Founders Unfound

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.In this episode Megan and Dan discussed:The realization that she appreciated looking at fashion more than creatingThe growth the comes from hard environmentsHow Ries ended up featured at Gwyneth Paltrow's GoopWhy success for her is defined by pushing the industry forward in sustainabilityWhat a trend forecaster actually doesOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event near you.MORE on MEGAN and RIESMegan:linkedin.com/in/meganshaygrahaminstagram.com/megansgrahamRies:ries-ries.comlinkedin.com/company/riesriesinstagram.com/riesbeautytwitter.com/RiesBeautyFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #travel #beauty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Naza has a great story. You'll want to listen in.In this episode Naza and Dan discussed:Growing up in a military familyThe impact of spending a year in China after law schoolHow dozens of dates in a year left her exhausted, with no real connectionsThe power of 'friends and family' signalsWhy $86,000 was the right amount for her first fundraiseOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:BLCK VCA 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 orfollow @BLCKVC for more about their exceptional programs and events.MORE on NAZA and CARPEDMNaza:linkedin.com/in/naza-shelleytwitter.com/Naza_ShelleyCarpeDM:carpedmdating.comlinkedin.com/company/carpedmdatinginstagram.com/carpedmdatingtwitter.com/CarpeDMdatingFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #onlinedating Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JUNETEENTH 2023 - Part IIIn 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.This is part two, 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 WisdomIn 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.Take time to ponder on what you hear...In this throwback episode from June 2020, we discussed:How it feels to be a black woman in AmericaMoving between exhausted and determinedHonoring the moment: with voice, intention, and self-careThe desire to reach back and lift upHow office hours are a poor substitute for a checkAudience References:Stella's panel discussionAshlee's TEDx TalkCherae's PodcastMore about IvorFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow.PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

JUNETEENTH 2023 - Part IIn 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.This is part I, with me moderating a panel of black men founders: Kahlil Ashanti, Bara Cola, AK Ikwuakor, and Claudius Mbemba. 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 remain wise and fierce.Take time to ponder on what you hear...In this throwback episode from June 2020, we discussed:How it feels to be a black man in America (June 2020)What it's like to be a black entrepreneur in the midst of two American crisesWhat steps are they taking, in light of the protests, George Floyd, and their own mental healthRecommendations for others, including alliesAudience References:AK's PostBara's PostClaudius' PostDan's PostFollow Founders Unfound : Like and share - help us grow.PODCAST TRANSCRIPT Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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 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.In this episode Kofi and Dan discussed:Growing up as an African in ItalyHow the combination of analytical and creative make him great at productThe evolution of fulfillment and its connection to impactThe journey of selling your companyThe future of work, and oh the way, real estateOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.More at afriblocks.comMORE on KOFI and LANEKofi:linkedin.com/in/kofi-gyekye-3812044ainstagram.com/kof.gtwitter.com/Kofi_gyekyeLane:joinlane.comlinkedin.com/company/joinlanetwitter.com/joinlaneinstagram.com/join_laneFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #b2b #proptech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.In this episode Melissa and Dan discussed:Growing up in OaklandHer journey from teaching to philanthropy to entrepreneurshipHow the pandemic drove an explosion in the need for mediationWhen she found out she was part of the first Google for Startups classWhy "first" isn't always bestOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event near you.MORE on MELISSA and FOURTHPARTYMelissa:linkedin.com/in/melissarebeccacampbellinstagram.com/itsmelissabrogdonFourthParty:fourthparty.applinkedin.com/company/fourthpartytwitter.com/4thPartyAppinstagram.com/4thpartyappFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #legaltech Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.In