BLCK VC Appoints New CEO To Lead Diversity And Change In Venture Capital
BLCK VC, a nonprofit for Black investors, has appointed two-time founder and investor Robert Gordon IV as its CEO.
BLCK VC
BLCK VC is a nonprofit organization that equips Black investors with the access, education, and community they need to accelerate their venture capital (VC) careers.
Typically, Black entrepreneurs receive less than 2% of overall dollars each year in VC funding.
Additionally, by the end of 2022, adverse market conditions led to a 36% drop in overall VC dollars, but Black entrepreneurs saw a 45% decrease in the financing.
BLCK VC’s mission is to connect, engage, empower and advance Black venture investors.
It aims to transform the venture capital industry to mirror the diverse demographic of the US to double the percentage of Black investors and Black partners in VC to 6% and 4% by 2024.
Meet CEO Robert Gordon
Robert Gordon is now the CEO of Black VC after founding two businesses, Culture Is Karma – a business podcast and community and Launching To The Stars.
He also has experiences from organizations like America’s Promise Alliance, /dev/color, Department of Defense, the DNC, Hustle and Searchlight AI.
After participating in the Black Venture Institute program, Gordon became acquainted with the nonprofit and is now an alumnus of two of BLCK VC’s programs.
In a statement, BLCK VC wrote, “His work at these organizations was a testament to his ability to enact substantial change.”
“Including his sincere commitment to amplifying and progressing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, which mirrors BLCK VC’s spirit.”
BLCK VC told AfroTech that they are now set on broadening the impact and quality of their programs and events to inspire a new generation of Back investors.
With Gordon’s leadership, BLCK VC hopes to accelerate a positive impact by building more bridges to enable enduring change in the VC industry.
“I envision BLCK VC evolving into not just a hub for Black investors but a cornerstone institution in the global VC ecosystem,” Gordon told AfroTech.
“My goal is for us to provide unparalleled resources, mentorship, opportunities, and experiences, fostering a new generation of Black investors who are equipped to drive monumental shifts in industry dynamics and investment paradigms.”
He also added he seeks to increase the representation of Black investors, decrease the funding gap in VC, empower the internal team to reenergize the work culture and enhance their partnership ecosystem.
