Founders Unfound

Khalid David is Founder and CEO of TracFlo, a company with a predictive financial management platform that is empowering America’s contractors.Originally from the Bronx, Khalid was born into a family of tradesmen with a deep connection to his Afro-Caribbean roots. So it’s no surprise that, even with education from Morehouse, Columbia, and MIT, Khalid ended up in the construction industry. And it was those experiences that opened his eyes to the opportunity to better track the dynamic cost changes happening on today’s construction sites. And so TracFlo was born. Khalid is a passionate speaker and advocate, and has won competitions at MIT, Harvard, and Stanford business schools.Khalid has a great story, you’ll want to listen in.In this episode Khalid and Dan discussed:representing the BronxHis Saint Kitts and Nevis heritageEmerging from college during the Great RecessionBuilding software inside a traditional construction firmHow TracFlo replaces the pad and pencil in the fieldWearing the mantle of pioneering black entrepreneurOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.Tell them "Dan sent you" for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.comMORE on KHALID and TRACFLOKhalid:https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-david-34a55824/https://www.twitter.com/kdpegasushttps://www.instagram.com/kdpegasusTracFlo:https://tracfloapp.comhttps://republic.co/tracflohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/tracflohttps://www.instagram.com/tracfloappFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrice Darby Neely, Founder and CEO of GoLogic, a data aggregation and economic development platform helping small businesses accelerate growth and reduce failure, while increasing the capacity and capabilities of the organizations that support them. Patrice spent many years in childcare before starting her first startup, GoNanny, to address the fragmentation of care occurring with the busy schedules of families on the go. Timing wasn’t on her side, unfortunately, as her company fell victim to the whipsaw of the US economy that came with COVID-19. With GoNanny, Patrice had a front-row seat during the height of the pandemic and she saw how vulnerable small businesses are and how inefficient the ecosystem can be in connecting them with timely and impactful resources. And so GoLogic was born. Patrice is an alum of 1871 in Chicago, TechStars, and has been funded by the likes of Pipeline Angels and Google for Startups Black Founder Fund.She has a great story, you’ll want to listen in.In this episode Patrice and Dan discussed:growing up with two parent entrepreneurswhat drew her originally into the childcare industrythe devastating impact of COVID on her first companyhow GoLogic rose from the ashes of 2020the beauty and power of data, even for the small businessOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:The PlugDelivering clear analysis and powerful insights on what's shaping the Black innovation economy.Get your annual subscription to The Plug at tpinsights.comMORE on PATRICE and GOLOGICPatrice:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-darby-neelyhttps://www.gologicsolutions.com/our-founderhttps://www.gologicsolutions.com/pitch2winGoLogic Solutions:https://www.gologicsolutions.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/gologicsolutionshttps://twitter.com/gologic_solveshttps://www.facebook.com/gologicsolutionsFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #futureofwork Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roger Roman, Co-Founder of AfriBlocks, the global Pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform. They are building THE resource for devs, designers, and virtual assistants. Roger hails from Chicago, and in his home neighborhood there the Roman name is well known. He was pre-ordained to be a lawyer, but Roger took a different path: business. He leveraged his degree from Howard University to immerse in industries as varied as construction, video game development, and eventually marketing. Roger has been spotlighted in The New York Times, Black Enterprise, and VentureBeat. But it was when co-founder Tongai Choto came calling that Roger saw a chance to take on a massive opportunity: the emergence of Africa in the global tech marketplace. The continent has over 450M Gen Z and young millennials, all eager, ambitious, and tech-enabled. Fertile ground for a startup like AfriBlocks.Roger has a great story, you’ll want to listen in.In this episode Roger and Dan discussed:growing up in Chicagohow a chance encounter at graduation led to his first jobthe opportunity for law school - avoided repeatedlyhow one mentor changed his careerwhy Africa should be on everyone's mindOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event streaming from your city.MORE on ROGER and AFRIBLOCKSRoger:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerroman/https://twitter.com/RogerLRomanIIAfriBlocks:https://www.afriblocks.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/afriblocks/https://twitter.com/afriblockshttps://www.instagram.com/afriblocks/Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #futureofwork Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Jones, Co-Founder and CEO of Ownors, an AI-driven Fintech platform that helps artists retrieve payouts from streaming services. Ownors isn’t James’ first startup. Inspired by his upbringing, James became an attorney. But he saw the gaps in the system. The fundamental way that legal services are sold and distributed is a straight-up disconnect with the vast majority of people who need it. So he and his wife formed Court Buddy, where he became Black Enterprise Entrepreneur of the Year. After successfully fundraising and scaling that business, James was eager to scratch the startup itch again. Leveraging his legal experience and personal passion for music, he set out to solve a different inefficiency he saw: creators being paid equitably and timely for their music. And so, Ownors and its flagship brand Bump was born.James has a great story, you’ll want to listen in.In this episode James and Dan discussed:growing up with a brilliant fatherlearning about justice by visiting courtrooms as a seven-year-oldturning an IT job in college into an entrepreneurial venturehis first startup and what's different with his latest journeyhow his clients as an attorney opened him to the inefficiencies for creatorsOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:BLCK VCA focused community built for and by black investors.If you ever thought about getting into Venture, you definitely want to connect up at blackvc.com orfollow @BLCKVC for more about their exceptional programs and events.MORE on JAMES and OWNORSJames:https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-jones-jr-esq/https://twitter.com/jjoneslawOwnors:https://www.usebump.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/ownorshttps://www.twitter.com/ownorshttps://www.instagram.com/ownorsincFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #entertainmenttech #hbcualum Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melanie Akwule is Founder and CEO of MINWO, a DE&I tech company that connects companies with organizations that have a specific mission to support Black-owned businesses on their path to scaling. Originally from Virginia, Melanie was an NCAA track athlete who did her undergrad at Georgia Tech.She worked and excelled in the corporate world with GE. But it was at the Haas School, Cal Berkeley where she built her startup muscle. She used her time in school to conceptualize and develop MINWOA. Melanie is off to a great start in 2021 completing the Techstars program and gearing up for the launch of MINWO's flagship product Rialto. Melanie has a great story, you’ll want to listen in.In this episode Melanie and Dan discussed:life as an NCAA student-athletecompeting in the Olympic trialsdeveloping a passion for using tech to help businesses succeedhow one rejection led to her pursuit of an MBAthe highs and lows of early stage entrepreneurshipthe serendipity of the stumbleOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Trajectory: Startup - Ideation to Product/Market FitA brand new book by entrepreneur and