this episode Chiko and Dan discussed:What changed when he moved from Zimbabwe to the USHow a $500 trip to Costco landed Talisman its first investorsIs it me or is it my business? The black founder inner questionThe power of relationships and your networkWhy everyone should learn to codeOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.More at afriblocks.comMORE on CHIKO and TALISMANChiko:linkedin.com/in/chikochingayatwitter.com/chikochingayaTalisman:gettalisman.comlinkedin.com/company/talismanapptwitter.com/gettalismanFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #b2b #saas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.In this episode Donald and Dan discussed:Growing up in MarylandHow following his brother led to an HBCU educationThe stark reality of giving up Amazon-level comp to be a founderHow COVID 19 changed his business almost instantlyOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Entrepreneur Struggle A compelling podcast with host Chris Colbert from DCP Entertainment.Listen anywhere you get podcasts or go to dcpofficial.com/entrepreneurstruggleMORE on DONALD and BOXEDUPDonald:instagram.com/donaldtboonelinkedin.com/in/donaldbooneHis Journey, Medium ArticleBoxedUp:tryboxedup.comlinkedin.com/company/boxedupinstagram.com/tryboxeduptwitter.com/tryboxedupFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #ecommerce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March! Kistein Monkhouse is Founder and CEO of Patient Orator, a startup that improves healthcare access and breaks down health inequities through an easy-to-use app. Original Episode: No.16, July 2020foundersunfound.com/patient-orator-founder-profile-podcast MORE ON KISTEIN AND PATIENT ORATORKistein:@KisteinMlinkedin.com/in/kisteinmonk45/vimeo.com/ondemand/humanizinghealthcarePatient Orator:patientorator.comlinkedin.com/company/patientorator/twitter.com/PatientOrator Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March! Wole Ayodele is Co-Founder and CEO of Fincra (formerly Fliqpay), a startup that makes it easy for fintech firms, platforms and global businesses to accept local and international payments through an easy-to-integrate API and merchant portal. Original Episode: No.14, June 2020foundersunfound.com/fliqpay-founder-profile-podcast MORE ON WOLE AND FINCRAWole:twitter.com/AyowoleOAlinkedin.com/in/woleayodele/Fliqpay Pitch on Techstars Demo DayFincra:fincra.comlinkedin.com/company/fincrahqtwitter.com/FincraHQinstagram.com/fincrahqFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March! Roger Roman, Co-Founder of AfriBlocks, the global Pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform. They are building THE resource for devs, designers, and virtual assistants. Original Episode: No.39, July 2021foundersunfound.com/afriblocks-black-founder-profile-podcast MORE ON ROGER AND AFRIBLOCKSRoger:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogerroman/https://twitter.com/RogerLRomanIIAfriBlocks:https://www.afriblocks.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/afriblocks/https://twitter.com/afriblockshttps://www.instagram.com/afriblocks/ Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March! Patrice Darby Neely is Founder and CEO of GoTackle, the first automated consulting and data analytics platform for small business owners and the vast network of small business supporters. Original Episode: No.40, August 2021foundersunfound.com/gologic-black-founder-profile-podcast MORE ON PATRICE AND GOTACKLEPatrice:https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrice-darby-neelyGoTackle:gotackle.applinkedin.com/company/join-tackle/about Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March! Kirt Debique is the Co-Founder and CEO of SyncFloor, a company revolutionizing discovery and acquisition of music for productions of all types – from advertising to podcasting, filmmaking to fitness, TV to eSports. Original Episode: No.22, November 2020foundersunfound.com/syncfloor-founder-profile-podcast MORE ON KIRT AND SYNCFLOORKirt:linkedin.com/in/kirtdebique/twitter.com/katewayotwitter.com/BrickLaneRecsinstagram.com/katewayo/ SyncFloor:songsforpodcasters.comsyncfloor.comlinkedin.com/company/syncfloor/twitter.com/SyncFloorinstagram.com/syncfloor/ Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Evan Leaphart is the Founder and CEO of Kiddie Kredit, a mobile chore tracking app that teaches kids about credit.Original Episode: No.29, March 2021foundersunfound.com/kiddie-kredit-black-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON EVAN