Navigating Startup Funding in the Current Climate

With the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, new founders are actively seeking innovative strategies to secure the capital necessary for both growth and resilience within their startups.

Fortunately, a distinguished panel featuring three investors from leading venture capital firms will be present at TC Sessions: Justice on March 3rd to provide insights into diverse funding avenues.

Panelists and Their Expertise

The panel will consist of Sydney Thomas, a principal at Precursor; Brian Brackeen, a general partner at Lightship Capital; and Dr. Astrid J. Scholz, the founder and managing partner of Sphaera and the founding director of Zebras Unite.

Our discussion will center on how these key decision-makers guide founders through the fundraising landscape, with a specific focus on alternative, less conventional routes to initial funding.

It’s important to acknowledge that not all founders have access to substantial financial support from family and friends.

Investor Backgrounds

Brian Brackeen’s Lightship Capital, based in Cincinnati, manages a $50 million fund specifically dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders.

Brackeen’s background includes significant work in artificial intelligence, particularly in the area of facial recognition technologies.

His experience highlighted the potential for algorithmic bias and racial disparities within data sets.

Dr. Astrid J. Scholz holds multiple roles, serving as the founder and managing partner of Sphaera, a firm focused on designing systems and technologies to address significant challenges through data and capital.

She also founded the XXcelerate Fund, an Oregon-based revolving loan fund and mentorship program designed for and led by women entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, Scholz is a co-founder of Zebras Unite, a global cooperative and community dedicated to fostering an ethical, inclusive, and sustainable approach to business creation.

Zebras Unite’s capital arm utilizes non-traditional funding methods to assist companies in obtaining financing.

Sydney Thomas is a principal at Precursor Ventures, a firm committed to investing in pre-seed companies developing products for a broad audience.

Thomas also hosts the podcast, “Be About It,” which features interviews with compelling companies.

She actively leads various initiatives and communities supporting early-stage founders, including Invanti, a startup generator in the Midwest, and The Interrupters, a resource highlighting investors dedicated to backing Black and LatinX founders.

Expect a Lively Discussion

Given their diverse experiences and perspectives, this panel promises to be engaging and insightful, offering a robust discussion on the evolving dynamics of startup fundraising.

Secure your tickets for TC Sessions: Justice today for only $5.

• Key Takeaway: Alternative funding paths are crucial for founders lacking traditional resources.
• Focus: The panel will explore non-traditional funding mechanisms.
• Expertise: The panelists bring diverse backgrounds in venture capital, AI, and ethical business practices.