investor Dave Parker.This hot-off-the-presses publication is THE playbook for those at the earliest stages of the startup journey. Or even if you are just contemplating the jump to entrepreneurship. To get this great resource, go to dkparker.com or find anywhere you buy books.MORE on MELANIE and MINWOMelanie:linkedin.com/in/melakwuletwitter.com/mel_anuchiinstagram.com/mel_anuchiMINWO:minwo.colinkedin.com/company/minwotwitter.com/minwo_coinstagram.com/minwo.coFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #dei #haasberkeley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daricus Releford is Founder and CEO of StoreCash, a company that provides mobile banking for teens, as well as for unbanked and underbanked adults.Daricus is the twin son of a mom in the military. And as you just heard, he came home one day as a kid to find that his dad had taken everything from the house. Since that fateful event, Daricus has been on an entrepreneurial journey, that's gone from cutting lawns to building a FinTech startup in Silicon Valley. Along the way, he's had to persevere through college, hustle his first company into getting promotion by Steve Harvey, to landing roles with Google, Facebook, and Apple.Daricus has a great story, you’ll want to listen in.In this episode Daricus and Dan discussed:driving hours with his mom to buy a hotdog standgetting through Penn State, initially without a dorm room or place to sleepfinding a crafty way to get his products on the Steve Harvey showworking for THREE or the big five tech giantshow a chance request from his nephew led to his current startupOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Trajectory: Startup - Ideation to Product/Market FitA brand new book by entrepreneur and investor Dave Parker.This hot-off-the-presses publication is THE playbook for those at the earliest stages of the startup journey. Or even if you are just contemplating the jump to entrepreneurship. To get this great resource, go to dkparker.com or find anywhere you buy books.MORE on DARICUS and STORECASHDaricus:daricusreleford.comlinkedin.com/in/daricusrelefordtwitter.com/daricusrelefordStoreCash:storecashapp.comlinkedin.com/company/storecashtwitter.com/storecashappinstagram.com/storecash_bankingFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #fintech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Black Entrepreneurship & Fundraising in 2021- have we made any progress?In this special episode, we bring you the fireside chat moderated by Dan with: Amira Rasool, CEO of The FolkloreDaricus Releford, CEO of StoreCashKwame Boler, CEO of neuIn the session we talked about the state of black entrepreneurship and fundraising in 2021. As we experience Juneteenth for the first time as a National holiday, we ask:What has changed? What has remained the same?Where are the opportunities for improvement?The panel kept it real, as the conversation covered everything from exasperation to optimism, and everything in between.This event took place on June 24, 2021 and was hosted by the Techstars Seattle Accelerator and Managing Director Isaac KatoAudience Resources and Shout outs:Kwame's episodeAmira's episodeDaricus' episode - coming soonTechstars Seattle, office hoursshoutout: Marlon Nichols, MAC Venture Capitalshoutout: Paystackshoutout: fellow black Techstars alum Ikechi NwabuisiFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow.PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ezinne Iroanya-Adeoye is Founder and CEO of SKNMUSE, the premium beauty brand dedicated to elevating the beauty experience for the modern black woman. Ezinne was born and raised in Nigeria. After graduating from high school at 15 and ace-ing her SATs, she came to the US for college. She thought she was going to be a petroleum engineer. Lucky for the rest of us, that didn’t happen. Ezinne never forgot the joy she found in the soothing remedies her mom and grandmother prepared for her dry skin. She’s paying it back now, with her luxurious balms, oils, and body butters. For Ezinne, beauty is culture, and she’s on a mission to make the beauty counter reflect more inclusively.Ezinne has a great story, you’ll want to listen in.In this episode Ezinne and Dan discussed:Changing majors 3 times in collegeHow her brand wants everyone to feel like "Omalicha Nwa" (beautiful one)The day her brand was featured by BeyoncéHow her mom is even more of a fashionista than she isHer vision to create a space that re-imagines beauty for black womenOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.Tell them "Dan sent you" for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.comMORE on EZINNE and SKNMUSEEzinne:twitter.com/ZMuse_linkedin.com/in/ezinne-iroanya-adeoye-567a6515b/instagram.com/avenue_z/SKNMUSE:sknmuse.cominstagram.com/sknmuse/twitter.com/sknmuselinkedin.com/company/sknmuse/Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #beauty #blackskin Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event streaming from your city.In this episode Sonja and Dan discussed:growing up in Durham NCThe call to engineeringThe career arc between academia and entrepreneurshipWhy the legal system can feel riggedHow African Americans are, by necessity, innovative and entrepreneurialDr. Sonja Ebron Co-founder and CEO of Courtroom5, a company that makes an automated legal toolbox that helps people represent themselves in court. Sonja has one of the amazing backgrounds, engineering academia, a repeat entrepreneur, but it took a challenging experience of our own with the legal system to unleash your mission and passion for the startup life. She has a strong conviction that fairness and the justice system shouldn't depend on inequitable access to knowledge or resources and our conversation. She talked about the allure of engineering doing a startup in Durham, North Carolina, and so much more.Sonja has a great story. Be sure to listen in. MORE on SONJA and COURTROOM5Sonja:linkedin.com/in/sonjaebrontwitter.com/SonjaEbronCourtroom5:courtroom5.cominstagram.com/courtroom5legaltwitter.com/courtroom5legallinkedin.com/company/courtroom5Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #legaltech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The PlugDelivering clear analysis and powerful insights on what's shaping the Black innovation economy.Get your annual subscription to The Plug at tpinsights.comIn this episode Amira and Dan discussed:growing up in the same town as Zach Braff and SZAThe blog that explored Bobbie Austin's ClosetHer college experience in CapeTown South AfricaHow her vision for The Folklore originated long before the companyHer great advice for other black women foundersAmira Rasool is the Founder and CEO of The Folklore, an omnichannel platform that is bringing luxury and emerging designer brands from Africa online for the first time. Amira has that fearlessness that just draws you in. She says it got her in trouble when she was younger, but we're betting it will help her succeed as a founder. She and The Folklore have been featured everywhere from Forbes and Fast Company, to Vogue and Essence. Amira has just recently completed the Techstars program here in Seattle. Dan sat down with her to talk about The Folklore and how she sees it as so much more than a fashion brand.Amira and The Folklore have a terrific story.Make sure to listen in.MORE on AMIRA and THE FOLKLOREAmira:instagram.com/amirarasooltwitter.com/amirarasoollinkedin.com/in/amira-rasool-52359855The Folklore:instagram.com/TheFolkloretwitter.com/TheFolklorelinkedin.com/company/the-folkloreFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #ecommerce #fashion #Africadesigned #Africainspired Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Trajectory: Startup - Ideation to Product/Market FitA brand new book by entrepreneur and investor Dave Parker.This hot-off-the-presses publication is THE playbook for those at the earliest stages of the startup journey. Or even if you are just contemplating the jump to entrepreneurship. To get this great resource, go to dkparker.com or find anywhere you buy books.In this episode Stephen and Dan discussed:growing up in an Oregon suburbhow a chance elective sent his life on a new pathworking with his brother as co-founderswhy a developer's non-coding