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Tag: #FoundersUnfound

Beauty On-the-Go, Refillable and Sustainable

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Listen in from your favorite podcast spots or read the full transcript here.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:

Founders Live
The global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.
Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event near you.

Tackling the tons of plastic waste found in single-use personal care

Megan Graham is the Founder and CEO of Ries, a new brand addressing single-use plastic waste in the beauty industry with refillable, reusable travel-size bottles designed for beauty.

Megan spent her formative years in Atlanta, where her father was an anchor for CNN. She attended Florida State University, choosing to major in Textile Science and Fashion Merchandising. Megan translated this into a career in media and fashion, ultimately helping to run beauty marketing at Vogue. Her roles over those years involved extensive travel. And it was this context that led to her insight around wasteful plastics in personal care items, particularly those used on-the-go. She would discover that 150 billion pieces of plastic are created by the beauty industry annually, and 30% of single use plastic ending up in the landfill comes from personal care and grooming products. So, as the saying goes, she thought there had to be a better way. And so Ries was born.

Megan was part of the inaugural cohort of the Sephora Accelerate. Ries has gone to be carried by Sephora and Goop, and be recognized by Glamour and Cosmopolitan magazines as one of the hottest innovations in the industry.

Megan has a great story. You’ll want to listen in.

 

“I’m gonna spend $10k of my own savings to make this dream happen…”
~ Megan Graham

In this episode Megan and Dan discussed:

  • The realization that she appreciated looking at fashion more than creating
  • The growth the comes from hard environments
  • How Ries ended up featured at Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop
  • Why success for her is defined by pushing the industry forward in sustainability
  • What a trend forecaster actually does

 

 

“…I was running to pitch meetings on my lunch break.”
~ Megan Graham

 

“ I think it’s difficult for anyone. But obviously it’s just 10 times more difficult if you are a woman and then if you’re a woman of color… ”
~ Megan Graham

CUTTING THROUGH THE NOISE OF ONLINE DATING

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Listen in from your favorite podcast spots or read the full transcript here.

OUR SPONSORS 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 or
follow @BLCKVC for more about their exceptional programs and events.

When swiping and texting don’t work

Naza Shelley is Founder and CEO of CarpeDM, an exclusive member-only dating community, created for singles seeking meaningful relationships with professional Black women.

Naza is the daughter of military parents, so she lived in many places growing up. She eventually settled down in Virginia for high school, and then the University of Virginia for college. From a young age, she had aspirations to become an attorney. She pursued this journey, with a law degree from Howard University. Naza says it was a year post law school teaching in China that reinforced her desire to practice. And so she did when she returned to the US. As a successful black professional woman in DC, she still found something missing.

As she explored the various online dating experiences, she became more and more frustrated: why wasn’t there anything for her specifically? And so, the idea for CarpeDM was born. Fast forward through milestones, like landing a co-founder, going through Techstars, and launching a truly unique hybrid service that is part online dating and part matchmaker service. Naza has closed an oversubscribed pre-seed round, gaining her membership into the group of black women founders who’ve raised over $1M in venture capital.

 

“There’s too much money in the ecosystem for it to be this hard for us to raise…”
~ Naza Shelley

In this episode Naza and Dan discussed:

  • Growing up in a military family
  • The impact of spending a year in China after law school
  • How dozens of dates in a year left her exhausted, with no real connections
  • The power of ‘friends and family’ signals
  • Why $86,000 was the right amount for her first fundraise

 

 

“…I was running to pitch meetings on my lunch break.”
~ Naza Shelley

 

“…our goal is really to be that household name…when people say ‘black love’ ”
~ Naza Shelley

JUNETEENTH 2023: THROWBACK TO 2020 – REAL TALK WITH BLACK FOUNDERS

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Listen in from yourfavorite podcast spots or read the full transcript (pt 1) or full transcript (pt 2)  here.

 

juneteenth 2023 
flashback episodeS from JUNE 2020

 

In honor of Juneteenth and the 3rd anniversary of the murder of George Floyd, we thought we’d do something a little different this month. Back in June 2020, we did two episodes with black men and black women founders, capturing their raw thoughts, emotions, and insights at the time. These were two of our most popular episodes of all time. And the sentiments shared, and vulnerability shared are as powerful today as they were then.

Part I: with me moderating a panel of black men founders:
Kahlil Ashanti, Bara Cola, AK Ikwuakor, and Claudius Mbemba. 

