Co-Founder, Next Big Thing | Crafting Ethical Foundations for Startups & Mission-Driven Companies| Bridging Vision & Impact with Values
Happy Pride, everyone! 🏳️🌈 As an LGBTQ+ founder, I'm proud of the strengths we bring to the table; at work, and in our lives. We've had to navigate societal barriers and find novel solutions just to live authentically — and that's even more true for the trans, Black, and Brown members of our community. Our ingenuity is a powerful force — we think outside the box and embrace risk. LGBTQ entrepreneurs expand possibilities for everyone, yet there's a massive underinvestment in our ideas. Less than 1% of VC funding goes to LGBTQ+ founders, which is especially stark when coupled with the fact that only 0.5% went to Black-founded companies and ~2% to women-founded firms in 2023. Nearly 10% of Americans identify as LGBTQ+. This Pride month, let's celebrate the trailblazing spirit of LGBTQ+ innovators and recommit to dismantling the systemic barriers that still hold us back. Our community's creativity and determination can fuel transformative change — but only if we get a true seat at the table (and are listened to). It's time to double down on investing in LGBTQ visions for a more equitable world!