background mattersStephen Ajayi is the Co-Founder and CEO of YearOne, a company that helps individuals coming out of code schools, land incredible jobs. But getting jobs for Bootcamp grads is not all they do. YearOne also supports new employees through their early careers within technology companies - setting them up for long-term success as well. Stephen knows the journey of the YearOne community, intimately. He moved away from a pre-med track in college to pursue programming, all from the chance selection of taking an elective course in computer science. He went on to dive headfirst in a coding school and ultimately emerged as a Sales VP for a Silicon Valley startup. So, he’s seen from both sides the challenges and friction in the hiring process. And YearOne is particularly focused on coders coming from less traditional backgrounds. And to him, those backgrounds are a major strength. YearOne has a great journey - through the Portland tech ecosystem, to Techstars, and now with backing from great investors like Zeal Capital Partners and Black Founders Matter.Stephen and YearOne have a terrific story. Make sure to listen in.MORE on STEPHEN and YEARONEStephen:linkedin.com/in/stephenkajayitwitter.com/stephenkajayiYearOne:joinyearone.iolinkedin.com/company/yearonecareers/about/twitter.com/YearOnecareersFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #techplacement Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Trajectory: Startup - Ideation to Product/Market FitA brand new book by entrepreneur and investor Dave Parker. This hot-off-the-presses publication is THE playbook for those at the earliest stages of the startup journey. Or even if you are just contemplating the jump to entrepreneurship. To get this great resource, go to dkparker.com or find anywhere you buy books.In this episode Patrick and Dan discussed:growing up in a Haitian household with 6 older siblingsserendipitous customer discovery in a coffee shopthe dynamics of a diverse founding teamthe attraction of the Pittsburgh tech scenePatrick Paul is the Co-Founder of Ikos, a start-up using data and information to allow property owners to execute and manage the vital, day-to-day tasks of investment property ownership. Patrick was raised with a strong Haitian heritage starting in New Jersey and ending up in Southwestern Florida. He grew up an athlete, ended up going to a military academy, then college, and into the world of finance and real estate. Now based in Pittsburgh, Patrick has helped to transform the modern rental experience with Ikos, along the way raising millions and weathering an industry hard hit by the economic crisis from COVID-19. Make sure to listen to his incredible story.MORE on PATRICK and IKOSPatrick:linkedin.com/in/patrick-paul-2524257aIkos:ikos.rentlinkedin.com/company/ikos-holdings-inctwitter.com/meetikosFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #renttech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.Tell them "Dan sent you" for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.comCascadia Cleantech Acceleratorpowered by VertueLab and CleanTech AllianceThis 15-week program delivers mentorship, connections, funding opportunities, and more.For early-stage cleantech startups looking to launch and scale their businesses. Checkout at cascadiacleantech.orgIn this episode Ashlee and Dan discussed:Interning for LeBron JamesHow an awkward networking event gave birth to MixtrozWorking alongside her mom as Co-FounderThe journey from Cleveland to NY to Nashville to BirminghamWhere to find the best rollercoasters in the worldAshlee Ammons is the Co-Founder of Mixtroz, a company that creates serendipity at live and virtual events using real-time surveying along with their unique algorithm.  Ashlee has an amazing journey - from Ohio to New York, Tennessee, and eventually to Alabama. She’s gone from interning with Lebron James to becoming one of the first few African American Women to raise over $1M in venture funding. She's also been named as Entrepreneur Magazine's "100 Powerful Women" of 2019. To top it all off, Ashlee has known her co-founder literally her whole life (spoiler alert, they're related!).Make sure to listen to her incredible story.MORE on ASHLEE and MIXTROZAshlee:linkedin.com/in/ashleeanneammonsinstagram.com/shemixalot87Mixtroz:mixtroz.comtwitter.com/Mixtrozinstagram.com/mixtrozFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #eventtech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Cascadia Cleantech Acceleratorpowered by VertueLab and CleanTech AllianceThis 15-week program delivers mentorship, connections, funding opportunities, and more.For early-stage cleantech startups looking to launch and scale their businesses. Applications are open until April 16th. Don't miss out, apply today at cascadiacleantech.org AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.Tell them "Dan sent you" for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.comSpecial Guest Co-Host: Veronica Parks from Maveron (@VPinVC)In this episode Evan, Veronica, and Dan discussed:Growth from having side hustles as a kidWhy it took years to start Kiddie KreditEvan's three filters to vet investorsHow credit score has such influence but is so misunderstoodWhether Miami really is the next tech hubEvan Leaphart is the Founder and CEO of Kiddie Kredit, a mobile chore tracking app that teaches kids about credit. The company is out to demystify credit scores with fun, but analogous habits and rewards. They currently focus on young children but their goal ultimately is to serve anyone new to credit. Evan grew up in the Baltimore area and is one of those founders seemingly born to be just that, a founder. His mom was a flight attendant and he was an only child. So Evan learned at a young age how to be self-sufficient and confident. From lemonade stands and snow removal to cleaning services and auto transport. Evan has been fearlessly taking on venture after venture. He has called Miami home for over 15 years, so he's definitely an OG in the newly blossoming Miami tech scene. In addition to Kiddie Kredit, Evan is a Co-founder of the Miami-based Black Men Talk Tech Conference. Make sure to listen to his compelling story.MORE on EVAN and KIDDIE KREDITEvan:linkedin.com/in/evanleaphart/twitter.com/evanleaphartinstagram.com/evanleaphart/blackmentalktech.comKiddie Kredit:kiddiekredit.comtwitter.com/kiddiekreditinstagram.com/KiddieKredit/Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #finhtech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:The PlugDelivering clear analysis and powerful insights on what's shaping the Black innovation economy.Get your annual subscription to The Plug at tpinsights.comIn this episode Ashlee and Dan discussed:Growing up in the Bronx - and still living there!Her personal experiences with healthcare inequityHow her view working 'inside' healthcare moved her to launch her startupThe legacy of courageous and inspirational women in her familyHow even Serena Williams was not immune to inequity in careEpisode Shout Outs:Eddwina Bright (Co-founder)Females Founders AllianceVital VoicesDr. Ivor HornAshlee Wisdom is the Founder and CEO of Health in Her HUE,  a digital platform connecting black women to culturally competent healthcare providers, health content and community. Ashlee has Jamaican and Bahamian roots, but grew up in New York where she diehard represents her home burrow - the Bronx. Her career AND startup reflect a deep passion and dedication to tackling healthcare inequity. It's immediately evident in her voice, her writing, and all of her efforts. Ashlee's work has been recognized by Female Founder Alliance, Vital Voices, and the one-and-only Serena Williams. A true founder to watch!Make sure to listen to her compelling story.MORE on ASHLEE and HEATH IN HER HUEAshlee:linkedin.com/in/ashlee-wisdom-mph-7114a040/twitter.com/AshleeWisdominstagram.com/ashleejwisdom/Health in Her HUE:healthinherhue.comtwitter.com/HealthInHerHUEinstagram.com/healthinherhue/Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #healthtech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Multicultural Mainstream: Reimagining Humanity and TechnologyA virtual venture conference hosted by the Columbia Venture CommunityAccess great content