Part II: where we were honored to have Dr. Ivor Horn step in as guest host, moderating a panel of black women founders:
Helen Adeosun, Stella Ashaolu, Cherae Robinson, and Ashlee Wisdom

In some ways, that time in 2020 was a catalyst for progress. Unfortunately though – with an extended pandemic, a tough economy, and frankly the passage of time – we have not seen enough continued focus, and a loss of priority. One thing that history teaches us…its that where society’s gaze lands, progress and achievement follow. The founders from these episodes certainly show a representative slice of the founder journey. Some have startups that are prospering with investment capital. Some have pivoted. And some have sunset. But all of these founders are still wise and fierce leaders today.

 

“…the 400 year mark is not insignificant in this great awakening happening ”
~ Cherae Robinson

 

In these episodes the round tables discussed:

  • How it feels to be a black man in America (June 2020)
  • How it feels to be a black woman in America (June 2020)
  • What it’s like to be a black entrepreneur in the midst of two American crises
  • What steps are they taking, in light of the protests, George Floyd, and their own mental health
  • Moving between exhausted and determined
  • Honoring the moment: with voice, intention, and self-care
  • The desire to reach back and lift up
  • Recommendations for others, including allies
  • How office hours are a poor substitute for a check

 

“…it’s true that this has been happening, but the difference is it’s being filmed.”
~ Bara Cola

“…we can be working on our own success so that we can be the funders of people who look like us in the future”
~ Stella Ashaolu

 

Reader References: 

 

“It’s been an exhausting last couple days. As a black man, it’s kind of numbing to have to experience this over and over again… ”
~ Claudius Mbemba

 

“What can we do as black founders to make ourselves available to each other whether it’s time, talent, or treasure? ”
~ Helen Adeoson

 

 

 

THE “NEST”-IFICATION OF THE WORKPLACE

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Listen in from your favorite podcast spots or read the full transcript here.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:

AfriBlocks

The global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.
Tell them “Dan sent you” for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.com

USING TECH TO MAKE OFFICE LIFE
AS CONVENIENT AS HOME

We are trying something a little different with this episode. Kofi along with his cofounder Clinton, has actually built and sold Lane, so not really still unfound. But he was so interesting and the journey so compelling, I couldn’t resist sitting down with him as a guest.

Kofi Gyekye is a serial entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Lane, the world’s largest and most innovative workplace experience platform, connecting 300+ properties across 22 cities and 8 countries.

Kofi grew up in Europe with African parents. He was good at school and realized that he loved the dual pursuit of creativity and analysis – the perfect foundations for his journey as product visionary. A serendipitous meeting at university party, resulted in Kofi’s partnership with his co-founder Clinton across 3 separate ventures. It was when Kofi was considering an RFP for a marketing campaign, for office buildings, that he decided to do something he had never done before in his career – see what’s like to work in a office. So, he spent a day exploring and observing at big skyscraper office. The epiphany hit him: why can’t the office environment be as convenient and seamless as home. And so Lane was born.

In the whirlwind that followed, the company did Techstars, grew from 10 to 200 people, landed clients all over the world, and then in late 2021, sold for $200M to unicorn Proptech company VTS.

Kofi has a great story. You’ll want to listen in.

 

“Team was quite important; how to structure it, how to allow yourself to take criticism, to listen, to collaborate…”
~ Kofi Gyekye

In this episode Kofi and Dan discussed:

  • Growing up as an African in Italy
  • How the combination of analytical and creative make him great at product
  • The evolution of fulfillment and its connection to impact
  • The journey of selling your company
  • The future of work, and oh the way, real estate

 

 

“I’m meant to be in the room.”
~ Kofi Gykye

 

“I actually fell into entrepreneurship to be quite honest…”
~ Kofi Gyekye

MOVING LEGAL AWAY FROM THE LEGAL PAD

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Listen in from your favorite podcast spots or read the full transcript here.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Founders Live
The global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.
Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event near you.

BRINGING 21ST CENTURY DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE SECOND OLDEST PROFESSION…MEDIATION

 

Melissa Brogdon is Co-Founder and CEO of FourthParty, a justice technology company that increases access to mediation services so that people can resolve legal conflicts outside of court.

Proud to hail from Oakland, Melissa was raised by an incredible role model – her great grandmother. Despite opportunities to stay local for college at Berkeley, she followed the urging of a mentor and went to Spelman, a premier HBCU in Atlanta. Emerging from undergrad with confidence and curiosity, Melissa was initially a teacher, but ultimately pursued a successful career in the nonprofit sector. But then came the opportunity to work with her partner and husband to build his law practice. It was there that Melissa saw firsthand the impact of mediation, AND the clear needs mediators had. And so FourthParty was born.

Melissa has a great story. You’ll want to listen in.

