YSYS x Black Seed VC Partnership: Introducing Virtual Masterclasses for Aspiring Black Entrepreneurs
Over the years the conversations around diversity in tech have evolved. What was once an unspoken reality is now widely acknowledged by the ecosystem at large as a real issue to be addressed. As is often the case, activity in the USA has been the spark for movement here in the UK. A major hindrance in the past has been a lack of data available to give an accurate picture of the experiences of underrepresented founders, particularly where race is concerned. This too has changed.
Last year, our collaboration with Extend Ventures on Impact of Covid-19 on Black and Ethnic Minority-led businesses survey, as well Extend Ventures’ landmark Diversity Beyond Gender report highlighted the disparities faced by ethnic minority founders in a number of areas, whilst 10x10’s The Black Report, sponsored by Google for Startups, rightfully so, scrutinised the particularly nuanced experience of the “B” in “BAME”. What has become consistently clear is that the major barrier faced by Black founders, compared to their white counterparts, is access to pre-seed and seed funding.
Black Seed VC, the brainchild of serial entrepreneur, Cyril Lutterodt, and former gang leader turned activist, poet and advisor, Karl Lokko is ambitiously narrowing its focus on tackling this challenge. A feature on The Financial Times boldly asserts that they want ‘Brixton to be the Black Silicon Valley’.
Cyrill has long been a friend to and community member of YSYS, previously acting as a mentor to founders in our FoundersDoor pre-accelerator programme.
Today we are excited to announce that we are partnering with Black Seed to run a 5-part series of virtual masterclasses for aspiring Black entrepreneurs led by experts from the community.
We are super excited to have the amazing Rumbi Makanga deliver the first session, kicking off the series on the topic of validating your business ideas and how to use the business model canvas as a framework.
