PledgeLA

???EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT ???Today we introduce our newest initiative, in partnership with Wurwand Foundation, to create clearer pathways to success for early-stage entrepreneurs — particularly those with a community-centric mission. Introducing the Community Business Accelerator (CBA)! This 16-week intensive program is designed to empower and elevate Los Angeles-based businesses serving the local community. CBA will provide hands-on support to companies that are driven not only by profit but by a shared mission to uplift their communities—whether through job creation, equitable access to resources, or any other way of pouring back into local LA neighborhoods. Throughout this program,?founders will develop a tailored approach to securing capital, refining product-market fit, building a high-performing team, and implementing operational roadmaps to drive sustained growth. ???Learn more, sign up for an info session, and apply by October 21: grid110.org/cba #Community #LosAngeles #LocalImpact #Entrepreneurship

Calling all BLCK VC members, program alumni, investors, LPs, founders, friends, and family—we’re back on the golf course, but this time in LA! Join us on October 19th during #LATechWeek for a little (or a lot of bit):? ? Golf ?? ? Brunch ?? ? Community Building ????, and ? Fun ? Register today to secure your spot! Trust - you won’t want to miss this.?

Join us for an incredible panel during LA Tech Week to discuss a topic that deserves more attention: "Beyond the AI Buzz - Crafting Equitable Workplaces in the Digital Age." ?? When: October 15, 2024 ?? Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM ?? Location: Tala HQ Our GP, Kimberley Nixon Nixon, will be joined on stage by a group of phenomenal leaders: Grisselle Escotto, Director of People, Boldin (Formerly New Retirement) Cierra Gross, MHR Gross, Founder & CEO, Caged Bird HR Bonnie Oliva-Porter, Founder, MARGINS: A Workplace Innovation Studio Vikram J., Chief Information Officer, LACERS The panel will explore the intersection of AI, equity, and workplace transformation and how technology can be leveraged to build more inclusive and equitable workplaces. Register Here: https://lu.ma/f6k5frqb #LATechWeek #AI #EquityInTech #FutureOfWork #WorkplaceTransformation #HealthyWorkplaces

Who’s ready to apply for next year’s PledgeLA VC Fellowship Program? ?? Applications open Tuesday, October 29! ?? Hear from our 2024 fellows Humnah Memon, Alan Cortez, Tatiana Jackson, our alum Spencer Pratt, and partner host firm leader Lisa Richter about their experiences with the fellowship. Stay tuned for more information about the 2025 program!

Still deciding which?LA TECH WEEK by a16z events to join? ?? Check out our curated guide of the community-centered events we’re supporting this year! ?? ?? Founders & Funders Brunch – Hosted by AWSM SCTY & Grid110? Register Here: https://lu.ma/vvgyf40q ?? Dále Summit – Hosted by Techqueria & LaFamilia Foundation Register Here: https://lnkd.in/eFHv7itR ?? Smoothie Soiree – Hosted by Unshackled Ventures & VamosVentures Register Here: https://lu.ma/witttf6d? ?? Founders & Funders in Color Happy Hour – Hosted by Plug In Ventures BLCK VC SomosVC & VamosVentures Register Here: https://lu.ma/flsx1n5f ?? Then & Now: The Food & Ag Tech Ecosystem in LA – Hosted by Supply Change Capital Register Here: https://lu.ma/ty7pdnus ?? Building Bridges for Women of Color Investors – Hosted by Cap Table Coalition, Emmeline Ventures,?Sisters with Ventures Podcast, & Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies - USC Marshall Register Here: https://lu.ma/f65kewc8 ?? Founders Showcase – Hosted by Grid110 Register Here: https://lu.ma/ruscki5p ?#LATechWeek #VentureCapital #Founders #Entrepreneurship #Community

Join Slauson & Co. for some good food, good people, and good music at Coffee on Slauson during LA #TechWeek! ? We’re taking over Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen on Slauson on October 15. Come hang and get a glimpse of what South LA has to offer. Here’s a look at last year’s event. Hilltop will only be open to those who are registered for the event. There is limited availability, so please RSVP before it's sold out. https://lu.ma/6au87w94 ??

??LAST CALL FOR NOMINATIONS!! ?? Don’t miss your chance to elevate trailblazing LA founders, ecosystem leaders, and emerging managers to be recognized at the first-ever 2024 PledgeLA Catalyst Awards later this Fall.? ?? Submit your picks by October 3: https://bit.ly/4fFzJ5f

Not sure which L.A. Tech Week events to join? ?? Check out our curated guide of the community-centered events we’re supporting this year! ?? ?? Founders & Funders Brunch – Hosted by @Awsm Scty & Grid110? Register Here: https://lu.ma/vvgyf40q ?? Dále Summit – Hosted by Techqueria & LaFamilia Foundation Register Here: https://lnkd.in/eFHv7itR ?? Breakfast Mixer – Hosted by Unshackled Ventures & VamosVentures Register Here: https://lu.ma/witttf6d? ?? Founders & Funders in Color Happy Hour – Hosted by Plug In Ventures, BLCK VC, SomosVC & VamosVentures Register Here: https://lu.ma/flsx1n5f ?? Then & Now: The Food & Ag Tech Ecosystem in LA – Hosted by Supply Change Capital Register Here: https://lu.ma/ty7pdnus ?? Building Bridges for Women of Color Investors – Hosted by Cap Table Coalition, Emmeline Ventures,?Sisters with Ventures Podcast, & Lloyd Greif Center for Entrepreneurial Studies - USC Marshall Register Here: https://lu.ma/f65kewc8 ?? Founders Showcase – Hosted by Grid110 Register Here: https://lu.ma/ruscki5p ?#LATechWeek #VentureCapital #Founders #Entrepreneurship #Community

??Don’t miss your chance!!?? Submit your nominations for trailblazing LA founders, ecosystem leaders, and emerging managers to be recognized at the first-ever 2024 PledgeLA Catalyst Awards later this Fall.? ??Submit your picks by October 3: https://bit.ly/4fFzJ5f ?

Slauson Spaces is back this month on Wednesday, September 25th. Join us for a discussion on the key drivers behind a successful fundraising process. We'll cover the factors that influence how investors evaluate your company and how you can lean into those areas to increase your chances of raising capital. If you're a founder preparing to raise capital, this event is for you. ?? There is limited capacity, but there will be a waitlist once spots are filled. Register for the session here: https://lu.ma/83ubpwe2?