and breakouts with venture capitalists. March 5-6th 2021Check out bit.ly/CVCMM for tickets. Don't miss out!In this episode Genevieve and Dan discussed:Starting life in HaitiHow she's combined science and finance into a careerThe lessons of "timing" from 2000 and 2008How distributed blockchain can INCREASE trustWhat happens to mangoes shipped to the USGenevieve Leveille is the Founder and CEO of AgriLedger, a company that is revolutionizing the agriculture value chain using distributed ledger and blockchain technology.Born in Haiti, Genevieve came to the US and New York for high school. She was a science major and researcher, and eventually found her way into banking and over to the UK. Genevieve burst onto the blockchain world with force a few years ago. And it all started with a crypto hackathon. She’s been nominated by the Financial Times to the top 100 BAME in UK technology, and was a winner of the ComputerWeekly 2020 Women in Software. She is also currently the Vice-chairman of TechUK’s Distributed Ledger Technologies Working Group. Genevieve is now building a company that is using distributed ledger to RE-distribute value and reallocate margin and wealth across our food supply chain. All with the source -- the farmer -- at the core.Make sure to listen to her compelling story.MORE on GENEVIEVE and AGRILEDGERGenevieve:linkedin.com/in/genevieveleveille/twitter.com/GinouInLondonAgriLedger:agriledger.iolinkedin.com/company/agriledger/twitter.com/AgriledgerFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #blockchain #agritech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WE ARE BACK! WELCOME TO OUR NEW SERIES FOR 2021OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Multicultural Mainstream: Reimagining Humanity and TechnologyA virtual venture conference hosted by the Columbia Venture CommunityAccess great content and breakouts with venture capitalists. March 5-6th 2021Check out bit.ly/CVCMM for early-bird tickets. Don't miss out!In this episode Ayinde and Dan discussed:Growing up in DCHow his name is as much an 'American' name as anyone else'sThat radio mimic mom's voice in the womb (what!?)nēdl as his THIRD startup in mobile radioCrashing a private party for a shot at pitching a prospect CEOHis perspective on the latest Clubhouse hypeEpisode Shout Outs:WOTPBackstage CapitalSweet CapitalAyinde Alakoye is the Founder and CEO of nēdl (as in 'the haystack'), a company that lets anyone create their own live call-in talk radio station in seconds and make money while they broadcast. nēdl gives everyone a chance to grab the mic, and be live to the world in moments.Ayinde proudly wears his name, which means “we gave praise and he came." He grew up in DC in a single-parent household, after losing his father at an early age. From a young age, Ayinde has had a lifelong appreciation for the escape and 'theater of the mind' provided by radio. And his entrepreneurial spirit has been evident throughout his journey - from excellence in sales, to television, speech-writing for Obama, and a career spanning 20+ years in the radio media world. All preparing him for the epiphany that would become nēdl. The company's app lets users set up their own radio stations - complete with instant share links, audience call-in support, and a clever feature that allows listens to tip. Ned'l is Ayinde's THIRD startup focused on mobile radio. He's been ahead of the curve with each endeavor. And given the amazing growth of experiences like Clubhouse and Instagram Live, his timing for this latest effort seems right on the mark. Ayinde has raised over $1.6 Million in funding from investors including Backstage Capital and Sweet Capital.Make sure to listen to his compelling story.MORE on AYINDE and nēdlAyinde:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedlceo/nēdl:nedl.com/aboutlinkedin.com/company/nedlapp/twitter.com/nedlappFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #founderAfricandescent Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event streaming from your city.In this episode:We review 2020 and where our past guests came fromThe effects of George Floyd on these founders, their companies and communitiesTo be a black founder in 2020 is to be...Founders speak with optimism about plans for 2021For our last episode of the year, we've brought together a handful of founders from our first 20 plus episodes. In this two-parter, we cover everything from fundraising, and running a business, to motivating employees, to finding time for self care and mental health. All against the backdrop of Coronavirus, George Floyd, and a climate of political tension.Thanks to Kala, Marcus, Kwame Claudius, Bara, Kameale and Wole for catching us up and reflecting on this historic year that is 2020.Make sure to listen in.EPISODE GUESTSBara:https://twitter.com/baratundecolacarbice.comWays you can help: stay tuned for 2021Kala:https://twitter.com/thekalaflemingdiasporaai.comWays you can help: refer clients who need help managing water infrastructure not connected to the gridKameale:https://twitter.com/kamealeCchargerhelp.comWays you can help: looking for investorsto close out their seed roundKwame & Claudius:https://twitter.com/mbembashipsuseneu.comWays you can help: referrals to rental hostsin Phoenix, Scottsdale, or SeattleMarcus:twitter.com/_marcus_bullockflikshop.comWays you can help: become a Flikshop Angelflikshopangels.comWole:twitter.com/AyowoleOAfliqpay.com/Ways you can help: refer clients who docross-border financial transaction settlementsFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event streaming from your city.In this episode:We review 2020 and where our past guests are collectivelyUpdates from 7 previous guest foundersInsights on COVID-19's impact for: business, employees, fundraisingFor our last episode of the year, we've brought together a handful of founders from our first 20 plus episodes. In this two-parter, we cover everything from fundraising, and running a business, to motivating employees, to finding time for self care and mental health. All against the backdrop of Coronavirus, George Floyd, and a climate of political tension.Thanks to Kala, Marcus, Kwame Claudius, Bara, Kameale and Wole for catching us up and reflecting on this historic year that is 2020.Make sure to listen in.EPISODE GUESTSBara:https://twitter.com/baratundecolacarbice.comWays you can help: stay tuned for 2021Kala:https://twitter.com/thekalaflemingdiasporaai.comWays you can help: refer clients who need help managing water infrastructure not connected to the gridKameale:https://twitter.com/kamealeCchargerhelp.comWays you can help: looking for investorsto close out their seed roundKwame & Claudius:https://twitter.com/mbembashipsuseneu.comWays you can help: referrals to rental hostsin Phoenix, Scottsdale, or SeattleMarcus:twitter.com/_marcus_bullockflikshop.comWays you can help: become a Flikshop Angelflikshopangels.comWole:twitter.com/AyowoleOAfliqpay.com/Ways you can help: refer clients who docross-border financial transaction settlementsFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!A preview of our Updates episode. We caught up with former guests to see where they are today and where they are headed for 2021. And we reflected on what will certainly be considered an historic year, 2020. Be sure to listen in.EPISODE drops December 18th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Founders Unfound tells the stories of exceptional entrepreneurs and tech founders from underrepresented backgrounds – starting with founders of African descent. We have a regular podcast and complimentary blog created to shine a light on the broad spectrum that reflects all the diversity in startups today. Hosted by season tech entrepreneur Dan Kihanya (@dkihanya), the show explores the origin stories of under-the-radar tech entrepreneurs working on venture-worthy, big opportunity ideas.We know behind every founder is a story that deserves to be boldly told.Follow us (@foundersunfound) and listen in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event streaming from your city.In this episode Abbey and Dan discussed:Growing up in the slums of Lagos NigeriaKey philosophies: fall forward + you are enoughThe transition from balmy Nigeria to frigid Minnesotahis first