For far too long, implicit bias and systemic racism have created huge gaps in the VC and startup world —favoring white, male founders, while ignoring the brilliant minds of so many others in our diverse world. The data is out there but yet we still aren't seeing capital deployed to the underrepresented.  As a former tech founder himself and a relentless advocate for underrepresented founders, Brian Brackeen has witnessed the difficulties of raising capital while black and has made it his mission to provide meaningful mentorship and funding in and outside Silicon Valley. Last year, Brian, alongside his wife and co-General Partner, Candice, launched Lightship Capital, a first-of-its-kind $50 million venture fund for underrepresented founders in the Midwest. The groundbreaking partnership with SecondMuse Capital will invest in early-stage startups launched by people of color, women, veterans, LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities in the Midwest and the South (“all the places other investors fly over or vacation in, including Miami,” Brian said). Their hope for the fund is to make the VC world accessible to all founders and to provide much-needed funding that allows minority-founded startups not only to survive, but to thrive, and to create a more equitable future. Join us in the first of our new series, Raising While Black, as we chat with Brian about his experiences as a black male founder and investor. This is one you won’t want to miss!