Celebrating Progress, Collaboration, and the Path Ahead ?

As we navigate a pivotal moment for our nation's future, times like these serve as powerful reminders of the opportunities and challenges ahead as well as the vital importance of our shared mission.??

This quarter, we celebrated milestones that reflect this shared mission, including the launch of Fund Fundamentals, an inspiring 2024 INCLUDE Impact Conference, the graduation of 18 visionary Fellows, and dynamic engagements during Climate Week NYC.??

VC Include is proud to support managers who not only aspire to launch funds but also those advancing bold investment theses in areas such as expanding homeownership, fostering employee ownership, improving access to healthcare, and driving climate resilience.?

Together, as fellows, funders, and partners, we are creating pathways for increased impact, sustainable change, and innovation. With every collaboration, every bold idea, and every step forward, we are shaping a brighter, more inclusive future.?

Thank you for being part of this movement and for continuing to stand with us on this impactful journey. Together, we will keep moving forward with hope and purpose!

Milton Speid

Executive Director, VC Include

New Program Announcement ??

Last week, we kicked off?VC Include's newest program, Fund Fundamentals!?

The inaugural Fund Fundamentals class is comprised of twenty-five investors who are keen to create a roadmap for launching a fund in the coming years.

In partnership with the Nasdaq Foundation and with support from Heading for Change, we created the Fund Fundamentals program as a pre-accelerator to engage burgeoning investors who are at the very beginning of their journey and are seeking support as they get started.?

Fund Fundamentals is a two-week virtual program that provides future fund managers with the critical insights and hands-on workshops to develop a deeper understanding of what it takes to launch their first fund. Beyond the technical knowledge, this program is designed to connect the class to an ecosystem of mentors, experts, and emerging fund managers who can support them on their path to fund formation.

2024 INCLUDE Impact Conference ??

On October 10th, the INCLUDE Impact Conference brought together mission-aligned allocators, GPs, and?industry leaders for a day of conversation, field insights, and community building. We're proud of the curated ecosystem we've built of impact-focused leaders in the U.S. and globally - the feedback has been incredible!

This year's conference included a keynote address from Maryland Governor Wes Moore, and engaged local chefs, merchants, real estate developers and investors from the dynamic Union Market neighborhood; they brought the history of the neighborhood to life, and shared the journey to a re-imagined, thriving cultural hub for D.C. residents and visitors. The panel content contained a breadth of local, national, and global insights around the evolution of the impact investment field.?

To all the committed investors who attended the conference: thank you for bringing your full, authentic selves and for sharing your wisdom and vulnerability. In the hours we gathered, your energy was palpable. Your insights, passion, and commitment to an inclusive ecosystem were equal parts energizing and empowering.??

A special thank you to this year's lead sponsor, Amazon Web Services (AWS) , for making this incredible gathering possible and for your commitment to championing diversity in venture capital. ??

We'd love to hear from you to explore partnership opportunities for the 2025 INCLUDE Impact Conference! Reach out here: https://www.vcinclude.com/partner-interest-form

Fellowship Graduation Dinner ??

Alongside the INCLUDE Impact Conference, we also celebrated the graduation of our 2024 VC Include Fellows!???

Cheers to these 18 emerging managers,?representing 13 funds. This dynamic cohort joins our network of 75 GPs who have completed the fellowship over the past four years.

To our graduating fellows: your courage to build new funds, dedication to your communities, and relentless drive to create impact are inspiring. We've watched you grow, challenge conventions, and support each other throughout this program. We cannot wait to see how you'll transform the venture landscape. Congratulations Class of 2024! ?? ?

A heartfelt thank you to Rendel Solomon for his leadership and commitment to supporting the Fellowship program over the years.?As we look ahead, Nina Sharma , Head of Programs,?will build on our momentum.

A special thank you to our sponsor 摩根大通 for your support in making a memorable graduation dinner. ??

Climate Week Event ??

During the peak of Climate Week, VC Include partnered with Lowenstein Sandler to bring together investment innovators and field builders through candid dialogues and intimate networking with climate investors. The week of convening our network of climate experts reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing equitable solutions for the green transition.

Roundtable conversations were led by Brahm Rhodes and Kerry Bowie of Malaika Ventures, Tracy Gray of The 22 Fund, Michael Purnell and Kijana Mack of EHI CleanTech Ventures, and Laura Fox of Streetlife Ventures, and explored 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.?

The evening concluded with a spicy 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) who all highlighted current trends and gaps still needing to be addressed around climate investing.

?? Learn About Our Incredible Fellows ??

The career journeys of many of the VCI fellows and alumni are truly remarkable. Take a moment in your day for some inspiration and upliftment, and check out our fellowship spotlight blogs: https://www.vcinclude.com/blog