Next Wave Impact | Founders of Color Showcase 2021
1429
page-template-default,page,page-id-1429,woocommerce-no-js,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode_grid_1300,qode-content-sidebar-responsive,columns-4,qode-theme-ver-17.1,qode-theme-bridge,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-5.5.5,vc_responsive
 

Founders of Color Showcase 2021

 

 

Second Annual Founders of Color Showcase: May 3rd, 2021

Nominations are now open and due by March 15th!

Get your ticket HERE (it’s free!)

Did you know that less than 5% of venture capital in the US goes to companies with female, Black, and Latino CEOs? 1,2  Let’s work together to change this!

 

Join us and other like-minded funds, angel groups, and other investors/entities with an investment thesis that includes investing in scalable impact companies led by founders of color. Next Wave Impact is convening the second annual showcase on Monday, May 3rd in partnership with our co-hosts: Kachuwa Impact Fund, Beta Boom, Seed Spot, Investors of Color Network, and the Angel Capital Association. Five to seven finalists will present their companies and all semi-finalists will be highlighted in the showcase program.

 

We are looking for like-minded company champions, partners, sponsors, and investors that share our investment thesis of investing in underrepresented entrepreneurs.

 
 
Objectives of 2021 Founders of Color Showcase:

  • Mobilize investment into founders of color by showcasing their firms to investors and syndicating investments
  • Democratize access to this asset class through the creation of special-purpose vehicles (SPVs) for accredited investors who are investing smaller amounts ($5K-$50K)
  • Continue to grow the network of investors and create new syndication partnerships with investors who share our investment thesis of investing in founders of color
  • Create more visibility for founders of color, as well as funders and partners, especially those that are led by people of color
  • Streamline the showcase by having Company Champions bring fully vetted and initially funded opportunities

 

FOC Showcase Timeline:

  1. Nominations due:  March 15th
  2. Up to 15 Semi-Finalists Announced:  April 9
  3. 5-7 Finalists Announced:  April 20th
  4. Founders of Color Showcase:  May 3rd
  5. Investor Due Diligence: May
  6. Meetings with Champion, Company, and any additional due diligence – update of champions due diligence:  May 21
  7. SPV investments due: June 1.

 

Would you like to champion a founder of color and nominate their company for the showcase?

Eligibility Requirements of Companies to Nominate:

  • Led by a founder or founders who are Black, Indigenous, or People of color (BIPOC), including Latinx
  • Impact company: The company has a potentially significant positive impact on people, communities, and the planet that is intentional and measurable
  • Fully vetted: The nominator (Company Champion) has conducted full due diligence and invested a minimum of $100k ($50K in special cases)
  • Actively fundraising: Company is raising a minimum of $500K in convertible notes, preferred equity, Flex Equity, or Revenue Based Financing (no SAFEs) with a round open through at least June 1st
  • Minimum company stage: Proof of product-market fit with some market traction. Preferred: Revenues of $100K+
  • US-based C-corp or Public Benefit Corporation (no LLCs)
  • The company is scalable with the potential for large impact and ideally, can provide liquidity (and financial return) back to investors within 10 years.
  • Valuations: Reasonable valuation for the entity’s stage – should be comparable to market median prices (generally between $2M – $6M but exceptions based on opportunity)
  • Note: no pharma or medical devices that require FDA approval unless the approval has been obtained or is imminent.
  • Please note: Companies cannot nominate themselves
  • COMPANIES MUST BE NOMINATED BY A COMPANY CHAMPION, which is an investor that has invested at least $100K into the nominated company

 

Complete this Nomination form no later than March 15th

 

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors!!

 

Platinum Sponsors: Aspiration and Anchor Point Foundation

 

Bronze Sponsor: Signature Windows + Doors

 

For sponsorship opportunities please submit your information HERE

 

Founders of Color Showcase Sponsorship Levels

 

Sponsorship Levels Platinum

(2 max)

$25K

(0 left)

 Gold

(3 max)

$10K

 Silver

(4 max)

$5K

 Bronze

(5 max)

$2.5K

 
Pre- and Post-event mention in press releases & social media posts Press+Social Press+Social Press+Social Social
Logo listed on program, website, and other event materials Large Logo Medium Logo Small Logo Small Logo
Logo/Link on email and social media Logo/Link Logo Logo Logo
Verbal acknowledgment during summit and workshops ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Speaking Opportunity: Showcase Keynote ✔      

 

Next Wave Impact has a 501c3 nonprofit sister organization, Next Wave Foundation if you are seeking to make a tax-deductible donation for your support.

 

Thanks to our community partners!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last year’s showcase brought together more than 200 investors from the early-stage investing ecosystem and showcase 10 founders of color. Five special purpose vehicles were put together to invest nearly a million dollars into five of the 10 finalists.  In aggregate, the 20 semi-finalists and finalists went on to raise millions of dollars last year.

 

For more info, including a list of the semifinalists and finalists and a recording of the showcase, please see the 2020 Founders of Color Showcase Page

 

1 Pitchbook, 2019

2 Kauffman Foundation, 2018