startup which gave access to water for quarter-million peoplePitching 300+ investorsEpisode Shout Outs:Samir Goel (Co-founder)Beth NoveckAcumenGlobal Good FundSinai VenturesZeal Capital PartnersImpact America FundAbbey Wemimo is the Co-founder and Co-CEO of Esusu, a revolutionary fintech platform transforming the connection between data, tenants, and property. Esusu empowers renters around an important financial identity: the credit score. Abbey was born in Nigeria, and as he puts it, "raised in the slums" of Lagos. His mother sacrificed over half her salary to make sure Abbey was able to reach beyond and attend the best schools. He studied alongside the children of the country's elites, taking him to the US, with stops and degrees from the University of Minnesota and NYU. His early career covered politics, finance, and international development. And his first entrepreneurial endeavor led him to providing clean water for over a quarter of a million people in developing regions.Abbey and his co-founder Samir started Esusu with a major innovation at its core: using rent payments to enhance credit score. By tracking and using data, Esusu can transform the credit prospects for the 70 million Americans who have little or no credit history. Meanwhile, Esusu provides property managers with insights, analytics, and tenants who are motivated towards timely payments. The company is now in half a million rental units, across 40 US states. Abbey and Samir have raised over $4 Million in funding from investors like Impact America Fund, Zeal Capital, and Global Good Fund.Esusu is a word with origins in Nigeria. It essentially means a form of societal cooperation where groups of individuals together contribute for their mutual benefit. But if ask Abbey he will tell you a much simpler version:"If you want to go fast, you go alone. But if you want to go far, you fundamentally go together"Make sure to listen to his wonderful story.MORE on ABBEY and ESUSUAbbey:linkedin.com/in/wemimo-abbey-62382a2a/Esusu:esusurent.comesusurentrelief.comlinkedin.com/company/esusu/twitter.com/getesusuFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Abbey Wemimo is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Esusu, the leading financial technology platform that leverages data solutions to empower tenants and improve property performance. Abbey was raised in Lagos Nigeria, came to the US for college, worked on Obama’s re-election campaign, launched his first start up, and even did a stint with Goldman Sachs - all this before starting Esusu with his co-founder Samir.Make sure to tune in to hear his wonderous story.FULL EPISODE drops November 26th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Black Women Talk Techa collective of black women tech founders that exists to identify, support and encourage black women to build billion dollar businesses.BWTT is hosting Face of the Founder Summit on November 17th, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and partners for an exciting gathering. Registration is free, but spots are limited. You don’t want to miss it! Sign up here!In this episode Kirt and Dan discussed:Growing up in TrinidadComing to the US to study computer science in college at 16What gives him empathy for the indie music creatorHis spin on creating a music labelHow music fits in the creator economyHis approach to the chicken-and-egg of building a marketplaceEpisode Shout Outs:Kirby Winfield - Ascend VCBrick Lane RecordsSteven Wolfe Pereira5-star reviewer: Jessica, sySTEMic flowKirt Debique is the Co-Founder and CEO of SyncFloor, a company revolutionizing discovery and acquisition of music for productions of all types - from advertising to podcasting, filmmaking to fitness, TV to eSports.Kirt is an entrepreneur and a renaissance man. A native of Trinidad, Kirt started college at sixteen. He passed on grad school at Stanford to work at Microsoft. His career there paralleled some of that company's major milestones, But after a successful 20-year stint at the tech giant, Kirt decided to take his career in a different direction. He founded Brick Lane Records, an Indie music label. He started Brick Lane with a set of principles that made the artist the priority - a key opportunity he recognized hanging out in the local Seattle music scene. Oh, and by the way, Kirt is also an artist on his label. Today Kirt leads his own tech startup, SyncFloor, which is an amazing fusion of his expertise: music and technology. Listen in to hear more about Kirt startup journey.MORE on KIRT AND SYNCFLOORKirt:linkedin.com/in/kirtdebique/twitter.com/katewayotwitter.com/BrickLaneRecsinstagram.com/katewayo/SyncFloor:songsforpodcasters.comsyncfloor.comlinkedin.com/company/syncfloor/twitter.com/SyncFloorinstagram.com/syncfloor/Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Kirt Debique is Co-Founder, CEO and CTO of SyncFloor, a company revolutionizing discovery and acquisition of music for productions of all types - from advertising and podcasting to filmmaking, TV and eSports. Kirt is a former, fast-rising exec at Microsoft and a founder of his own Indie music label. He has an amazing story that starts with coming to the US to attend college at 16!Make sure to tune in.FULL EPISODE drops November 12th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event streaming from your city.In this episode Bee and Dan discussed:Being the only young black girl who liked Japanese AnimeWhat derailed her journey to be a doctorHow blogging uncovered a community, and a businessQuirktastic's reset from COVID-19Working with HBO's Lovecraft CountryEpisode Shout Outs:Digital UndividedSnap's Yellow AcceleratorUNC Charlotte5-star reviewer: Jean-Que, Artiste ProBee Law is the Founder and CEO of Quirktastic (soon to be QuirkChat), a networking platform where geeks and hobbyists can join fandom communities and create collaborative social video. If you are into Manga, Marvel Universe, or Cosplay - they have a place for you. It's no wonder Bee created Quirktastic (from quirky + fantastic). She grew up in North Carolina as the only young black woman she knew who liked Anime and metal rock. Bee felt the sting of bullying and the struggle for acceptance. As an adult, she tapped into her uniqueness, and once online she realized there were large communities who wanted to connect and share the joy of their fandom. This epiphany led her to start Quirktastic - a community now 200,000+ strong. Bee and her company have been featured in TechCrunch, Essence, and Forbes. And she's been backed by Digital Undivided, SoGal Ventures, and Snap Inc's prestigious accelerator Yellow.Come hear Bee's journey, which goes from Anime enthusiast and non-profit pioneer in high school, to cytogenetic scientist and aspiring doctor, and now to fast-moving tech founder. Her energy and positivity are simply inspiring. Listen in!MORE on BEE AND QUIRKTASTICBee:twitter.com/bossassbee_instagram.com/bossassbeelinkedin.com/in/bryanda-lawQuirktastic:quirktastic.cowefunder.com/quirktastictwitter.com/QuirkChatinstagram.com/quirkchatFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Bee Law is Founder and CEO of Quirktastic, a social video and networking platform where geeks and hobbyists can join fandom communities and create collaborative video. Bee is a former cytogenetic scientist turned entrepreneur, and Quirktastic with its 200,000+ online followers has been featured in Essence Magazine, TechCrunch and Forbes. Tune in to hear her amazing story.FULL EPISODE drops October 29! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Hey Unfound Nation! Can't believe it's already October, 2020. What a year...relentless. At Founders Unfound, we've been working hard to consistently put out episodes all year. The team wanted just a brief break before we finish strong for the year. Don't worry, we will have a new episode ready to go at the end of the month. In the meantime, please take the opportunity to listen to one of our first 20 episodes that you haven't enjoyed yet. They are all gems!As always, thank you for your support and for listening in.We'll be back soon...NEXT EPISODE drops October 29! