Black Tech Green Money

Nash Ahmed is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder and CEO of Undock, an AI meeting platform built for the future of work. He recently raised a $1.6M seed round to put some fuel in the tank to grow the business. I asked Nash about how, previous to founding Undock, he found himself running multiple small businesses at once, and how running those businesses led him to founding Undock. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mercedes Bent is a Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners, a multi-stage venture capital firm with offices around the world, including Silicon Valley, Israel, China, India, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Previously she served as an executive at a VR startup and a General Manager at General Assembly (acquired, 2018) where she oversaw a multi-million dollar business line. On this episode, we talked about what industry accelerations happened because of COVID 19 that she finds interesting as an investor. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natasha Eubanks is an entrepreneur, content creator, founder and editor in chief at TheYBF, which is a go-to site to learn the scope on your favorite celebrities. Young Black and Fabulous is one of the hottest Black celebrity gossip sites on the planet, and millions of readers per month sip the tea on her platform. On this episode from AfroTech 2020 in the metaverse, we talked with Natasha about building an imprint that can stand the test of time, content creation, and the entrepreneurship bend among Black women. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Hawkins, aka Hawk, is a former NFL wide receiver, having played 6 seasons in the league with teams like Bengals, the Browns, and the Patriots. Today, he’s a media personality AND co-founder at Status Pro, an athlete led technology company, which makes software for training and consumer entertainment. On this episode, Hawk speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how to secure A-List celebrity investors, NFL contracts, and the future of VR gaming. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Merline Saintil is founder at Black Women on Boards, and herself sits on 6 boards of directors. and was on the board of 4 companies that IPO’d in 2021. On this episode, Merline discusses taking a company across the IPO finish line, and thoughtful perspectives from an experienced Black director, and the red flags you’ll want your antennas up for should you decide to consider board service. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick Caldwell is, at the time, Vice President of Engineering at Reddit, one of the largest online community platforms, and the 9th most visited website in the world. Today, Nick is a General Manager at Twitter, having just recently been promoted from Vice President of engineering at Twitter. On this episode from AfroTech 2017, Nick talks about how we increase our representation of Black senior leaders in engineering departments. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ollen Douglas is Managing Partner at Motley Fool Ventures which is an early stage technology focused venture fund focused on companies at the series A level. He previously served as a Chief Financial Officer, and parlayed his experiences to raising one of the largest venture funds to date. On this episode from AfroTech World 2020, Ollen speaks with Blavity CEO Morgan DeBaun about fundraising keys, trends in VC, and the Black opportunity as a financier. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew Finney is a Data Scientist and Strategy Consultant at Harvard. There, he develops AI decision systems to help large organizations make an impact on their most challenging business and mission problems. On this episode, Matthew speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about algorithmic bias and why we need more Black representation in data science roles. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tristan Walker is the Founder & CEO of Walker & Company Brands which include the brands Bevel and FORM, both designed to meet the health and beauty needs of people of color​. He’s also Founder and Board Chairman of CODE2040, which matches high performing Black and Latino undergraduate and graduate coders and software engineering students with Silicon Valley start-ups for internships. He sits on the Board of Directors for both Foot Locker and Shake Shack. On this episode, Tristan speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how Black culture leads all global culture, how he made his imprint on Silicon Valley, and why he decided to chart a new course in Atlanta. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tamar Blue, is a Y Combinator alum and founder and CEO of MentalHappy– a mental health platform helping individuals overcome challenging life events via professionally-led peer support groups. On this episode, Tamar speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how tech can both positively and negatively impact mental health, the metaverse and it's potential impact on mental health, and the struggle to embrace being a tech startup. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sevetri Wilson is a serial entrepreneur and founder at Resilia, a New Orleans based technology startup that helps nonprofit organizations increase capacity and enable enterprises that deploy billions of dollars scale their impact. On this episode, I talk with Sevetri about what the all-to-present bottlenecks and issues that keep non-profits from maximizing their impact, and how leveraging technology can help them grow, fundraise, and help more people. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We can’t have a conversation about wealth in the Black community without highlighting how Black women build it, as, there’s nuance. It’s different for Black people to build wealth than it is for white people, and it’s different for Black women that it often is for Black men. On this episode, which is a conversation held at AfroTech Executive Brooklyn 2022, Morgan DeBaun, CEO at Blavity, hosts a conversation between Samantha Tweedy of the Black Economic Alliance Foundation, coalition of business leaders and aligned advocates committed to economic progress and prosperity in the Black community and Latraviette D. Smith-Wilson who is Chief Marketing & Equity Officer at Horizon Media which is the largest US Media agency. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ursula Burns was CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016, the first among black women to be a CEO of a Fortune 500 company, and the first woman to succeed another as head of a Fortune 500 company. Most pertinent to todays conversation is her board roles. Ms. Burns sat on the Boards of Directors for more than 15 companies, including Boston Scientific, the University of Rochester, the MIT Corporation, American Express, Exxon Mobile, Uber, Waystar and more. During this conversation, which was held at AfroTech Executive Brooklyn, Ms. Burns talks with Heather Hiles, managing partner at Black Ops Ventures, and founder at Pathbrite about how corporate boards work, how to get one one, and determining if its the right fit for you in the first place. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Staple is a creative visionary with work encompassing graphic design, fashion design, footwear design, and brand marketing. He is the founder of the REED ART DEPARTMENT (f.k.a. Staple Design) and has worked on creative projects ranging from startup brands to Fortune 100 companies. Jeff founded STAPLE in 1997, the NY-based pioneering streetwear brand with the now infamous “Pigeon” logo. On this episode, Jeff talks his take on NFTs and Web 3, why he never made his own sneaker label, and finding a lane and value in collecting. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Metaverse, metaverse, metaverse. We hear this term almost daily now. But, what is it, especially when it comes to gaming? On this episode from AfroTech World 2022, tap in to this conversation with 3 gaming, VR, and metaverse experts: Mary Spio, CEO & Founder at Ceek VR Metaverse, Erin Ashley Simon, Gaming and Entertainment Host, Co-Owner of Xset, and Chris Barbour, Director fo AR Content Business Dev & Partnerships at Meta Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You keep hearing people say 'DAO', but what exactly is it? Who can start one? Is there any money in it? Can I engage with my community better by using DAO technology?On this episode, Will Lucas, Brand Manager at AfroTech, speaks with Derrick 'DT' Thomas, Founder and CEO at DAO Labs and co-creator of MiamiTechRuns and LATechRuns about how to start a DAO and how to create community in Web3.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Building a large business in the beauty, barber, and wellness industries is no easy feat. These sectors are ripe for competition, and historically, don't scale.On todays episode, Will Lucas, Brand Manager at AfroTech talks with entrepreneurs who've built million dollar enterprises in an industry that is known for being a hodge-podge of hustlers with no actual business operations to see how they did it, and you can too.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wanted to pick the brain of present day media mogul to get their hot takes on how you can find your way into brand deals, TV castings and paid influencer/celebrity status? On this episode, we tap in with Ahmed Islam, CEO at Ten35, a full-service advertising company that leans into culture, Michelle Ghee, CEO at Ebony / Jet, Rahsan-Rahsan Lindsey, CEO at MediaCo, and Detavio Samuels, CEO at REVOLT.This conversation was recorded at the first AfroTech Executive, held in Los Angeles, California.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

'A life worth living is worth recording'. These are words to live by, from a great entrepreneur and speaker. On this episode, Will Lucas, Brand Manager for AfroTech and Black Tech Green Money discusses why you should put in the work to document your journey via a personal journal, blog, podcast, or YouTube channel, and how your story has value to both your audience and future-you. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucas Learn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Venture capital, especially these days - when technology is shifting so quickly - has to follow the convictions of passionate and studied investors. In the days of many Black founders building venture-worthy business, Web 3 and the Blockchain, we need investors who think differently. The team at Slauson & Co are working to do just that.On this episode from AfroTech World 2020, the founders speak with Blavity COO Aaron Samuels about doing venture in Los Angeles, opportunities for Black Founders, and learnings from being in the game for years.