Black Founders Matter
Venture capitalPortland · Seed–Series A · 1 people tracked
Investment thesis
Black Founders Matter is a returns-focused venture fund that seeks scalable ventures led by Black entrepreneurs across diverse industries. Beyond capital deployment, the fund partners with industry-specific lead firms to provide portfolio companies with resources and expertise necessary for efficient scaling and acquisition outcomes. The fund's strategy emphasizes both financial returns and the broader impact of creating more diverse unicorn companies while expanding entrepreneurial opportunity within underrepresented communities.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 5, 2026.
Team · 1 people
from public directoriesWhat they invest in
from 2 of 3 portfolio companiesConsumer ×1Direct to Consumer ×1Gaming ×1Sports Tech ×1
HQs:United States×2
Investments · 3 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathBy year:2022 · 12021 · 12 dated
Glow Up Games developed games and technology centered on Black and brown joy and cultural representation.
GamingNew York City, US
Mitu Khandaker(Executive Officer, Director)Latoya Peterson(Executive Officer, Director)
Co-investorsRareBreed VenturesTechstarsThe BFM Fund
Black woman-owned healthcare startup.
Saysh is a footwear brand that designs performance sneakers built specifically for the anatomy of women's feet using its FemiformityFIT technology.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerSports TechCulver City, US
Allyson Felix(Founder)Paul Wesley Felix(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardMontse Suarez(Director)
Co-investorsRedpoint VenturesThe Perkins FundThe BFM Fund
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does Black Founders Matter invest at?
- Black Founders Matter invests at the Seed, Series A stages.
- What is Black Founders Matter's typical check size?
- Black Founders Matter typically writes checks of $50K – $150K.
- What sectors does Black Founders Matter focus on?
- Black Founders Matter focuses on Sector Agnostic.
- Where is Black Founders Matter located?
- Black Founders Matter is headquartered in Portland, US.
- Does Black Founders Matter lead rounds?
- Black Founders Matter typically participates in rounds rather than leading them.
- Who does Black Founders Matter co-invest with?
- Black Founders Matter most often shares deals with RareBreed Ventures, Redpoint Ventures, Techstars, among 4 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamMarceau Michel and Himalaya Rao of Black Founders Matter
Willamette Week · Marceau Michel
Interview with Marceau Michel, CEO of Werkhorse and leader of Black Founders Matter
Oyster · Marceau Michel
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