VC Include

?????? Announcing Fund Fundamentals, a new program from VC Include geared toward #women from diverse backgrounds who are interested in launching their first fund. #FundFundamentals is a free, two-week intensive program that is tailored to provide the foundational knowledge, skills, and network needed to navigate the complexities of #fund creation and management. Key aspects of the program include: ?? Robust curriculum covering fund creation, market dynamics, and network development ?? Hands-on workshops to develop your fund thesis and strategy ?? Learning from experts and VC professionals with similar lived experience Thank you to Jill Blackford, Jailan Griffiths, and the Nasdaq Foundation for your generous support of Fund Fundamentals! And cheers to the entire team at #VCI for getting this program off the ground: Nina Sharma, Milton Speid, Joel Bashevkin, Ivy Binns, Alia Einstein-Diez, Rendel Solomon, Joy Jing, Niysha Anderson, Bahiyah Yasmeen Robinson ?? Learn more about Fund Fundamentals and apply at https://lnkd.in/ev92dfHq Know someone who'd be a good fit? Tag them below and share this with your network! #emergingmanagers #diversityandinclusion #genderequality #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #alternateinvestments #diversityinVC #impactinaction #VC #VCI #womenintech #womeninVC

During the peak of #ClimateWeek, #VCI partnered with Lowenstein Sandler LLP to bring together a diverse group of leaders, innovators, and investors. This three-part event hosted candid dialogues and intimate networking, and it reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing climate justice and equitable solutions. ?? Group conversations were led by Michael Purnell, Kijana Mack, Tracy Gray, Sonam Velani, Laura Fox, Brahm R., and Kerry Bowie to explore topics from local climate solutions to public-private partnerships. From there, the evening transitioned into a cocktail reception with healthy nourishment for both body and the mind. Highlight of the night was a panel discussion moderated by Sherrell Dorsey (host of TED Tech), with Rossie Turman (Partner at Lowenstein Sandler LLP), Tracy Gray (Managing Partner of The 22 Fund), and Milton Speid (Executive Director of VC Include) as panelists. On several occasions members of the audience also joined in with their own observations and quips! ?? Points that were brought up, dissected, and discussed include the elusive "patient capital", why workforce development is so integral to the green economy, and the types of partnerships that would open up the most viable opportunities. All issues were viewed through the lens of intersectionality and access. ?? Thank you to everyone who joined us for this impactful evening! A big shoutout to Jennifer Wisnia Gladstein, Lea Olbrich, & Jack Ploscowe from Lowenstein and Alia Einstein-Diez, Nina Sharma, & Joy Jing from the VCI team for making this possible. ?? #emergingmanagers #diversityandinclusion #genderequality #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #alternateinvestments #diversityinVC #impactinaction #VC #VCI

What does it take to change the financial future of millions? ??? ?Samir Goel, co-founder of Esusu, has the answer - and he will be sharing it as the keynote speaker at the Include Impact Conference just a week away! Esusu partners with property managers to ensure that on-time rent payments are reported to credit bureaus, bridging the gap for underserved communities that have historically been left out of the credit system. For millions of families, this is a lifeline - offering a pathway to financial stability and unlocking opportunities for housing, loans, and more. Co-founders Samir and Wemimo Abbey aren't just building new technology - they are creating equitable opportunities and reshaping the financial landscape for those who need it most. ?? We invite you to join us for this important conversation and a full day of engaging discussions at #IIC24 ?? ??? ?Thursday, 10/10 ?? Washington D.C. ? ?RSVP:?https://lnkd.in/dzbEfZdx #IIC24 #financialinclusion #LPs #inclusivegrowth #emergingmanagers #diversityandinclusion #genderequality #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #alternateinvestments #diversityinVC #impactinaction #VC #VCI