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:The Pluga media company that lives at the intersection of data and diversity for the startup and tech communities.Check it out at tpinsights.com ; Use code UNFOUND to save $10 on an annual subscription.In this episode Jim and Dan discussed:Going from Long Island to PittsburghLife at Carnegie MellonHis first job as a coderHow an inspiration at a lunch meeting lead to MeterFeederJim's approach to paying it forwardEpisode Shout Outs:Branding BrandY CombinatorStartup BoostBrookhaven National LaboratoryJim Gibbs is Co-founder and CEO of MeterFeeder, a company that predicts parking availability, and enables vehicles to pay for parking with no human interaction. Jim is a brilliant coder and visionary, with Carnegie Mellon and development work for the likes of USA Today and America Eagle on his resume. And even though he's originally from New York, he wants to convince us that Pittsburgh is the place to be; it isn’t even a question. Jim wants to build the next billion-dollar tech business in Pittsburgh. And in doing so, he's happy to wear the mantle of being a scrutinized black entrepreneur. As Jim sees it, if he can have a big win, it will make it that much easier for the next black founder coming up next. Make sure to listen in to hear his awesome story and great insights.MORE on JIM AND METERFEEDERJim:twitter.com/heezolinkedin.com/in/james-gibbs-4ab8/MeterFeeder:meterfeeder.comtwitter.com/meterfeederinstagram.com/meterfeederapplinkedin.com/company/meter-feeder-incFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy Podcast Day everyone!A big shoutout to all the great podcasters out there. And thanks to our audience, staff, and our great founder guests!- Dan Kihanya, Host Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Jim Gibbs is Co-founder and CEO of MeterFeeder, a company that predicts parking availability, and enables vehicles to pay for parking with no human interaction. Jim is a brilliant coder and visionary. And he’s out to convince us that...it isn’t even a question - Pittsburgh is the place to be! Make sure to listen in to learn how this developer, who’s built code for the likes of USA Today and America Eagle, set out to re-imagine the parking meter. FULL EPISODE drops October 1! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:The Pluga media company that lives at the intersection of data and diversity for the startup and tech communities.Check it out at tpinsights.com ; Use code UNFOUND to save $10 on an annual subscription.In this episode Tim and Dan discussed:His journey from Nigeria to HoustonTim's passion for design and serving othersHow he handled losing a co-founderGuide's 'all-in' pivot during COVID-19Tim's vision for where Guide can goEpisode Shout Outs:Taban CosmosBackstage CapitalTim Salau has that crazy positive energy. It comes through like a smile over the microphone. Tim is one of those folks...after a conversation with him, you just feel ready to go.Tim's mission is to aim his passion for design at building things that serve others. So it's easy to see why he wears so many hats. He is a dynamic speaker, tech influencer, innovator, and content producer. And he’s known as Mr. Future of Work for his visionary perspective on the subject. He's even got his own tea brand coming out!On top of all that, Tim is co-founder, and CEO of Guide, a platform for bite-sized learning and talent development for Enterprise remote teams. Guide allows companies to put training and corporate learning directly and easily into the hands of the creators and the learners. How it began, and how it evolved is quite a tale.Make sure to listen in.MORE on TIM AND GUIDETIM:@timsalau [TW], [IG]https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsalau/https://www.timsalau.com/GUIDE:guideapp.co@GuideHQ_ [TW]https://www.linkedin.com/company/mentorsmentees/Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Known as Mr. Future of Work,Tim Salau is founder and CEO of Guide, a platform for bite-size learning and talent development for enterprise remote teams. Tim has built a movement around learning and growth, with a Facebook community topping 300,000 worldwide. He's got his own live show and is a much-sought after speaker and workplace consultant. In the meantime, Tim share's his founder journey with us. You don't want to miss it!FULL EPISODE drops September 17th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:VertueLaba nonprofit fighting climate change by providing funding and holistic entrepreneurial support to cleantech startups.This September their annual summit, Fuel 2020, is going digital, spanning over two weeks with short events every day.At Fuel 2020 you'll connect with future-focused entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and more.Founders Unfound listeners: Use the code FOUNDERSFRIEND for 20% off your ticket.Learn more at 2020fuel.orgThe PlugCheck it out at tpinsights.com ; Use code UNFOUND to save $10 on our annual subscription.In this episode Su and Dan discussed:His baby son (who joined us in the background)Going from Brooklyn to the CA coast for high schoolHaving dollar van entrepreneurs in his familyAgency v. serendipity (aka making it happen vs. luck)What he learned from startups #1 and #2Why he chose crowdfundingEpisode Shout Outs:Cate SchoolBoy's Club of New York43NorthWeDidItRepublicGrowing up, Su Sanni thought he was going to be a doctor. Once out of college, it was music entrepreneur. Then the world of sales came calling. Su believes all these experiences and aspirations led him to where he ended up...a tech startup founder. His first company: folded. The second, WeDidIt: acquired. So now he's back at it for a 3rd time, with his biggest vision yet.Su (short for Sulaiman) Sanni is Co-founder and CEO of Dollaride, a mobility company for communities that are under-served by public transit. Su points out that there are over 100 Billion trips globally every year facilitated by informal transit systems. These informal alternatives arose to fill the 'transit deserts' left under supported by formal, public transportation options.Yet, within the informal transit ecosystem, there aren't tools to efficiently match rider demand with the supply of drivers and vehicles. Dollaride wants to change that with their new app. They are starting in Su's backyard - the boroughs of New York City. And they are working with the well-known dollar vans who canvas the areas 'between' the subway stops. Guess where the company got its name?Su is our second founder in a row who is crushing his fund-raise using crowdfunding!Listen in to hear his story.MORE on SU AND DOLLARIDESU:@TheSuSanni [TW]https://www.linkedin.com/in/sulaimansanni/Startup Grind Fireside ChatDOLLARIDE:@Dollaride [TW]@Dollaride [IG]https://www.linkedin.com/company/dollaride/https://republic.co/dollarideFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Sulaiman "Su" Sanni is founder and CEO of Dollaride. a company helping to solve mobility and transportation for communities that are under-served by public transit. Dollaride is starting in New York, helping to make routes and pickups much more efficient for the city's famous Dollar Vans. Su estimates that there 100 BILLION trips annually through these informal transit vehicles across the globe. He's out to That is why his crowdfunding campaign is trending up on Republic. He's got a great story - you'll want to listen in.FULL EPISODE drops August 27th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:VertueLaba nonprofit fighting climate change by providing funding and holistic entrepreneurial support to cleantech startups.This September their annual summit, Fuel 2020, is going digital.At Fuel 2020 you'll connect with future-focused entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and more.Founders Unfound listeners: Use the code FOUNDERSFRIEND for 20% off your ticket.Learn more at 2020fuel.org BLCK VCConnect up at blackvc.com or follow @BLCKVC for more about their programs and events.In this episode Tiffany and Dan discussed:Her passion and connection to sports and dataBeing one of only five to present to thousands at an MIT hack-a-thonHer journey through working at ESPNHow an NCAA new rule changed everything for her startupGetting fuel from being underestimatedEpisode Shout Outs:WefunderIndie HackersMVP Institute [Travis Brodeen]Y Combinator Startup SchoolTiffany Kelly loves