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#FacesofFounders is Changing the Face of Entrepreneurship One Story at a Time

Posted on by Case Foundation

At the Case Foundation, we’ve set out on a mission to create an inclusive entrepreneurial space in which any entrepreneur, regardless of their gender, race or geographic location, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. Too often we hear the same outdated myths and stereotypes of who can be an entrepreneur. Over time, these narratives have been reinforced and have left women and entrepreneurs of color on the sidelines. #FacesofFounders seeks to provide a wealth of inspiration capital by recognizing America’s diversity of talent and experiences that doesn’t always get equal coverage in the entrepreneurship space. By telling their stories of triumph and recognizing the changes they have inspired within their respective industries, we hope to change the way we view entrepreneurship and the importance of supporting diverse entrepreneurs.

Originally launched in 2016, the Case Foundation created this campaign to be the centerpiece of the Foundation’s inclusive entrepreneurship movement by highlighting a diverse array of entrepreneurs, focusing on women, entrepreneurs of color and entrepreneurs between the coasts. Nearly 750 founders took the time to submit stories of their own entrepreneurship journeys. Five of those stories were featured in Fast Company and we launched the Medium publication to continue telling the stories of incredible founders building businesses right now. Last month, we launched a new video featuring entrepreneurs from across the country and expanded the content on FacesofFounders.org so we can keep the drumbeat going and dig even deeper into the rich stories and lessons these powerful entrepreneurs can offer us.

What’s New?

  • Resources for entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs, you don’t have to build your business alone. We compiled a list of useful guides and tools on numerous topics to help you succeed.
  • Resources for ecosystem builders. The Kauffman Foundation gathered resources to help the ecosystem builders who are on the ground working to build a better future and to grow a more inclusive economy.
  • Resources for investors. InclusionVentures shared their key learnings from research and their experience supporting investment firms on building an inclusion strategy, in an effort to inspire and support investors’ interests in making inclusive entrepreneurship the norm.
  • Data on the state of inclusive entrepreneurship. We dove into three types of data that show major disparities: the number of entrepreneurs and businesses; investments in entrepreneurship, mainly in the form of venture capital; and revenue these businesses are producing. We will update consistently as new data becomes available.
  • Videos. In addition to the written stories we’ve been publishing on #FacesofFounders for the past year and a half, we have now added a suite of videos that allow you to hear directly from entrepreneurs how they’re getting to work, what barriers they’ve encountered and what successes they’ve had.

As we work to make the entrepreneurial space more inclusive, we recognize that this campaign goes beyond just the entrepreneur herself, and as Jean Case says, is an economic imperative for our nation. Entrepreneurs from all places and backgrounds can have the ability to lift up their communities, bring job growth and new innovations to our economy. Get ready to take the journey with us as we explore inclusivity and redefine the face of entrepreneurship.

VIDEO: Inclusive Entrepreneurship at MCON 2016

Posted on by Case Foundation

 This post was written by Calvin Millien, Case Foundation intern.

At MCON 2016 this past June, one of the themes attendees explored was around inclusive entrepreneurship—lifting up all entrepreneurs, particularly women and people of color, in all places in order to create stronger communities, close the opportunity gap and scale creative solutions to persistent problems.

To delve into this subject, Derrick Feldmann, Founder of Achieve and MCON, hosted two special panelists: Karla Monterroso of Code2040, an organization that provides $40,000 to seven entrepreneurs of color determined to turn their ideas into reality; and Brian Ferguson of Start Line, an online platform designed to equip returning, formerly incarcerated citizens with the tools necessary to become active and entrepreneurial contributors to our society. Together, they discuss the entrepreneurial landscape and realities for Black and LatinX communities specifically. Hear their insights into how together, we can support inclusive entrepreneurship.

To see more from these great speakers, check out their exclusive Facebook Live interview with the Case Foundation’s own Jade Floyd.

Video: Georgetown Cupcake Founders At MCON 2016

Posted on by Case Foundation

This post was written by Calvin Millien, Case Foundation intern.

Each year, MCON, the Millennial Engagement Conference, through its array of dynamic speakers, has highlighted the many ways Millennials are making the world a better place. Whether they’re enlightening the audience on environmental conditions, discussing how to leverage arts for social good or inspiring others through their entrepreneurial endeavors, MCON speakers masterfully propel audiences to move from interest to action.

This year’s MCON was no exception thanks to speakers like “The Cupcake Sisters,” Katherine Kallinis Berman and Sophie Kallinis LaMontagne. These shining examples of entrepreneurship, have scaled Georgetown Cupcake into a nationwide success. To provide a bit more insight on this growth, DC’s most famous bakers shared how passion, connection and impact have made this possible. Check it out here:

And if you just can’t get enough of these incredible entrepreneurial sisters, check out our behind the scenes Facebook Live interview with them.

5 Lessons From a 128 Year Old Millennial

Posted on by Case Foundation

MCON, the Millennial Engagement Conference, was a resounding success this year. From incredible mainstage speakers and fun and enlightening behind-the-scenes interviews on Facebook Live, to engaging online attendee conversations on social media and in-person networking at official MCON evening events, this year’s MCON festival offered participants three action-packed days. It was incredible to hear from Millennial leaders about how they were changing the world, and to hear from innovative brands on how they are working to engage this cause-driven generation.

You can see all of the MCON mainstage talks on YouTube, but our favorite talk was from our CEO Jean Case, sharing how a brand that is 128 years old, National Geographic, continues to stay relevant today and has cultivated Millennial talent and attention. You can see Jean’s full talk below, complete with her “5 reasons National Geographic is really just a 128 year-old Millennial,” followed by a brief Q&A session with CBS News Anchor Reena Ninan.

Header photo courtesy of MCON.

How to Pick Winners at an Early Stage

Posted on by Case Foundation

On November 4, Sheila Herrling, the Case Foundation’s senior vice president of social innovation, joined the S&R Foundation’s Illuminate event to discuss how to assess risk and find winners in early-stage startups.

Moderated by Ryan Ross, program manager for the Halcyon Incubator, the panel included Sheila, Tien Wong, Todd Klein and Yanev Suiss. Together, they engaged in a robust discussion on picking “winners” at an early stage—including how they deal with the lack of data in early-stage investing, the need for diversifying the geography of venture capital investments, leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs of color and women entrepreneurs and more.

Below is a video of the entire conversation. The first question, and Sheila’s opening statement, begins at the 4:18 minute mark.

Here is a little more about the distinguished panelists featured in the video:

Sheila Herrling
Sheila Herrling, senior vice president for social innovation at Case Foundation, leads the foundation’s efforts to develop and implement mission-driven domestic and international initiatives, expand tech for good platforms, leverage partnerships, promote entrepreneurial approaches to social change, and build a robust portfolio of social and impact investments.

Tien Wong
Mr. Tien Wong is chairman and CEO of Tech 2000, Inc., a Virginia-based EdTech company providing e-learning, learning analytics and mobile sales enablement software to Fortune 500, education and government clients. An active angel investor, he is also chairman of Opus8, Inc., a private investment and consulting firm which helps private equity and venture capital funds raise capital overseas.

Todd Klein
Mr. Klein is a successful private equity investor and author who focuses on identifying, investing in and helping build transformative companies – those that not only succeed but transform their industries, their markets and the world around them. During his career he has been involved in financing over 130 venture and growth stage companies.

Yanev Suissa
Yanev is the founder of SineWave Ventures, a new venture capital fund focused on connecting the top technology companies of the top VC firms to access the public sector.

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