"From its roots born over 200 years ago, Union Market District continues to be a unifier for the community, a textural gathering place with soul." It is one of Washington DC’s fastest growing neighborhoods and a fusion of heritage and innovation. That is where the fourth annual INCLUDE Impact Conference will take place on Thursday, October 10th. #Investors, #funders, and #ecosystem builders are coming together to share and celebrate impact strategies that have led to social and economic change for communities historically undervalued and underestimated. We see our work through the lens of #abundance. As such, it’s fitting that this year’s theme is?Galvanizing Abundance: Inclusive Growth through Impact Investing. The Union Market District, with its rich history and rapid growth, embodies this spirit of abundance and innovation. We can't wait to see you there and to explore the transformative power of inclusive growth together ?? Learn more and join us at: https://lnkd.in/eDMs8jnR #IIC #IIC24 #emergingmanagers #diversityandinclusion #genderequality #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #alternateinvestments #DiversityInVC #ImpactinAction #VC #VCI

LPs, funders, and asset allocators: be in The Room Where It Happens??? Include Impact Conference is the place where diverse voices in #VC and #PE come together and where the future of economic growth is being shaped, not just discussed. In years past, IIC facilitated connections that led to investments, transformed ideas into action plans. More importantly, we saw our global community grow stronger from connecting and collaborating #IRL ?? This year, we have an even bigger list of speakers - they are the changemakers and the pacesetters. We are grateful to have: Ali Motroni of Align Impact, Leah Hokenson of Baldwin Wealth Partners, Daniel Wanjira of Blue Haven Initiative, Lisa Marrone of Pivotal Ventures, Natalya Sanghvi of Stardust Equity, Gwyneth Gaul, CAP? of Comcast, Daniel Gould, CFA, CAIA of Marguerite Casey Foundation, Sayiddah M. of MacArthur Foundation, Funlola Otukoya of McKnight Foundation, Todd Leverette of Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, Kiana Sinclair of Embolden Partners, Cindy Willard of Impact Charitable, Brahm R. of Malaika Ventures, Charlotte N. of Amazon Web Services (AWS), La Keisha Landrum Pierre of Emmeline Ventures, Himalaya Rao-Potlapally of The BFM Fund among the line up! We believe in the power of diverse voices to drive innovation. If you do too, there's a place for you at #IIC24 ?? Learn more and join us at:?https://lnkd.in/eDMs8jnR #LP #assetallocator #funders #economicgrowth #emergingmanagers #diversityandinclusion #genderequality #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #alternateinvestments #DiversityInVC #ImpactinAction

Resilience Redefined: Still Here. Still Resilient. It’s an honor to be featured in Forbes alongside visionaries like Milton Speid, Rendel Solomon talking about the work VC Include does — each of us experiencing the shifts in inclusive leadership head-on, but with purpose and intention. As I shared in the piece, the fear tactics don't work. Why? Because #resilience isn’t reactive, it’s rooted in the change we’ve been cultivating for years. At Emmeline Ventures, we don’t just invest in women-led tech startups. We invest in the future—we’re fueling solutions that will define the future of health, wealth, and sustainability. What excites me is that we’re not just surviving this moment; we’re shaping what comes next. And it's not just Emmeline Ventures, we are in good company, with incredible emerging managers shaping what's next. The question now isn’t if we’ll keep moving forward, but how we’ll do it. How do we make sure that this moment, these challenges, are catalysts for even greater innovation? Because here’s the thing: the world is watching, and we’re just getting started. So, what’s the boldest move we can make to not only endure but thrive? Let’s chart the course forward together. It's a must. #FutureOfVC #ResilienceInAction #WomenInTech