AND KIDDIE KREDITEvan:linkedin.com/in/evanleaphart/twitter.com/evanleaphartinstagram.com/evanleaphart/blackmentalktech.com Kiddie Kreditkiddiekredit.comtwitter.com/kiddiekreditinstagram.com/KiddieKredit/Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Amira Rasool is the Founder and CEO of The Folklore, a conglomerate of B2B, consumer, and media products that enable the global ecosystem to seamlessly discover, connect with, and shop African and diasporic designer brands.Original Episode: No.33, May 2021foundersunfound.com/the-folklore-black-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON AMIRA AND THE FOLKLOREAmira:instagram.com/amirarasooltwitter.com/amirarasoollinkedin.com/in/amira-rasool-52359855The Folklore:instagram.com/TheFolkloretwitter.com/TheFolklorelinkedin.com/company/the-folkloreFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Kwame Boler is Co-Founder and CEO of Spritz (formerly Neu), an app that helps house cleaners automate and grow their business.Original Episode: No.2, April 2019foundersunfound.com/coming-soon-neu-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON KWAME AND SPRITZKWAME:linkedin.com/in/kwamebolertwitter.com/KwameBolerinstagram.com/kwamebolerSpritz (Neu):usespritz.comlinkedin.com/company/usespritztwitter.com/useSpritzinstagram.com/usespritzFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Cheraé Robison is Founder and CEO Tastemakers Africa, a company that connects black millennials to culture forward experiences.Cheraé is also the Head of Community for Flybridge Capital PartnersOriginal Episode: No.11, April 2020foundersunfound.com/tastemakers-africa-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON CHERAÉtwitter.com/sasyraelinkedin.com/in/cheraerobinson/instagram.com/sasyrae/flybridge.com/cherae-robinsonFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Serge Amouzou is Founder and CEO of Datatrixs (formerly Finmod), a startup building the best data-capture and analytical reviews software for accounting firms, financial institutions, and beyond.Original Episode: No.45, November 2021foundersunfound.com/finmod-black-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON SERGE AND DATATRIXSSerge:linkedin.com/in/serge-amouzou-65b76841twitter.com/sergeamouzouinstagram.com/amouzou.sergeDatatrixs (Finmod):datatrixs.comlinkedin.com/company/datatrixstwitter.com/datatrixsFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Melanie Akwule is Founder and CEO of MINWO, an economic development tech company that helps organizations provide culturally informed business development support to the Black founders they serve.Original Episode: No.37, July 2021foundersunfound.com/minwo-black-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON MELANIE AND WINWOMELANIE:linkedin.com/in/melakwuletwitter.com/mel_anuchiinstagram.com/mel_anuchiMINWO:minwo.colinkedin.com/company/minwotwitter.com/minwo_coinstagram.com/minwo.coFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Baratunde Cola is Founder and CEO of Carbice, a company revolutionizing thermal cooling for the global electronics market.Original Episode: No.4, September 2019foundersunfound.com/carbice-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON BARATUNDE AND CARBICEBaratunde:linkedin.com/in/baratundecolatwitter.com/baratundecola Carbice:carbice.comtwitter.com/carbicelinkedin.com/company/carbicehttps://youtu.be/m7jCPyNzF4QFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Ashlee Ammons is the Co-Founder of Mixtroz, a company that creates serendipity at live and virtual events using real-time surveying along with their unique algorithm.Original Episode: No.30, April 2021foundersunfound.com/mixtroz-black-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON ASHLEE AND MIXTROZAshlee:linkedin.com/in/ashleeanneammonsinstagram.com/shemixalot87 Mixtroz:mixtroz.comtwitter.com/Mixtrozinstagram.com/mixtrozFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Kevin Dedner is Co-Founder and CEO Hurdle (formerly Henry Health), a platform that provides culturally sensitive self-care and mental health services.Original Episode: No.10, April 2020https://foundersunfound.com/henry-health-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON KEVIN AND HURDLEKEVIN:https://twitter.com/kdednerlinkedin.com/in/kevin-dedner-mph-HxD Conference Video HURDLE:hurdle.healthtwitter.com/hurdle_applinkedin.com/company/hurdleappinstagram.com/hurdle.appFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Dr. Sonja Ebron is Co-founder and CEO of Courtroom5, a company that makes an automated legal toolbox that helps people represent