa Kuhlor Karen Toste Photographer: Sheldon Botler (IG: @sheldonbotler) Videographer: Mike Fermin (IG: @creatvemike) DJ: Bryce Williams (IG: @thebrycewilliams) Featured Artist: LaRissa Rogers (IG: @larissa_rogers)
Did you know that Cohort 8 of the Black Venture Institute is now live?! Join us in cheering on another powerful group of Black leaders, ready to reshape the venture capital landscape! 💥 This cohort brings together 60+ extraordinary executives and operators from the tech, healthcare, finance, consulting, and legal sectors. With 6-18+ years of professional experience, these dynamic professionals are not just advancing their careers – they're transforming the future of investing. 🔋 BVI is a launchpad for Black talent, hosted virtually and powered by Berkeley Haas School of Business and Berkeley Executive Education. Our fellows dive deep into the foundational elements of investing, learning from experienced investors about deal structuring, board participation, and the nuanced art of venture capital. 🔌 Beyond the curriculum, BVI opens doors. Fellows gain access to industry experts, learn critical investment strategies, and join the BLCK VC Hub community, a powerful network of Black investors who are changing the game. Since our launch, we've seen two angel groups emerge, over a dozen scouts enter the ecosystem, and three new funds take flight. Cohort 8 is helping to ensure that the next generation of venture investors reflects the incredible diversity of our world. 💪🏾 Learn more about the Black Venture Institute here: https://lnkd.in/dSdRZU2
🎁 This #GivingTuesday, we’re challenging you to GIVE BLCK! Join us in our mission to transform the venture capital landscape. BLCK VC has already helped over 350 professionals build careers in VC through programs like the Black Venture Institute and Breaking into Venture. 🔓 Every contribution matters. Whether it's $50 or $500, you're helping create a future where Black leaders are the norm, not the exception. Let's break down barriers and open new pathways in venture capital, together. Donate now and be part of a movement that's changing the industry as we know it. It’s about time! https://lnkd.in/gXSpT_tR
🎨 From Canvas to Capital: Pioneering the Black Vanguard 🌴 Where: Art Basel Miami 📅 When: Wednesday, December 4 👥 Curated for: Visionary Founders & Forward-Thinking Investors Are you ready to continue this movement?! Join us for an exclusive invitation-only brunch during Art Basel Miami that's redefining the intersection of creativity and venture capital. Sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank and Cooley LLP, this intimate gathering of change-makers is poised to transcend traditional networking events. The brightest minds will come together to explore the frontier where artistic innovation meets entrepreneurial vision - all under the dynamic backdrop of Miami’s electric Basel energy. ✨ Will you architect the future with us? Register here: https://lu.ma/hwpt7tcy 🖌️ We are honored to feature the work of LaRissa Rogers, an interdisciplinary artist whose practice explores Black diasporic experiences through personal and historical narratives, inviting thought-provoking dialogue around culture, identity, and resilience. Learn more about LaRissa’s groundbreaking work here: https://lnkd.in/gvXz-6XQ *Please note that this event is registration only; your registration is not valid until officially approved. Registration does not guarantee entry. BLCK VC: Robert Gordon IV, Kareema Thomas Cooley: Alexander Knight, Yvan-Claude Pierre (“YCP”) SVB: Jeremy R., Tosh E., Sharon Marichalar, Meagan Williams, Vanessa Kuhlor, Karen Toste
🚀 Celebrating BiV Cohort 8: Transforming Potential into Venture Power We're thrilled to celebrate the wrap-up of our 8th Breaking into Venture Cohort! Please join us in congratulating 19 exceptional BiV Fellows – a group of visionary professionals who are poised to reshape the future of venture capital. The Breaking into Venture program isn't just a necessary initiative. It's a launchpad for transformative talent, thoughtfully designed to equip early-career professionals with the tools, knowledge, and community needed for lasting success. 🔑 Major Takeaways: • 19 Fellows | 1 Unified Vision • Developed groundbreaking investment theses • Built a network that transcends traditional boundaries • Equipped with cutting-edge VC insights and strategies To our Cohort 8 Fellows: This is not an end, but a beginning. The relationships you've forged, the skills you've honed, and the experiences you've accumulated are your greatest assets in the journey ahead. A profound thank you to our incredible mentors, guest speakers, and the VC community who invested their time, wisdom, and resources to make this Cohort extraordinary. 💭 Ready to be part of the next generation of venture leaders? Stay tuned for Cohort 9 application announcements.
