Comments on: Investing in a different world

By: Kwame

Kwame — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 00:20:58 +0000

In reply to Bree. that was my interpretation as well. Other forms of donation are covered well elsewhere but I appreciate this new aspect.

By: Bree

Bree — Sat, 20 Jun 2020 00:45:04 +0000

To offer a different perspective, I thought Laura was clear on the topic of donating. I interpreted this post as shining a light on another monetary means of support that some may be uniquely positioned to consider — not either/or, but also. In case that’s helpful!

By: Meg

Meg — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 11:59:20 +0000

Hi Laura – I’ve been a longtime reader and listener but I’m not sure I’ve commented. Considering the diversity of founders that you invest in is great and meets a real need. I’ve raised angel funds before and it is a very white (older) male world. This strategy is especially effective if it is in the company’s mission to scale the impact of these funds with hiring BIPOC and/or benefiting similar communities. However, as you know there is a lot of risk in these investments, with maybe a 1/20 (estimating based on 1/10 VC backed companies) chance of obtaining this scalability. I suggest you also encourage your readers to diversify the use of your funds directly towards BIPOC causes to organizations, e.g., NAACP, bail funds, etc. (I know that you mention donating to organizations, but it feels a bit like you’re dancing around that – it would be more impactful to just say it.)

By: Katie Goudie

Katie Goudie — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 18:40:14 +0000

Angel investing is something I’ve always planned to do, and I really look up to women in the business world who run their own businesses and ALSO who are able to invest in and advise other business owners. We have similar restrictions in the UK about being accredited, but there are some platforms, like Seeder, which allow you to invest way smaller amounts of money than even £10,000. For a few hundred quid you can support a start up through crowdfunding as an investment, rather than using the perks model. I will definitely make sure to look into more diverse investments next time I’ve got some money to contribute.

By: KLB

KLB — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 16:14:16 +0000

In reply to Amy. I'm not that sure the overthrow of capitalism whether in a timely or an untimely manner is really the answer to issues of inequality and poverty. Surely we have better hope from reform within that system given how poorly every other alternative tried so far in human history has delivered.

By: Amy

Amy — Mon, 08 Jun 2020 15:42:30 +0000

I like this and it echoes what I’ve heard regarding funding from a friend who is a Black female business owner. I know many will take issue with working within the existing system, but if you have money to work with and can’t personally figure out a way to overthrow capitalism in a timely manner this is a certainly an action item.