sports. And she’s a rock star data scientist. She combined these into a dream job with ESPN. She got to dig deep into the sports analytics and data that preoccupy teams, fans, and fantasy devotees alike. She even invented a new stat! It was while at ESPN, however, that Tiffany saw firsthand how brand and media power were shifting with digital and social. Athletes were emerging as personalities with their own platforms and fan followings. But she saw a hole…video. It’s still too darn hard!! So she quit her job and launched her startup. Tiffany is the founder and CEO of Curastory, a company that makes it easy to get started in video. They allow creators to upload, edit, find a sponsor, and distribute video with one click to their social channels, all 100% free. Curastory is launching with a target market where they have recent national approval and first-mover advantage – professional and NCAA student-athletes.And Tiffany is fresh off raising her six-figure preseed fundraise using crowdfunding!MORE on TIFFANY AND CURASTORYTIFFANY:@tiffmkell [TW]@tiffmkell [IG]https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffmkell/CURASTORY:@CurastoryUS [TW]@Curastory [IG]https://www.linkedin.com/company/curastory/https://wefunder.com/fundcurastoryFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Tiffany Kelly is founder and CEO of Curastory, a company that makes it easy to get started in video. They allow creators to upload, edit, find a sponsor, and distribute video with one click to their social channels, all 100% free. Curastory is launching with a target market where they have a monopoly and recent national approval - professional and NCAA student athletes. And Tiffany is fresh off raising her pre-seed round using crowdfunding!FULL EPISODE drops August 13th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE: BLCK VC, a focused community built for and by black investors.If you ever thought about getting into Venture, you definitely want to connect up at blackvc.com orfollow @BLCKVC for more about their exceptional programs and events.In this episode Kistein and Dan discussed:Her childhood dream to change the worldHow she became a New YorkerHer inspiration from OprahComing to terms with when to fund raiseHer personal experience with the fallibility of US healthcareKistein Monkhouse is the founder and CEO of Patient Orator, a platform that uses a mobile app and storytelling to improve patient experience and population health. As a child, Kistein was inspired by Oprah Winfrey - not to be in entertainment but to make an impact in the world. It took a long grind to help her see exactly how she could and would. Kistein spent her days pursuing her education and her nights working at various roles in healthcare. Her studies showed her just how powerful policies could be on outcomes. Her jobs - from in-home health aid to the emergency room - revealed the reality of care disparities. She decided to dedicate herself to attacking healthcare inequities and fighting for those who are underserved, ignored and disregarded. It's from this spirit and commitment to 'humanize healthcare" that her company Patient Orator was born. Listen in to hear the story.MORE on KISTEIN AND PATIENT ORATORKISTEIN:@KisteinMlinkedin.com/in/kisteinmonk45/Documentary: vimeo.com/ondemand/humanizinghealthcarePATIENT ORATOR:[email protected]/company/patientorator/Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Kistein Monkhouse is founder and CEO of Patient Orator, a platform that uses storytelling to improve patient experience and population health. Kistein is an entrepreneur, health advocate, and...filmmaker! In this episode Kistein talks about experiencing America as an immigrant, how her view of healthcare has been impacted as both caregiver and patient, and the origins of her new documentary, Humanizing Health Care.FULL EPISODE drops July 30th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE: BLCK VC, a focused community built for and by black investors.If you ever thought about getting into Venture, you definitely want to connect up at blackvc.com orfollow @BLCKVC for more about their exceptional programs and events.In this episode Kameale and Dan discussed:Her persistent desire to make an impactHow the need to return home made her career flourishHow in 2 years at another startup, she went from customer service rep to leaderWhy she keeps ending up surrounded by smart black womenWhat attracted her to sustainability and EVEpisode Shout Outs:(LACI) Los Angeles Cleantech IncubatorGrid110 South LAStartup Grind LAEV ConnectIt's rare when a startup can impact one market challenge successfully. And even rarer...two at once. Well, that's just exactly what Kameale Terry and ChargerHelp! are doing. Kameale's company is tackling a major pain point in electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure - repair and maintenance. At the same time, she's committed to workforce development and economic mobility. ChargerHelp! is creating an entirely new career role - part technician, part electrician, part IT support. And she wants to prioritize training those from her own community.Kameale has the energy, passion, and drive you just want to get behind. The company story is compelling and she's pretty good at pitching it. So much so that she's earned hundreds of thousands in grants and pitch competition wins. Now that's a way to fund a startup! The journey that landed Kameale as a startup CEO is unique and fascinating. Listen in to hear the story.MORE on KAMEALE and CHARGERHELP!KAMEALE:@KamealeClinkedin.com/in/[email protected]/company/chargerhelpFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Kameale Terry is co-founder and CEO of ChargerHelp!, a company that is changing the way electric vehicle charging stations are repaired and maintained. ChargerHelp is crushing the LA tech pitch circuit! Listen in to hear about how her company is at the innovative intersection of clean tech and workforce development.FULL EPISODE drops July 16th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE: Valence, a new and exciting community built for black professionalsFounders Unfound listeners: get free membership and priority access hereSign up for the Valence BOOST Challenge: www.valence.community/boostchallengeIn this episode Wole and Dan discussed:Startup life in Nigeria during a pandemic lockdownHow cryptocurrency is more than a speculation toolWole's career arc through engineering, marketing, and bankinga quick tutorial from Wole on cross-border paymentsRaising money globally in a COVID-19 worldEpisode Shout Outs:Techstars BangaloreWole Ayodele is an entrepreneur who is on a roll. Wole is classically trained as an engineer but began his career in marketing. It's a chance to shift into banking, however, that helped Wole find his passion for finance. He is on his SECOND fintech startup with Fliqpay, a company that uses cryptocurrency infrastructure to help businesses send and receive payments globally. The Fliqpay platform cuts transaction time from days to minutes which is significant when their clients are waiting for payments to settle. With Fliqpay, literally time is money!Listen in to hear the story.MORE on WOLE and FLIQPAYWOLE:twitter.com/AyowoleOAlinkedin.com/in/woleayodele/Fliqpay Pitch on Techstars Demo DayFLIQPAY:fliqpay.com/twitter.com/fliqpaylinkedin.com/company/fliqpay/Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Wole Ayodele is co-founder and CEO of Fliqpay, a company that helps businesses send and receive payments globally. His company, fresh from completing Techstars, is rocking the Africa fintech space. Wole has a great story as black founder based in Nigeria.Make sure to listen in!FULL EPISODE drops June 25th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE: Valence, a new and exciting community built for black professionalsFounders Unfound listeners: get free membership and priority access hereSign up for the Valence BOOST Challenge: www.valence.community/boostchallengeIn this special follow up from last week's discussion with black men founders, we now bring the viewpoint from the women's perspective. We gathered four accomplished women entrepreneurs to talk startups, fundraising, and the greater context of racial inequality, social