The vibes are still high after last week’s Catalysts & Connections event at AfroTech in Houston! 🎉 💫 From unbridled innovation during our pitch competition to nostalgic two-steps during an epically DJ’d brunch, we cannot wait for the next installment of our Invest In series. Good news: we’ve decided to heed the call to further our mission via warmer weather and sandier shores… Miami Art Basel, we’re coming for you! 🌴 🏆 Thank you to our amazing BLCK VC Dream Team for executing what was truly a transformative event for all - Kareema Thomas, Brittany Johnson, Naji J., Pen Howell Much gratitude to our sponsors Silicon Valley Bank, AWS Startups, and Deloitte for their continued advocacy and partnership, and our partners StartupOS and non sibi ventures for their collaboration! Special thanks to Robert Franklin III for being an amazing partner on the ground in Houston, we appreciate you! 🙏🏾 Videographer: Mike Fermin (@creatvemike) Photographer: Sheldon Botler (@sheldonbotler) DJ: Bryce Willams (@thebrycewilliams) Venue: Late August (@lateaugusthtx) Tosh E., Jeremy R., Nehemiah Green, Marcus Marbrey, Jenea Carruth (Formerly Bradley), Kent Lucas, Joe Messina, Evin Henriquez-Groves, Paul Pluschkell, Sharon Marichalar, Karen Toste
💡 What happens when you put 70 Black founders, investors, general partners, and limited partners in a room and strip away the traditional power dynamics of venture capital? Pure excellence! 🥂 Our Catalysts & Connections Brunch & Pitch Competition was a masterclass on what the future of venture looks like when we intentionally center Black voices and authentic relationships. In an industry where access to capital often hinges on warm intros and pattern matching, we created a space where merit and vision took center stage. 💥 Every conversation challenged the status quo. Every connection formed represented another step toward dismantling systemic barriers in venture capital. And it’s our commitment to continue this important work; our community deserves the lasting change that happens when we show up and out to amplify their voices. This transformative gathering was powered by our partners who don't just talk about change – they invest in it. Deep gratitude to StartupOS for organizing our pitch competition programming and our title sponsor Silicon Valley Bank for their unwavering advocacy. Special thanks to our additional sponsors AWS Startups, Deloitte, and non sibi ventures for backing our vision of an equitable venture ecosystem through this impactful event. 🏆 The spotlight shone brightly on five extraordinary founders: First Place Winner, Ashton Keys, Founder & CEO, Athlytic Second Place Winner, Chrystal Graves, Founder & CEO, LiQUid Third Place Winner, Olaoluwa Ogundeji, Co-Founder, Mimrr Finalist, Jen Fry, PhD (she/her), Founder, Coordle Finalist, Bryant Williams, Founder & CEO, Hardcore Peanut Butter Spread Co Catalysts & Connections reminded us that when we redesign the tables of power, we all rise. The future of venture hinges on rewriting the rules of engagement. Where to next? (Art Basel, anyone? 👀 ) We're excited to continue our Invest In Brunch & Dinner series - and honestly, we’re just getting started! ⚡️ Thank you to all who made this event such a success: BLCK VC: Robert Gordon IV, Kareema Thomas, Pen Howell, Brittany Johnson, Naji J. StartupOS: Joe Messina, Evin Henriquez-Groves, Paul Pluschkell SVB: Tosh E., Jeremy R., Vanessa Kuhlor, Sharon Marichalar, Karen Toste, Ronnie Harris II AWS Startups: Nehemiah Green Deloitte: Marcus Marbrey, Jenea Carruth (Formerly Bradley) non sibi ventures: Camille Little, Kent Lucas RFS Consulting: Robert Franklin III Bag Ventures: Jackson Georges Jr, Eric Blackmon Photographer: Sheldon Botler Videographer: Mike Fermin Audio/Visual: Way Better Sound and Visuals, Charlie Way, Aerron Ellisor DJ: Bryce Williams Late August: Danny Davis
A message from our CEO, Robert Gordon IV — BLCK VC Community, This week’s election outcome has left many of us with a deep sense of uncertainty, and I want to acknowledge that this is a challenging time for many in our community. As we take a moment to reflect on what it means to be here, in this moment, the weight of our reality is undeniable. Many of us are processing what this outcome means for both our personal lives and professional pursuits, while searching for ways to hold onto optimism for our shared future. Let’s remember that as we navigate these moments, we do so together, with resilience and a commitment to support one another. We must draw strength from what has always defined us: our ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and progress. Our work has never been more vital, and our commitment to excellence and innovation will continue to light our path forward. At BLCK VC, our promise to you and our shared mission remains unwavering. This community has been built on resilience, strength, and a dedication to creating lasting impact — we must and will lean into that mission with continued intention and persistence. While the landscape may shift, our vision remains clear and our determination to drive positive change is ever-present. In moments like these, our strength lies in our unity. I encourage each of us, now more than ever to connect with one another, to lean into the support of our community, and to take the time and care needed to process. We all deserve time for self-care, space for reflection, and recognition that nurturing ourselves also serves the greater good. By caring for ourselves and each other, we build the resilience that sustains us. Remember, it is in our collective resolve that we discover our greatest strength, not as individuals, but as a community united in service. Our shared purpose is the driving force behind our togetherness and fuels our commitment to BLCK VC’s transformative mission. BLCK VC is here for you, now and always. With unwavering commitment, -rob gordon iv