 

“…we really needed to figure out how to bring technology to make this career accessible, to make the service available to the everyday person. And that was where the spark happened…”
~ Melissa Brogdon

In this episode Melissa and Dan discussed:

  • Growing up in Oakland
  • Her journey from teaching to philanthropy to entrepreneurship
  • How the pandemic drove an explosion in the need for mediation
  • When she found out she was part of the first Google for Startups class
  • Why “first” isn’t always best

 

 

“The right investor gets it…we’re looking for those people.”
~ Melissa Brogdon

 

“ Our courts Continue to be in crisis… ”
~ Melissa Brogdon

REMOVING THE BURDEN OF ORPHANED SAAS

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Listen in from your favorite podcast spots or read the full transcript here.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:

AfriBlocks

The global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.
Tell them “Dan sent you” for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.com

PROVIDiNG A SIMPLE WAY TO MANAGE WHO, WHEN, AND HOW MUCH FOR SOFTWARE SUBSCRIPTIONS

 

Chiko Chingaya, Co-Founder and CEO of Talisman, a company building the next generation of software management, offering companies a centralized overview of all their software and SaaS.

Born in post-colonial Zimbabwe, Chiko moved to the US when he was 7, growing up in and around Dallas. With parents always working, Chiko developed a sense of independence, pursuing early passions for writing and the arts. He entered college under the premise that he would pursue law potentially, But, a trip to his homeland midway through undergrad left him humbled and determined. What followed was a masterclass of career stints – product, marketing, sales, and client success. Then one evening, watching Shark tank with a glass on wine in hand, he had the epiphany that would become Talisman. Keep listening to hear how it happened.

Chiko and Talisman have a great story.

 

“I wanna build an aspirational black-led tech company.”
~ Chiko Chingaya

In this episode Chiko and Dan discussed:

  • What changed when he moved from Zimbabwe to the US
  • How a $500 trip to Costco landed Talisman its first investors
  • Is it me or is it my business? The black founder inner question
  • The power of relationships and your network
  • Why everyone should learn to code

 

 

“we grill up, have everybody in, and walked out with $25,000…”
~ Chiko Chingaya

 

“ I wanted to go in with my eyes wide open and make a choice as opposed to stumbling in and then being surprised at the result. ”
~ Chiko Chingaya

GEAR RENTAL…THE NIMBLE WAY

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Listen in from your favorite podcast spots or read the full transcript here.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Entrepreneur Struggle podcast

A compelling podcast with host Chris Colbert from DCP Entertainment.
Listen anywhere you get podcasts or go to dcpofficial.com/entrepreneurstruggle

CREATING THE AIRBNB for Equipment rental

 

Donald T Boone, Founder and CEO of BoxedUp, a B2B equipment rental marketplace, similar to the Airbnb for camera gear.

Growing up in Maryland, Donald came from humble beginnings and followed his older brother in pursuit of an engineering degree at the HBCU North Carolina A&T. Donald had distinguished roles at companies like Exxon and Amazon. But as a 3-time founder, the call of entrepreneurship has always been loud in his ear. And talk about conviction. He has borrowed against his 401k for a previous startup and taught himself how to code from scratch. And get this, in the middle of the pandemic, with an incredible compensation in Amazon in hand, he decided to take BoxedUp’s early insights and traction, quit his job and set out to make his company the success he knew it could be.

Donald has a great story. You’ll want to listen in.

 

“Start networking far before you ever need the money.”
~ Donald Boone

In this episode Donald and Dan discussed:

  • Growing up in Maryland
  • How following his brother led to an HBCU education
  • The stark reality of giving up Amazon-level comp to be a founder
  • How COVID 19 changed his business almost instantly

 

 

“the fundraising process… was just the starkest reminder that we’re in the same arena, but we’re playing different games…”
~ Donald Boone

 

“ She couldn’t read it for months without it inducing some trauma ”
~ Donald Boone

ENABLING THOSE WHO SERVE TO BE WELL SERVED

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Listen in from your favorite podcast spots or read the full transcript here.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Entrepreneur Struggle podcast

A compelling podcast with host Chris Colbert from DCP Entertainment.
Listen anywhere you get podcasts or go to dcpofficial.com/entrepreneurstruggle

CREATING MORE CHOICES FOR
GOVERNMENT WORKERS WHEN THEY TRAVEL

 

Anthony Gantt Jr is Founder and CEO of atease, a company that qualifies and lists temporary lodging rental inventory which enables per diem government travelers to stay in accommodation types beyond hotels.

Anthony grew up in Miami, in a large family with modest means. He had gifts for math, STEM, and athletics. When he got to Florida A&M University, he was quickly hit with the sticker shock of college expenses, even at public HBCU like A&M. Urgency for solutions led him to take up the suggestion of the military as a way to subsidize his college experience.

What followed is a 22+ year distinguished career in the United States Marine Corp. Thank you so much for your service Anthony!  

