Fearless Fund

We’re not scared. We are Fearless. Be Fearless- www.fearlessfreedomnow.org #fearlessfreedom

SOUND THE ALARM ?? and SHARE! To GOD Be The Glory! It’s been over a year of being in a federal court case and now it’s finally dismissed! A few things that need to be clarified: 1. This is a WIN and positive outcome for the Fearless Fund and our community. 2. The US federal court of appeals stopped the Fearless Strivers grant program for Black women on June 3rd ruling suggesting we were in violation of the law. This program has not been operating since it entered the appeals process back in September 2023 and it was at its conclusion of the grant program when the court case began August 2023, it was designed to award 6 people in one year and it was at its end when the case began. 3. We strategically avoided a Supreme Court ruling (the deadline to appeal our appeal has passed) because a ruling not in our favor at the Supreme Court would’ve ended minority based funding across the country and that would not be wise, we have already seen the Supreme Court ruling for the colleges end affirmative action for all colleges in schools and admissions. 4. Elections have consequences, we have had 3 federal rulings in this process where 4 Trump appointed judges ruled against us, 2 Clinton and 1 Obama appointed judges ruled for us. The writing is on the wall of who wants this work to continue and who does not. Be sure to vote November 5th! 5. This work is important because the statistics for the underfunded are overwhelming and this is why we have invested millions of dollars and awarded grants to over 500. 6. Any false narrative floating that anyone is claiming we are not moving forward at the Fearless Fund is not true, what is true is that we are proud to announce our new debt fund (our loan program is live on our website) for under resourced entrepreneurs- male and female! 7. The one grant program the US appeals courts stopped was funding 6 entrepreneurs, this new program will touch over 3000 entrepreneurs, that sounds like a WIN to me. WE ARE STILL FUNDING WE ARE STILL FEARLESS! #FEARLESSFREEDOM

On Wednesday, the yearlong lawsuit against the Fearless Fund’s Strivers Grant Contest for Black women entrepreneurs officially came to a close via a settlement with the plaintiffs that is unequivocally beneficial for the Fearless Fund and justice and sustainability investors broadly. Most notably, the case has been dismissed “with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be filed again and there are no direct implications for any organization or investor outside of the Fearless Fund’s Strivers Grant Contest. The organization can get back to doing the critical work of investing in, and giving to organizations focused on closing the funding gap that exists for under-resourced entrepreneurs, who are largely Black founders and entrepreneurs. Legal representatives for justice and sustainability investors believe the final resolution of this case creates no legal precedent that might limit DEI, ESG, or impact investors from pursuing racial justice and equity. While this legal case may have initially had a chilling effect for some justice and sustainability investors, it is important to note that investors can and must continue to boldly do the work of advancing racial equity and justice. The key takeaways: ?? Investors: Keep investing for racial equity and justice and keep using your influence as investors to demand companies embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. ?? Grantmakers: Keep giving to initiatives that close the racial wealth gap and benefit communities that have historically been harmed by racial injustice. Our economy depends on it. For more information and details surrounding the outcome of the Fearless Fund case, Alphonso David, President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum and Co-Counsel to the Fearless Fund and Fearless Foundation, has shared his thoughts here. Fearless Fund Arian Simone

For those attending the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference on Thursday, please make sure to attend our panel on Entrepreneurship + Venture Capital. The panel was organized and hosted by the Honorable Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services. We have an All Star panel of entrepreneurs + VCs including: Arian Simone of Fearless Fund, Shonda Scott of 360 Total Concept Management Consulting, Christopher Lyons of Andreessen Horowitz, Erik Moore of Base Ventures, Diishan Imira of Mayvenn + Luke Bailey of NEON MONEY CLUB. #entrepreneurship #venturecapital #CBCALC

