Introducing PSL’s Underrepresented Founders Fund
“In a dream world, we set up a fund (whatever proper term) to administer grants to underrepresented entrepreneurs building tech companies in Philly. The City’s grant to @startupleaders is a start, but we can do more to make sure this isn’t a one time thing. Am I just dreaming?” - Kiera Smalls
How did we get here?
Amidst protests around the country against systemic racism and police violence, PSL's former Executive Director, Kiera Smalls, wrote a letter to CEO's of Philly Tech addressing ways the startup ecosystem can “do better” to dismantle racism.
“Together, we can make our startup ecosystem more reflective of the demographics of our city — and help all communities truly progress forward. ”
A few days later, Smalls sent out a tweet with the idea of a fund to provide grants to underrepresented entrepreneurs in the PSL community to help them build scalable tech companies within Philadelphia. After recently receiving funding from The City of Philadelphia and COVID striking budgets, she wanted to make sure already underrepresented founders weren't left behind. The response was overwhelming, and companies like goPuff, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, and others around the city stepped up in a big way to support and match funds to make sure these entrepreneurs were given the opportunity to succeed.
One tweet from Philly Startup Leaders prompted over $550K in donations for underrepresented founders
The Philadelphia Inquirer
That was fast: Philly Startup Leaders now has up to $550K committed to fund underrepresented founders
Technical.ly
“Yes, we’re still going to be known for our events, and education and networking, but it’s been a dream to also be a part of funding.”
Within a week, we raised a half-million dollars in funds that will go directly into the hands of underrepresented founders. As a result, Philly Startup Leaders was able to create the 'Underrepresented Founders Fund.'
THE DONORS
Thank you to all of our donors - your support allows us to continue offering premium programs and providing funding to underrepresented founders.
The Founders
Grant criteria varied from each donor to cover Philadelphia’s tech entrepreneurs identifying as people of color, women, low-income, and LGBTQIA+.
Bruce Marable
Employee Cycle The data-driven view across the entire employee life cycle. All the different things you do. Hire the right people. Create the best culture. Cultivate the most productive environment. Provide options for upward mobility. Helping your employees become the best versions of themselves.
joelle tolifero
Your Care Collective is a wellness service and platform that provides affordable, preventative care solutions for your overall well-being. Through quarterly subscriptions and comprehensive care packages we plan your self-care so the wellness journey is one you never have to take, by yourself.
liz vaysman
Dacha Family LLC is a consulting and information agency that provides trusted resources and services on family building to people and to companies. Dacha focuses on supporting families through these emotional and complex family building and social needs, and companies with setting the standard in family-friendly benefits.
Gaurang Bham
Phoodie is a dynamic food marketplace that leverages supply and demand to create smart prices at restaurants to increase sales volume for restaurants and provide discounts to customer all at a price that is a quarter of our competitors.
Michael Costantini
This Is Opportunity (“TiO”) is a social and civic startup that provides a video-centric networking platform for underserved individuals and the organizations that can offer them supportive services or employment opportunities.
Shannon o’neill
MMURE is a sexual wellness company bridging the gap between health and pleasure. We provide custom recommendations for body-safe products and educational content, all curated specifically for your needs and challenges when it comes to sex.
ashley turner
Philly Tech Sistas is an organization aimed at helping women of color gain technical and professional skills in order to work, thrive, and move up in the tech industry. Our vision is to partner with tech companies throughout the Philadelphia area to help bridge the diversity, equity and inclusion gap by providing a greater pipeline of diverse talent.
Stephanie Gillin
Grand Decor offers a full line of remodeling services and interior design services. Grande Decor Remodeling division, headed by Joe Gillin, specializes in kitchens, baths and basement conversions. Grande Decor Interior Design division is under designer Stephanie Gillin's direction.
xan hong
ONTrac helps you set and track SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-based) goals. By securely connecting to all of your financial accounts*, the app automates the progress tracking process. The app proactively suggests and schedules activities that will help you achieve your goal.
shannon morales
Echo Me Forward helps underrepresented jobseekers thrive in tech & startup ecosystems. We seek to create a safe space to find career opportunities at equitable workplaces. Employers have access to over 40,000 diverse professionals nationwide with our help! We streamline the community outreach process so you can focus on your core business operations.
amanda olsen
Givzie is a collective gift giving platform empowering families, friends, communities and businesses to re-imagine the possibilities of gift giving and maximize meaning in their lives. Our ethos is to reduce clutter in the world and the lives of the people in it, paving a more sustainable road into the future of consumerism. Give the perfect gift, together.
adit gupta
Lula provides an experience similar to Amazon Prime, but better and exponentially faster. Using a network of over 150k c-stores and our awesome fleet of Voyagers (delivery fulfillment), we’re able to get you your favorite items in under 1-hour.
khalil lewis
BuySellRentMe.com offers first-class services in all things real estate. We are devoted and committed to helping you find your dream home. A platform where acquiring information is just at the tip of your fingers and navigating through thousands of listings until you find your desired resting place.
dana mahoney
Rollo Mental Health is a digital platform that connects therapy-seekers with their most compatible mental health care provider. We are committed to lowering the barrier of entry to mental health care, and as part of that commitment, we are free to use. Together, we are creating a happier, healthier, more productive world by revolutionizing how people find mental health care.
linda donoho
ABU Kamara
Vent is an app to contract with High Schools to help students cope with stress, anxiety, and depression by offering them a private, anonymous, and easily accessible place to vent to licensed therapists.
Grovara is the first B2B Global Marketplace for Wellness Brands, connecting natural and organic brands with international retailers. Our platform streamlines the entire process from product discovery, order processing, to payments and fulfilment, all in a single marketplace.
A look into Founded In Philly Series II 2020
Our latest Founded In Philly cohort has spent the last few months together working alongside their peers, experienced entrepreneurs and a variety of influential startup leaders. Select founders from this cohort will be the next group of underrepresented entrepreneurs to qualify for the fund!