justice protests, and the COVID-19 pandemic.Dan is honored to have Dr. Ivor Horn step in as a special guest host. Dr. Horn is an angel investor and advisor supporting entrepreneurs of color, especially women, in digital health.Helen Adeosun, Stella Ashaolu, Cherae Robinson, and Ashlee Wisdom join Ivor...in a conversation that reveals frustration, but also determination, wisdom and resilience. Listen in!In this episode the round table discussed:How it feels to be a black woman in America right now (June 2020)Moving between exhausted and determinedHonoring the moment: with voice, intention, and self-careThe desire to reach back and lift upHow office hours are a poor substitute for a checkAudience Resources:Cherae's PodcastHelen's funding announcementStella's recent panel discussionAshlee's TEDx TalkMore about IvorGeorge Floyd Memorial FundBlack Tech for Black LivesBLCK VC #WeWontWait Campaign (go to "Donate" section to find organizations worthy of your time and resources)Hidden Genius Project RecommendationsBlack Girl VenturesFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow.PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE: Valence, a new and exciting community built for black professionalsFounders Unfound listeners: get free membership and priority access hereSign up for the Valence BOOST Challenge: www.valence.community/boostchallengeIn this special episode, Dan brings together former podcast guests from across the US and Canada. These founders process in real-time how they feel -- as black men and as entrepreneurs -- in the wake of the senseless killing of George Floyd and the subsequent protests sparked all around the country. These savvy entrepreneurs and leaders dive into what they think we and others can be doing to address police brutality, racial inequality, and the outcry for justice and social change.Kahlil Ashanti, Bara Cola, AK Ikwuakor, and Claudius Mbemba...keep it real, as the conversation covers everything from exasperation to optimism, and everything in between.In this episode the round table discussed:How it feels to be a black man in America right now (June 2020)What it's like to be a black entrepreneur in the midst of two American crisesWhat steps are they taking, in light of the protests, George Floyd, and their own mental healthRecommendations for others, including alliesAudience Resources:AK's PostBara's PostClaudius' PostDan's PostGeorge Floyd Memorial Fundhttps://www.grassrootslaw.org/BLCK VC #WeWontWait Campaign (go to "Donate" section to find organizations worthy of your time and resources)Hidden Genius Project (and the 15 organizations it recommends)Black Girl VenturesFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow.PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE: Valence, a new and exciting community built for black professionalsFounders Unfound listeners: get free membership and priority access hereSign up for the Valence BOOST Challenge: www.valence.community/boostchallengeIn this episode Shanel and Dan discussed:What it's like to grow up with a volunteer EMTHow she reverse-engineered her MBAWhy 911 system challenges can mean life or death for underserved communitiesA different perspective on where to visit Santa during the holidaysWhy MD Ally had to be envisioned through the lens of an underrepresented founderEpisode Shout Outs:Techstars SeattleShanel Fields grew up around EMS and first responders. And early in her career she realized that health tech was a place that fed her desire to make an impact. So it makes sense that she combined these two influences when setting out on her MBA journey. She was able to mold her business school experience completely around what would become her startup - MD Ally.Listen in to hear how!The problem MD Ally solves seems so obvious: 911 dispatchers aren't licensed medical personnel; if you have a health concern, they can't officially diagnose your situation. So, if you need a band-aid or a defibrillator, they send an ambulance either way. Shanel's startup is trying to fix this. She wants to make sure EMS responders aren't tied up with band-aids when time is critical for that defibrillator!The company now has major momentum, having recently:raised a $1 Million seed roundcompleted the Techstars accelerator programbeen featured in the New York TimesMORE on SHANEL and MD ALLYSHANEL:linkedin.com/in/shanelfields/New York Times featureMD ALLY:mdally.comtwitter.com/mdallyinclinkedin.com/company/mdally/Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Shanel Fields is founder and CEO of MD Ally, a 911 telehealth solution that allows emergency personnel to triage non-emergency callers to telemedicine. Her company, fresh off of a successful fund-raise, was recently profiled in the New York Times. Shanel has a great story as a black woman founder. You don't want to miss it!FULL EPISODE drops May 28th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE: The Plug(get $10 off annual subscription to TPInsights with code "unfound")Marcus and Dan discussed:The big mistake that cost him eight years of his lifeMarcus' incarceration journey from denial to despair to survival How the cards are stacked against re-entering citizens when they leave prisonHow Marcus responded to the startup call, not once but twice!Why Flikshop is more than just a postcard - it's a lifeline of hopeHaving the triple hurdle: black founder, with a criminal record, and no formal educationEpisode Shout Outs:John Legend Unlocked FuturesMarcus Bullock is as rare as they come. A master motivator, charismatic leader, and passionate change-maker. A founder and CEO of TWO companies. All of that is impressive, but not necessarily unique. What makes him the exception to the exception? He's accomplished what he has despite spending his young formative years in adult, maximum-security prison. What got Marcus through his prison time?It was a piece of mail from his mom EVERY SINGLE day until the day he was released. A letter, note, or seemingly random picture could create hope and positivity, which in turn fueled the will to persevere and thrive. Marcus has now turned his experience into a company: Flikshop. Friends, loved ones, as well as attorneys and other allies, can use Flikshop to send caring sentiments and images, or informational critical for the re-entry process. Listen in to hear more!MORE on MARCUS and FLIKSHOPMARCUS:twitter.com/_marcus_bullock Marcus TED talkFLIKSHOP:flikshop.comtwitter.com/flikshoplinkedin.com/in/flikshop/Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Follow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!Marcus Bullock is founder and CEO of Flikshop, a company that helps families stay connected to their incarcerated loved ones. Marcus has a powerful and authentic personal journey, which has directly resulted in the Flikshop success story. You don't want to miss it!FULL EPISODE drops May 14th! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

OUR SPONSOR FOR THIS EPISODE: The Plug(get $10 off annual subscription to TPInsights with code "unfound")Cheraé Robinson has one of those personalities. Five minutes into a conversation with her and you quickly realize how people gravitate to her passion instantly. Her company, Tastemakers Africa, is on a mission to change perspectives and perceptions of Africa. As she puts it, Africa is more than a place to volunteer or be in the Lion King. Cheraé was generous to do our podcast in the midst of the Corona virus pandemic. Her startup, with a foundation in travel, is evolving day by day. She wanted to share this season with others, in real-time as the story unfolds.Cheraé and Dan discussed:Benefits and challenges of attending an HBCULifelong calling to Africa, installed by her familyLeaving her corporate office the day she knew she wouldn't ever be backDealing with the radical changes required from the COVID-19 crisisDiscovering our mutual friend Erik BlachfordBeing a black woman founderEpisode Shout Outs:Flybridge CapitalPrecursor VenturesShe Leads AfricaHelene Gayle, AA Exec legendMORE on CHERAÉ and TASTEMAKERS AFRICACheraé:twitter.com/sasyraelinkedin.com/in/cheraerobinson/ instagram.com/sasyrae/Tastemakers Africa:twitter.com/tstmkrsafricatastemakersafrica.comFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.