Thursday, at the Fearless Rally for Freedom, we experienced the powerful unity of voices calling for economic justice. This rally, held near the Presidential Debate in Atlanta, was not just an event; it was a declaration that the status quo of venture capital disparities must change. As we continue to challenge systemic barriers that hinder funding for Black women and other women of color in business, our resolve grows stronger. We are advocating vigorously for the Fearless Freedom Economic Civil Rights Act and pressing for an Executive Order to ensure Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are more than just words. Our dedicated community of supporters, advisors, and activists play a crucial role in this journey. Your advocacy is paving the way for a more inclusive economy where women of color can thrive in entrepreneurial spaces traditionally dominated by others. We invite our network to join us in this crucial movement. Engage with us, share your insights, and let’s ensure our calls for Economic Justice are heard by policymakers. Together, we can shape an equitable future for all entrepreneurs. #FearlessFund #EconomicJustice #WomenOfColorInBusiness #VentureCapitalDisparity #InclusiveEconomy

Yesterday, we gathered in Atlanta during the Presidential Debate, demonstrating our collective strength and commitment to advocating for economic justice. The presence of supporters from all walks of life highlighted the urgent need for systemic change and the power of community action. Our rally was not just a protest but a proclamation of the disparities that continue to impact women of color in the venture capital sector. It's clear that while talent is distributed equally, opportunity is not. Black women and women of color remain drastically underfunded in the business world, receiving a mere fraction of available venture capital funds. We call on President Biden to issue an Executive Order supporting the Fearless Freedom Economic Civil Rights Act, ensuring that DEI initiatives can thrive and that those facing racial disparities receive the support they need. Let’s use our collective voices to influence change and ensure that our demands for justice and equality are heard. Engage with your elected officials, amplify our message, and join us in pushing for policies that foster an equitable economic landscape. #FearlessFund #EconomicJustice #VentureCapital #DEI #FearlessFreedom

The Fearless Fund has a powerful mission: to bridge the gap in venture capital funding for women of colour founders. It’s addressing deep-seated historical discrimination and current inequalities, where less than 1% of venture capital funding goes to businesses owned by Black and Hispanic women. But some argue that the Fearless Fund offering "preferential treatment" based on race is discriminatory. How? It's undeniable that there is still significant work to be done to achieve equity and inclusion in venture capital funding. Fearless Fund | Arian Simone | Ayana Parsons

We are facing a new set of challenges for entrepreneurs of color. As organizations like the Fearless Fund and the MDBA continue their challenges in court, now is the time to create new mechanisms in our communities to invest in the small businesses that need us the most because they didn't get the investments of the past. Want to chat more? Set up a one-on-one with me here: https://bit.ly/3HMny6F

In her recent CNN exclusive with Abby Phillips, our CEO Arian Simone confronts the harsh realities facing women of color in the venture capital space. Following a pivotal court decision, the Fearless Fund’s mission to support WOC entrepreneurs has been directly challenged. This ruling by the 11th Circuit halts our targeted grant efforts under claims that contradict the very laws meant to foster economic freedom for historically marginalized groups. “Laws that were crafted to uplift Black Americans are now being manipulated to undercut initiatives aimed at diversity and equity.” -Arian Simone In response to this ongoing legal struggle, there’s an urgent call for a Presidential Executive Order to reinforce DEI efforts, emphasizing the need to address the stark funding disparities that leave women of color receiving less than a fraction of a percent of all venture capital. This moment isn’t just a legal battle; it’s a rallying cry for all who value diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dive into the full interview, grasp the broader impact of this ruling, and lend your voice to our cause. We’re more than a fund; we’re a movement striving to reshape the landscape of venture capital. ?? Watch the full interview and in the comments below, show your support for real change. #FearlessFund

CNN EXCLUSIVE TONIGHT — SHARE THIS Tune in tonight at 10 PM EST/ 7 PST as Arian Simone gives an exclusive interview with Abby Phillip on CNN In her first public appearance since the groundbreaking court verdict, Arian will share her insights and the implications this has for the future of equity in entrepreneurship. This is more than just an interview; it’s a pivotal moment for every supporter and believer in the Fearless Fund’s mission. Set your reminders, tune in, and be part of this crucial conversation about justice, resilience, and our continued fight for equality. ?? Tonight | 10 PM EST | 9 PM CST | 8 PM MST | 7 PM PST Don’t miss it—because the fight for equity never stops, and neither will we. #FearlessFund #ArianSimone #CNNExclusive