themselves in court.Original Episode: No.34, June 2021https://foundersunfound.com/courtroom5-black-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON SONJA AND COURTROOM5Sonja:linkedin.com/in/sonjaebrontwitter.com/SonjaEbronCourtroom5:courtroom5.cominstagram.com/courtroom5legaltwitter.com/courtroom5legallinkedin.com/company/courtroom5Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Wemimo Abbey is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Esusu, the leading financial technology platform that leverages data solutions to empower tenants and improve property performance.Original Episode: No.23, November 2020https://foundersunfound.com/esusu-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON WEMIMO AND ESUSUWEMIMO:linkedin.com/in/wemimo-abbey-62382a2a/ESUSU:esusurent.comesusurentrelief.comlinkedin.com/company/esusu/twitter.com/getesusuFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Tiffany Kelly is Founder and CEO of Curastory, a company that allows anyone to shoot and edit high-quality video, monetize shows, and distribute to all of their video channels, 100% free.Original Episode: No.17, August 2020https://foundersunfound.com/curastory-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON TIFFANY AND CURASTORYTIFFANY:twitter.com/tiffmkellinstagram.com/tiffmkell/linkedin.com/in/tiffmkellCURASTORY:curastory.cotwitter.com/curastoryusinstagram.com/curastory/linkedin.com/company/curastory/Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Khalid David is Founder and CEO of TracFlo, a company with a predictive financial management platform that is empowering America's contractors.Original Episode: No.41, August 2021https://foundersunfound.com/tracflo-black-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON KHALID AND TRACFLOKhalid:https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-david-34a55824/https://www.twitter.com/kdpegasushttps://www.instagram.com/kdpegasusTracFlo:https://tracfloapp.comhttps://republic.co/tracflohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/tracflohttps://www.instagram.com/tracfloappFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Stella Ashaolu is Founder and CEO of WeSolv, a company using performance data and predictive analytics to help companies reduce bias and hire a more diverse workforce.Original Episode: No.1, April 2019https://foundersunfound.com/stella_ashaolu_wesolv_diversity/MORE ON STELLA AND WESOLVStella:linkedin.com/in/stellaashaolutwitter.com/StellaAshaoluWeSolv:WeSolv.comLinkedInTwitterMediumFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Marcus Bullock is Founder and CEO of Flikshop, a company which helps families stay connected to their incarcerated loved ones.Original Episode: No.12, May 2020https://foundersunfound.com/flikshop-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON MARCUS AND FLIKSHOPMARCUS:twitter.com/_marcus_bullockMarcus TED talkFLIKSHOP:flikshop.comtwitter.com/flikshoplinkedin.com/in/flikshop/Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Shanel Fields is Founder and CEO of MD Ally, a platform that allows emergency personnel to triage non-emergency callers to telemedicine.Original Episode: No.13, May 2020https://foundersunfound.com/mdally-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON SHANEL AND MD ALLYSHANEL:linkedin.com/in/shanelfields/New York Times featureMD ALLY:mdally.comtwitter.com/mdallyinclinkedin.com/company/mdally/Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Su Sanni is Co-Founder and CEO of Dollaride, a mobility company for communities under-served by public transit.Original Episode: No.18, August 2020https://foundersunfound.com/dollaride-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON SU AND DOLLARIDESU:@TheSuSanni [TW]https://www.linkedin.com/in/sulaimansanni/Startup Grind Fireside ChatDOLLARIDE:@Dollaride [TW]@Dollaride [IG]https://www.linkedin.com/company/dollaride/https://republic.co/dollarideFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Kameale Terry is Co-Founder and CEO of ChargerHelp!, a company that enables on-demand repair of electric vehicle charging stations, a company that helps individuals coming out of code schools, land incredible jobs.Original Episode: No.15, July 2020https://foundersunfound.com/chargerhelp-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON KAMEALE AND CHARGERHELP!KAMEALE:@KamealeClinkedin.com/in/kamealecterryCHARGERHELP!:chargerhelp.com@ChargerHelplinkedin.com/company/chargerhelpFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Stephen Ajayi is the Co-Founder and CEO of YearOne, a company that helps individuals