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solo Ceesay is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Calaxy, an open social marketplace for creators, by creators, that aims to reimagine the entertainment industry and the fundamental ways with which we all interact digitally. I met Solo, in person, at AfroTech Exec, where he spent a lot of time talking about how the met averse will change the game for influencers and marketersOn this episode, we talk about determining the value of NFTs, what the metaverse will look like in 5 years, and how influencers can tokenize themselves for huge rewards.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Will Lucas, AfroTech Brand Manager and host/producer of Black Tech Green Money discusses the differences between various crypto wallet types, and which you should go with if you prefer simplicity over security.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashley Caines is a self taught crypto trader and Web 3.0 enthusiast, and she uses her passion for educating and mentoring Black women about crypto, blockchain technology and the value of DAOs to lead Blavity's presence and projects in the crypto space.On this episode, Ashley speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how DAOs work, governance structures and token rewards, and what's in store at AfroTech Executive 2022 in Miami.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Lucas is the Brand Manager at AfroTech, the largest Black tech digital platform and conference globally, and Black Tech Green Money.On this episode, Will talks about critical ideas of NFT ownership, like storage and decentralization. You may think you really own your NFT, but if its not properly stored, it could be gone tomorrow. Learn how to steer clear of "rug pulls" and scams by listening in.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tanya Sam is a tech savvy businesswoman. and Director of Partnerships at TechSquare Labs, an Atlanta based technology startup hub and venture capital fund. She also starred on the show The Real Housewives of Atlanta.On this episode, Tanya talks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about building a team to help you on your wealth creation journey, the real effort it takes to win, and moonlighting until your side hustle becomes your main hustle.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Lucas is the Brand Manager at AfroTech, the largest Black tech digital platform and conference globally, and Black Tech Green Money.On this episode, Will talks about some of the most important terms anyone should know when getting into NFTs, either as a producer of NFT assets, or as an investor. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are plenty of features and ways of engaging in the world of NFTs that - if you’re waiting for things to get simpler, you’re really just going to miss some great opportunities. And, this message isn’t to be hyperbolic, or to exaggerate the moment we’re in.But, the truth is, we’re in a moment.On this episode, Will Lucas, Brand Manager at AfroTech and Black Tech Green Money, talks about the complexities of engaging in the world of NFTs, and why you shouldn't let that dissuade you from getting in the game.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruben Harris CEO and Co-Founder at Career Karma, which gives you the information, tools, and support you need to quickly get into a tech career. They recently announced a $40 million series B to bolster their efforts to reimagine education.On the episode, Ruben talks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the future of education, what colleges and universities need to do to compete, and his $40 million series B.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nasir Qadree is the Founder and Managing Partner of Zeal Capital Partners, a Washington, DC-based inclusive investment vehicle focused on partnering with exceptional management teams with diverse backgrounds and skillsets narrowing America’s Wealth and Skills gap. He entered the world of venture capital six years ago, and announced last year that that he’d closed an oversubscribed first fund with $62.1 million, making it one of the largest funds to be raised by a solo general partner to date. It was initially targeting $25 million.On this episode, Nasir speaks with Will Lucas about the fundamentals of VC, what a fund is, how partners operate, and how founders navigate the fundraising process successfully.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Mendy is a co-founding Partner of Concrete Rose which invests financial & social capital into exceptional ventures led by underrepresented founders of color, founders addressing the needs of underrepresented consumers of color, and founders with a demonstrated commitment to creating inclusive cultures and building diverse teams.On this episode, Sean speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about growing up in Silicon Valley and how it shapes his worldview, and how his professional work gets more Black people hired at startups.