It was during his military tenure that he discovered that a number of the lodging options you and I now take for granted, weren’t allowed for those working in the various areas of the US government. As a father of six, he realized that small hotel rooms don’t meet the need when called to move across the country for a new assignment. And so, atease was born.

Anthony has a great story. You’ll want to listen in.

 

“We have a saying: slow is smooth. smooth is fast.”
~ Anthony Gantt Jr

In this episode Anthony and Dan discussed:

  • Growing up in Miami and attending an HBCU
  • How he tried to enlist in two other branches before landing in the Marines
  • Why he thinks it’s hard for civilian companies to appreciate veterans’ experience
  • How his military experience and training prepared him for entrepreneurship
  • What he has in common with Jeff Bezos

 

 

“…then I started talking to other founders who were successful…”Let me hear how you raised with your pitch“”
~ Anthony Gantt Jr

 

“It’s very difficult for the other 99% to understand the thought process and the ethos that military folks have. ”
~ Anthony Gantt Jr

PACKAGING JUST GOT SMARTER AND MORE CLIMATE-FRIENDLY

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Listen in from your favorite podcast spots or read the full transcript here.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:
Entrepreneur Struggle podcast

A compelling podcast with host Chris Colbert from DCP Entertainment.
Listen anywhere you get podcasts or go to dcpofficial.com/entrepreneurstruggle

packaging goes from
single use…to 2oo+

 

Chantal Emmanuel is Co-Founder and CTO of LimeLoop, a company that is delivering a world without waste with their reusable smart packaging.

Chantal grew up in Queens, in a neighborhood without many people of color, but with a strong sense of her Caribbean heritage, surrounded by a large extended family. She brought a calling to serve with her after college, leading to work in AmeriCorps, but it was her analytical and logic-driven intellect that soon brought her to data, and software. 

With a pivot through coding bootcamp and relocation to the Bay Area, Chantall found herself working for Red Clay Design, a company developing software to bring together industrial designers and retail companies. It was at Red Clay that Chantal would come across both the core idea for Lime Loop, and her co-founder Ashley. This would lead to the start of her founder journey years later.

Chantal has a great story. You’ll want to listen in.

 

“every five minutes, [the industrty] ships 20,000 packages worldwide...”
~ Chantal Emmanuel

In this episode Chantal and Dan discussed:

  • Growing up with a supportive, big family
  • Going from AmeriCorps to software development
  • How she joined the small club of black women who’ve raised $1M
  • The inefficiencies and cautions of how we ship today
  • What wakes her up at 2am

 

 

“you really realize that you just show up 110%. Every single meeting, every single time. And you have to do that while continuing to build your business…”
~ Chantal Emmanuel

 

“ …our cap table…there’s not a single name on it that doesn’t bring a smile to my face… ”
~ Chantal Emmanuel

 

AFRICA’S NEW FULL STACK HEALTH CARE

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Listen in from your favorite podcast spots or read the full transcript here.

OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:
The Plug

Delivering clear analysis and powerful insights on what’s shaping the Black innovation economy.
Get your annual subscription to The Plug at tpinsights.com

TRANSFORMING HEALTH CARE IN NIGERIA, FROM WELLNESS TO DIAGNOSTICS

 

Oluwasoga Oni is Co-Founder and CEO of MDaaS Global, a company that is building Africa’s largest network of physical and virtual diagnostic and primary care facilities, ultimately to provide quality and affordable healthcare for the continent’s next billion.

Soga, as he’s known, grew up in a rural town in Nigeria, surrounded by a family of doctors and medical professionals. And while he didn’t have the calling himself, he saw firsthand the gaps and challenges faced by providers. His love of tinkering and problem solving led him to software development and work in the US. But it was his time at MIT where he was challenged by one of his professors: come up with a business that will impact a billion people. And so MDaaS was born. 

Since inception the company has pivoted from a medical equipment supplier to a full stack of diagnostic and testing centers, where MDaaS focuses on patient experience on site, and prevention and wellness when patients are at home and on the go. The company is backed by the likes of Techstars, Google for Startups, and the Jack Ma foundation.

Soga has a great story. You will want to listen in.

 

“I think that we can impact a billion lives…”
~ Soga Oni

In this episode Soga and Dan discussed:

  • Seeing medical care’s challenges from his dad’s doctor office
  • Adjusting to life and college in the US from Nigeria
  • Why African healthcare has nowhere to go but up
  • Life as husband-wife co-founder team
  • Reading signals – from investors and customers

 

 

“When you are in Nigeria as a Nigerian, you’re not black, you’re a Nigerian. But when you get into the US, you become black…”
~ Soga Oni

 

“ …my dad also has his own equipment graveyard, where he just shows all of the old medical equipment that he could not fix. ”
~ Soga Oni