coming out of code schools, land incredible jobs. But getting jobs for Bootcamp grads is not all they do. Original Episode: No.32, May 2021https://foundersunfound.com/yearone-black-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON STEPHEN AND YEARONEStephen:linkedin.com/in/stephenkajayitwitter.com/stephenkajayiYearOne:joinyearone.iolinkedin.com/company/yearonecareers/about/twitter.com/YearOnecareersFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Ezinne Iroanya-Adeoye is the Founder and CEO of SKNMUSE, the premium beauty brand dedicated to elevating the beauty experience for the modern black woman.Original Episode: No.35, June 2021https://foundersunfound.com/sknmuse-black-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON EZINNE AND SKNMUSEEzinne:twitter.com/ZMuse_linkedin.com/in/ezinne-iroanya-adeoye-567a6515b/instagram.com/avenue_z/SKNMUSE:sknmuse.cominstagram.com/sknmuse/twitter.com/sknmuselinkedin.com/company/sknmuse/Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Kahlil Ashanti is the founder and CEO of weshowup, a company that brings the concept of "pay what you want" to entertainment and events. Kahlil has since gone on to also found Mantis XR,a company that creates 3D fan engagement and commerce experiences for the metaverse accessible by URL from any device. No wearables, downloads or extra equipment required! Original Episode: No.8, March 2020foundersunfound.com/weshowup-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON KAHLIL AND WESHOWUPKahlil:twitter.com/kahlilashantikahlilashanti.comTED talkweshowup:weshowup.ioMantis XR (his new company):mantisxr.comFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Jim Gibbs is Co-founder and CEO of MeterFeeder, a company that predicts parking availability, and enables vehicles to pay for parking with no human interaction.Original Episode: #20, October 2020foundersunfound.com/meterfeeder-founder-profile-podcastMORE ON JIM AND METERFEEDERJIM:twitter.com/heezolinkedin.com/in/james-gibbs-4ab8/METERFEEDER:meterfeeder.comtwitter.com/meterfeederinstagram.com/meterfeederapplinkedin.com/company/meter-feeder-incFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the month of February, we are publishing flashback clips from some of our wonderful past episodes. Please a take some time to enjoy (again) the full episodes from these founders.Season 4 of Founders Unfound starts in March!Ashlee Wisdom is the Founder and CEO of Health in Her HUE, a digital platform connecting black women to culturally competent healthcare providers, health content, and community.Original Episode: #28, March 2021foundersunfound.com/healthinherhue-black-founder-profile-podcast/MORE ON ASHLEE AND HEALTH IN HER HUEAshlee:linkedin.com/in/ashlee-wisdom-mph-7114a040/twitter.com/AshleeWisdominstagram.com/ashleejwisdom/Health in Her HUE:healthinherhue.comtwitter.com/HealthInHerHUEinstagram.com/healthinherhue/Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bhm Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Gantt 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.In this episode Anthony and Dan discussed:Growing up in Miami and attending an HBCUHow he tried to enlist in two other branches before landing in the MarinesWhy he thinks it's hard for civilian companies to appreciate veterans' experienceHow his military experience and training prepared him for entrepreneurshipWhat he has in common with Jeff BezosOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Entrepreneur Struggle A compelling podcast with host Chris Colbert from DCP Entertainment.Listen anywhere you get podcasts or go to dcpofficial.com/entrepreneurstruggleMORE on ANTHONY and ATEASEAnthony:instagram.com/ganttjr.anthonylinkedin.com/in/anthony-j-gantt-jr-maj-retthetechtribune.com/anthony-gantt-of-at-ease/atease:pcsatease.comlinkedin.com/company/ateaserentalsfacebook.com/ATEASERentalstwitter.com/At_Ease_Rentalsinstagram.com/at_ease_rentalsFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #travel #OTA #USmilitary Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.In this episode Chantal and Dan discussed:Growing up with a supportive, big familyGoing from AmeriCorps to software developmentHow she joined the small club of black women who've raised $1MThe inefficiencies and cautions of how we ship todayWhat wakes her up at 2amOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Entrepreneur Struggle A compelling podcast with host Chris Colbert from DCP Entertainment.Listen anywhere you get podcasts or go to dcpofficial.com/entrepreneurstruggleMORE on CHANTAL and