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more at AfroTech.com https://instagram.com/afro.tech Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marlon Nichols, a VC with Mac Venture Capital is on the main stage helping us understand startup funding rounds, and their impacts on the cap table, a spreadsheet or table that shows the equity capitalization for a company. Cap tables include all the equity in a company, like common and preferred shares, and more.Marlon is THE person to give this talk, he’s a seed-stage venture capitalist that invests in visionary founders building the future that the world wants to see. Some of his current and previous portfolio companies include Blavity (which owns AfroTech), Gimlet Media, LISNR, Mayvenn, MongoDB, PlayVS, and more. This talk was presented at AfroTech 2017, held in San Francisco, CA.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Delane Parnell is founder and CEO at PlayVS, which makes a Web app used by U.S. schools to create esports teams and participate in state-sanctioned, competitive leagues. The app schedules matches, tracks player statistics and auto-reports wins and losses, which prevent cheating in popular games like League of Legends.His startup has raised $96 million dollars in just 13 months.This talk is a throwback to AfroTech 2019, held in Oakland, CA. Delane joins Blavity’s HNIC Morgan DeBaun on the main stage.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yelitsa Jean-Charles is the founder and CEO of Healthy Roots Dolls, which makes toys that represent more diverse backgrounds. A Detroit native, her dolls teach natural hair care to young girls of color through the toys.On this episode, Yelitsa chats with AfroTech's Will Lucas about toys and social impact, acquiring or being acquired, and how startups can secure shelf space in major retail outlets.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFT has become Collins Dictionary's word of the year for 2021. The technology, which is game-changing for creators has generated much excitement in the world of tech and art, and soon, will be common in mainstream conversation.On this episode, Will Lucas, Brand Manager at AfroTech, host of the Black Tech Green Money podcast and an NFT enthusiast helps to break down the exact steps to creating and minting your first non-fungible token.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rosalyn Gold-Onwude is a sports broadcaster and played college basketball at Stanford and the Nigeria women's national basketball team. She’s also a heavy NFT head, an investor and believer in the future of digital collectibles. Ros speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas on the AfroTech World 2021 stage, alongside Morgan DeBaun, CEO and Co-Founder at Blavity, about NFTs, digital collectibles, and investing in art.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lo is the Founding Managing Partner of Plexo Capital, which is an institutional investment firm he incubated and spun out from GV (Google Ventures).On this episode, Lo talks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about how VCs raise capital, the myth of Silicon Valley, and how legislation keeps would-be Black founders from large wealth-building opportunities.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deshuna Spencer is Founder and CEO at Kweli TV, a streaming platform featuring 500+ undiscovered, award-winning indie films, documentaries, web series & kids shows celebrating global black stories. Sean B. is creator of Connect, the Series which now streams on @kweliTV.The platform developer and content creator talk with Will Lucas about the need for our ownership of the Black narrative, and how media constructs our world view, when it may not be what is reality on the ground.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kai bond is an investor, founder and entrepreneur and serves as partner at Courtside VC which focuses on sports, gaming, and fitness verticals. On this episode, Kai speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about the differences between sports of yesteryear, and the sports of today - and why the sports of today, is ripe for innovation in ways it's never been before.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janeen Uzzell is an American global technology executive and CEO of the National Society of Black Engineers. She previously served as Director of Healthcare Programs in Africa and Head of Women in Technology for General Electric and as COO of the Wikimedia Foundation.On this episode, Janeen speaks with AfroTech's Will Lucas about why engineers need global experiences and how Black engineers can leverage our contributions to culture.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maisha Leek was, at the time of this recording, a partner at Human Ventures, an NYC based venture capital firm and startup studio. Today, she's Managing Director at A/B Partners, a digital storytelling agency.On this episode, AfroTech's Will Lucas sits down with Maisha Leek to talk about the capitalism with heart, opportunity in flyover country, and distributed teams.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of my favorite quotes is by the late, great Steve Jobs who said 'You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.' This quote is a summation of my life experience.On this episode, I discuss how intentionally putting yourself in a position to be successful can open up doors of opportunity that you couldn't have prescribed in advance, and how putting in generous, thoughtful, and disciplined work creates an environment ripe for your success.