SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Founders First Capital Partners, Portfolia and LIFT Development Enterprises announce a first-of-its-kind, six-city traveling roadshow connecting women, veteran and minority entrepreneurs with venture capital investors.
The goal of the roadshow, dubbed “Meet the New Breed of Funding Programs for Diverse Founders,” is to introduce angel investors to a select group of entrepreneurs. Each of the six events will include lunch and a panel discussion on how to raise the capital needed to support the growth and diversity of startups.
“For many women, veteran and minority business owners, traditional financing often isn’t an option because they may lack collateral or don’t meet stringent lending requirements,” FFCP founding partner Kim Folsom said. “We want to provide not only funding but also coaching so these small businesses can thrive and grow, which in turn creates jobs – often in low- to moderate-income areas.”
Events will be held July 17 in New York City, July 19 in Boston, August 1 in Los Angeles, August 8 in Austin, August 21 in San Francisco, and August 23 in Seattle.
In addition to Folsom, panelists at the luncheon events include Barbara Clarke, an angel investor and founding limited partner of Portfolia Funds; Trish Costello, founder and CEO of Portfolia; Suzanne Andrews and Lorine Pendleton, active angel investors and founding limited partners of Portfolia.
“As the U.S. population becomes more diverse, we need greater investment in startups founded by women, ethnic minorities, military veterans and the LGBT community to ensure continued innovation and economic growth across all communities,” said Folsom.
Tickets are $40, and event proceeds benefit the Disabled Veterans Business Alliance and the Foundation for Women Warriors. Participants can register at https://fundingdiversityroadshow2017.eventbrite.com.
About Founders First Capital Partners
Headquartered in San Diego, Founders First Capital Partners is an accelerator and revenue-based venture capital fund with a mission to provide capital, strategic expertise and execution support to enable select underserved and underrepresented companies to build sustainable, profitable businesses.
About LIFT Development Enterprises
Based in San Diego, LIFT Development Enterprises is a not-for-profit, community development organization with a mission to help underserved, underrepresented small-business owners – such as those led by women, minorities or veterans or those located in low- to moderate-income areas – to overcome challenges raised by lack of access to capital and relevant resources to increase business capacity and expansion.
About Portfolia
Portfolia is an investing community and a family of venture investing funds. Portfolia lets clients invest annually in “portfolias” of 6-9 high-potential private companies in their areas of expertise and interest with one investment. Portfolia funds provide an investing experience that is transparent, collaborative, educational and enjoyable.