As we gear up for #ClimateWeekNYC, VC Include will be co-hosting a series of intimate conversations that bring together leading voices at the intersection of climate, justice, and innovation. Here’s a sneak peek into the four discussions happening ahead of the evening reception! RSVP link below?? ?? ?Bridging Continents: Advancing Equitable Climate Solutions from the U.S. to Latin America Led by EHI Cleantech Ventures | Energy and Infrastructure Venture Capital, this session focuses on equitable climate solutions across continents, prioritizing marginalized communities and sustainable growth. Key themes include community-led renewable energy, urban climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, and Indigenous leadership in nature-based solutions, fostering an inclusive approach to climate justice. ???Holistic Impact: Integrating Climate Justice Across Sectors Led by The 22 Fund, this session explores the power of storytelling and cross-sector collaboration in addressing climate injustice. This conversation will examine how the entire economy — from tech and finance to sports and entertainment — can be leveraged to mitigate the disproportionate impacts of climate disasters on communities of color and catalyze systemic change. ??? Urban Innovators: Private Partnerships Driving Local Climate Solutions Led by Streetlife Ventures, this session will focus on how we can redesign urban environments to adapt to climate change. Cities generate 70% of global emissions and there is a $5 trillion market opportunity as 75% of the urban infrastructure of 2050 is yet to be built. Key themes include how innovative financing and public-private collaborations can help cities lead the green transition and accelerate climate tech commercialization. ?? Climate Resilience at Home: Empowering Innovation and Justice in the U.S. [SESSION FULL] Led by Malaika Ventures, this conversation will dive into emerging U.S. climate tech trends viewed through a climate justice lens. The session will explore how early-stage investments and federal initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and Justice 40 can drive a just transition toward a sustainable future, particularly for underserved communities. ? These conversations are taking place at the same time, so please RSVP for your favorite topic at: https://lnkd.in/eZ47QHrE Thank you to co-hosts: Lowenstein Sandler LLP, Michael Purnell, Kijana Mack, Tracy Gray, Sonam Velani, Laura Fox, Brahm R., Kerry Bowie #ClimateWeek #emergingmanagers #diversityandinclusion #genderequality #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #alternateinvestments #DiversityInVC #ImpactinAction #VC #VCI

We are honored to see Executive Director Milton Speid, Fellowship Director Rendel Solomon, and VCI alum La Keisha Landrum Pierre featured in Forbes, where they shares insights on the challenges and opportunities facing young, ambitious VC leaders of color in a rapidly changing landscape. Milton, Rendel, and La Keisha speak candidly about the evolving dynamics in a post-DEI America and the urgent need for continued support of diverse talent in the industry. Their and others' commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices and building pathways for emerging managers is heartwarming to see. VC Include remains dedicated to our work of empowering diverse fund managers and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in venture capital. Read the full article to hear their perspectives on the future of DEI in VC ?? #emergingmanagers #diversityandinclusion #genderequality #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #alternateinvestments #DiversityInVC #ImpactinAction #VC #VCI

"When I was six, [my father] founded his first company in the basement of our home." ?? ?? This is how VCI Fellow Douglas Watson, Founder and General Partner of Measured Capital, began his entrepreneurial journey. From watching his father's business grow from an idea to scale then to a successful exit, Douglas learned invaluable lessons that shaped his path to venture capital. Measured Capital is working to redefine investment in the Southeast with a focus on empowering Black founders and diverse-led companies. Their focus? Revolutionizing how we live, work, and retire through strategic investments in startups outside major tech hubs. But Measured Capital is more than just a fund - it's also part of a broader vision: ?? The Measured Access platform, fostering sustainable economic development ?? Black Founder Fellowship Program, providing crucial early-stage support ?? Partnerships with HBCUs, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs Sharing about his time in the VCI fellowship, Douglas notes "It's been great being around other like-minded individuals who are building firms just like me... having other people along the journey that you can reach out to leads to organic connections." Read the full blog at https://lnkd.in/dignRtwC Thank you, Douglas, for your work in creating more access and opportunity in the VC ecosystem. #emergingmanagers #diversityandinclusion #genderequality #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #alternateinvestments #DiversityInVC #ImpactinAction #VC #VCI

As Climate Week NYC approaches, we are excited to invite you to an evening focused on advancing #climate justice and #equitable solutions.??? ?? ?? ? Join us on Thursday, September 26, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM for an energizing panel discussion and cocktail reception! We are honored to have Sherrell Dorsey, the brilliant host of TED Tech, moderate this conversation with: ?? ?Rossie Turman, Partner at Lowenstein Sandler LLP ?? ?Tracy Gray, Managing Partner of The 22 Fund ?? ?Milton Speid, Executive Director of VC Include If you are an innovator working to address the climate crisis through #inclusive and #sustainable investments, we would be delighted to have you in the room. Please RSVP at?https://lnkd.in/ddWu5kZs We hope to see you there! #ClimateWeekNYC #ClimateJustice #SustainableInvestment #emergingmanagers #diversityandinclusion #genderequality #impactinvesting #venturecapital #privateequity #alternateinvestments #DiversityInVC #ImpactinAction #VC #VCI