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard is Co-Founder and General Partner at Equal Ventures. Prior to co-founding Equal Ventures, Richard was an investor at Venrock, where he led seed-stage and Series A stage investments in 6Sense, Amino Apps, Beckon, Burner, Luxe Valet, and Salsify.On this episode, AfroTech's Will Lucas sits down with Richard Kerby to talk about the things that are at the core of Venture Capital: investing early stage entrepreneurs and startups, and how to know if a startup is a good fit for your investment profile.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jewel Burks Solomon is the Head of Google for Startups in the US. She works to level the playing field for underrepresented startup founders and communities by connecting them with the best of Google’s products, people and platforms. Joey Womack is the mind behind Goodie Nation which exists to eliminate the relationship gap that stands in the way of success for too many promising entrepreneurs, especially those who are people of color, women, or aren't located in coastal financial centers.On this episode, Jewel and Joey talk with Will Lucas about Google's investment into Black startup founders and investing in socially focused startups that may not be billion-dollar businesses.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins is a social justice advocate and CEO at Promise, which helps people avoid utility shutoffs, license revocations, sky-high interest fees, and even incarceration with flexible, interest-free payment plan, a range of payment options, and 24/7 client support. She was also a union organizer and previously served as Princes manager.On this episode, Phaedra talks with Will Lucas about how tech can amplify social justice work, how one experience prepares you for the next, and how to pivot gracefully.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ita Ekpoudom is partner at Gingerbread Capital, and her mission is to engage, educate, and elevate the next generation of successful women business leaders and investors. She holds an MBA in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a certificate in Finance, from Princeton University.On Term Sheets, a 3 episode video series, which is available to watch in full on YouTube, I travelled to NYC to meet Ita to discuss venture capital in New York City, and what it takes to be a successful venture capitalist. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Al Harrington and Wilson Chandler are both former NBA players turned businessmen. John Monopoly is Kanye West’s manager. The partners joined forces to work together on expanding the current 3% market share of the cannabis industry that is owned by black people. On this episode, the entrepreneurs and investors talk with Will Lucas about Village, the largest, national conglomerate for black-owned cannabis brands and Nobody’s Home, a free music festival featuring top Rap and R&B Acts. Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clarence Bethea is founder and CEO of Upsie, a technology company offering consumers an alternative when purchasing extended warranties for electronics like mobile devices and home appliances.He recently closed an $18 million Series A funding round.On this episode, Clarence speaks with Will Lucas about raising large startup financing rounds, capital intensive launch strategies, and how to make warranties sexy.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

J. Carter is co-founder and chief marketing officer of the One Music Fest, one of the ONLY existing Black owned live music events in the country. He’s found a ton of success with his event expertise finding partnerships with some of the biggest global brands like Adidas, MillerCoors, BMW, Heineken and more.On this episode, J. Carter speaks with Will Lucas about venture capital for entertainment, AR & VR for live events, and how to keep going and believing when the losses seem to mount.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A. Donahue Baker, co-founder and CEO at Money Avenue teaches Entrepreneurship at Morehouse College and is also a Certified Public Accountant that specializes in helping clients create generational wealth through real estate acquisitions and entrepreneurial investment opportunities.On this episode, A. Donahue speaks with Will Lucas about how to leverage the tax code for personal benefit, the importance of life insurance at all ages, and how to get started investing with as little as $500.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiffany Aliche, founder of “The Budgetnista”, is an award-winning teacher of financial education, and America's favorite personal financial educator. She is the author of Get Good with Money (a New York Times Bestseller), The One Week Budget, and the Live Richer Challenge series.On this episode, Tiffany talks with Will Lucas about how to develop a content strategy that gets attention, LLC Twitter and the Tax Code, and bootstrapping a million-dollar business.Follow Will Lucas on Instagram at @willlucasLearn more about other Black tech disruptors and innovators at AfroTech.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.