Graciela Moran: Supporting Historically Underserved Entrepreneurs and Communities

May 11, 2022 Posted by: Anushree Nande CA,  EEB,  Graciela Moran,  USA

Graciela: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! Caravanserai Project’s work is all about uplifting underserved communities and supporting the entrepreneurs that have historically been left behind. We uplift mission-driven entrepreneurs to not only follow their dreams but create a source of revenue, rather than being in survival mode. We do that with our Pre-Accelerator in partnership with the University of California Riverside - Extension that takes their startup or idea to the next level. We offer technical assistance through free webinars, a digital journey providing digital support, circles which is a supporting environment where mission-driven leaders have the opportunity to share ideas, consult with peers, and connect with experts with a leadership or DEI focus, and much more!

Ashley Flucas: Driving Diversity in the Venture Capital Investment Space

May 02, 2022 Posted by: Anushree Nande Ashley Flucas,  EEB,  FL,  USA

Ashley: Thanks for having me, Spiffy! I am a venture capital investor. Through Flucas Ventures, I invest money in startups (companies that are early on in their journey, but have the potential to be large, impactful companies one day). Some of the companies that are a big part of your everyday life were once startups that once upon a time needed investment from people like me to grow their business—like Uber, Snapchat, or Facebook.

Jessica Millstone: Closing the Venture Capital Funding Gap for Female Founders

Apr 15, 2022 Posted by: Anushree Nande EEB,  Jessica Millstone,  NY,  USA

Jessica: Thanks so much for having me, Spiffy! At Copper Wire Ventures, we are trying to support and encourage women entrepreneurs by closing the gap in venture capital funding that women-led technology receives.  Currently companies with female founders only receive about 2% of the venture capital available to build new companies, and we want to change that!