Ariel Alternatives

We’re excited to share the Project Black story with you. Swipe to learn more. https://lnkd.in/eS6kBC3E #ShareAriel #alternativeinvestments #privateequity

Our Co-Founder and CEO Leslie A. Brun joined the inaugural Blackweek conference in New York City alongside Damian Benders of My Code—a #ProjectBlack portfolio company—, Kickstarter's Courtney Brown Warren and Open Opportunity Fund’s Paul Judge to discuss both conscious and unconscious biases affecting Black founders and why investing in Black ambition is essential to the future of business. Thank you to Dhani Jones of Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C. for moderating this timely discussion. #ShareAriel

Head of ESG and Social Impact Aarti Kotak took the stage at the AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity) Regional Councils Convening at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Alongside Lenwood V Long Sr., Chief Executive Officer of the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs, Aarti shared her thoughts on how small businesses can effectively meet their sustainability and DEI goals. Many thanks to Smart Energy Design Assistance Center's Cassie Carroll for moderating! #ShareAriel

Ariel Alternatives was in Atlanta for the annual National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) conference, where the theme was “defining new norms.”   Vernon Irvin, our new Head of Go-To-Market and Value Creation joined a panel discussing the potential obstacles that minority business enterprises (MBEs) may face in the coming years as well as innovative solutions for staying ahead of the curve. Many thanks to co-panelist Terence Baptiste of Chevron and NMSDC’s Alexandre Swayne for moderating this discussion.   #ShareAriel

Co-Founder Mellody Hobson joined the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) podcast, “Smart Women, Smart Power,” hosted by CSIS International Security Program Director Kathleen J. McInnis, Ph.D. With each episode focused on the remarkable decisions that women in leadership make, Mellody shared her motivation to “do private equity totally different than what had been done,” through #ProjectBlack’s efforts to close the racial wealth gap and the firm’s unique approach to demand aggregation.   Listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/g8jDnwR2      #ShareAriel 

Congratulations to #ProjectBlack portfolio company Sorenson Communications for being named to Fast Company’s 2024 Next Big Things in Tech List within the Enterprise award category! This honor goes to the business for its Sorenson Forum product, an AI-powered language solution for events that connects more than 140 million conversations across all business lines each year. Sorenson is relentlessly focused on innovating and increasing accessibility for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing.   Read the press release here: https://lnkd.in/eAbTHjzb #ShareAriel

Our Co-Founder and CEO Leslie A. Brun spoke at SuperReturn North America in New York City, discussing how private equity investors should navigate the “new normal” of higher rates and macroeconomic uncertainty. Joined by Kenneth Binick of Hamilton Lane (a firm Les founded in 1991) and Adel Alderbas of Wafra, this panel helped investors level-set their expectations of the PE landscape going into 2025. Many thanks to Julia Kahr of Cinven for moderating this discussion.   #ShareAriel

Congratulations are in order for Emma Rodriguez-Ayala, Ariel’s Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, and Carlos E. Calderon, Ariel’s Chief Financial Officer, who have both been named Crain's Chicago Business Notable Latino Leaders.   A proud native of Puerto Rico, Emma’s promotion to CAO has expanded her leadership to the firm’s operations team, technology team and beyond. Carlos has played an integral role on Ariel Alternatives’ valuation committee, helping to evaluate prospective #ProjectBlack portfolio companies.   Read their features here: *Emma Rodriguez-Ayala: https://lnkd.in/e5QPRc_D *Carlos Calderon: https://lnkd.in/eWF2s5J9   #ShareAriel

Fortune named Ariel Alternatives Co-Founder Mellody Hobson to its inaugural 100 Most Powerful People in Business list. A fierce advocate for investment excellence, financial literacy and addressing the nation’s racial wealth gap, we are proud to have Mellody at the helm of Ariel after joining as an intern over 30 years ago. Congratulations to the inspirational leaders featured. Read the profile here: https://lnkd.in/eTTnRrKn #ShareAriel

We are pleased to welcome Vernon Irvin, our new Head of Go-To-Market and Value Creation. At Ariel, he will work across the broader Ariel Alternatives portfolio and partner with our deal teams to assist with investment due diligence. Joining us from his role as Co-CEO and Chief Revenue Officer at Everbridge, Inc., Vernon brings a passion for economic empowerment, literacy and mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. #ShareAriel