LIMELOOPChantal:linkedin.com/in/chantalemmanueltwitter.com/ChantalEmmanuelinstagram.com/cto_chantalLimeLoop:thelimeloop.comtwitter.com/thelimelooplinkedin.com/company/limeloopinstagram.com/thelimeloopFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #commerce #3PL #shippinglogistics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.In this episode Soga and Dan discussed:Seeing medical care's challenges from his dad's doctor officeAdjusting to life and college in the US from NigeriaWhy African healthcare has nowhere to go but upLife as husband-wife co-founder teamReading signals - from investors and customersOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:The PlugDelivering clear analysis and powerful insights on what's shaping the Black innovation economy.Get your annual subscription to The Plug at tpinsights.comMORE on SOGA and MDAASSoga:linkedin.com/in/oluwasogatwitter.com/sogatemitypeshare.co/ogasogaMDaaS:mdaas.iotwitter.com/mdaasgloballinkedin.com/company/mdaasinstagram.com/sentinelx.ioFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #healthtech #nigeriastartups Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rod Johson is Co-Founder of BLK & Bold, the preeminent black-owned coffee company in America. Black & Bold was founded with the desire to unite coffee and tea lovers worldwide through a common interest of investing in community.Rod grew up in the working-class city of Gary Indiana and eventually went on to Indiana University and a career in development and giving. But he soon developed a restlessness that only business ownership could fix. Along with lifelong friend Pernell, Rod set out to find their entrepreneurial calling, one that could match purpose with profit. And so BLK & Bold was born in 2018. Since then, Rod and Pernell have grown BLK & Bold into a national brand carried by the likes of Target and Whole Foods. They have a rare licensing deal with the NBA and have been celebrated by Dwanye Wade on the Ellen show. All this, completely bootstrapped from their headquarters in Des Moines Iowa.Rod has a great story. You'll want to listen in.In this episode Rod and Dan discussed:Growing up in Gary and the MidwestHow a basketball hoop brought Rod and his Co-Founder togetherWhy starting a business built on giving back is so importantHow the fire department was a part their early product developmentTradeoffs when doing a start up with a 'day job'OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.Tell them "Dan sent you" for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.comMORE on ROD and BLK & BOLDRod:linkedin.com/in/johnsonrod2342/BLK & Bold:blkandbold.cominstagram.com/blkandboldlinkedin.com/company/blkandboldtwitter.com/BlkandBoldFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #blackowned #coffee See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

SPECIAL EPISODE! OUR 3RD ANNIVERSARY

Francisco Baptista is Founder and CEO of TeamSportz, a company building an AI sports platform to help team athletes enhance their performance. Francisco was born in Angola, growing during a period of civil war in that country. He used basketball as an escape from this harsh environment, first by watching his mother play, and then finding sanctuary on the courts himself. Francisco moved to Brazil for his teenage years, then to Portugal, and finally now in the UK. All the while pursuing his dual passions for hoops and software development. It's the meeting of these two loves where TeamSportz, with a zed as they say, was born. The company now boasts notable investors including Mark Gainey, co-founder of Strava and Rand Fishkin of Moz fame.Francisco has a great story. You will want to listen in.In this episode Francisco and Dan discussed:growing up in war and in different countrieshow his upbringing matured him past his contemporaries while in schoolhow Portuguese differs from Angola, to Brazil, to Portugalhow asking for advice, led to an investor, and another, and another...playing university-level basketball as a teen, by "being Francisco Sr"OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.Check out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event near you.MORE on FRANCISCO and TEAMSPORTZFrancisco:twitter.com/tomboalinkedin.com/in/baptistafranciscoTeamSportz:teamsportz.prolinkedin.com/company/teamsportztwitter.com/teamsportz_instagram.com/teamsportzFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #sportstech See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keara Kindelynn is Founder and CEO of Foreverly, a company with a mission to make dealing with death--a little less stressful. Foreverly helps organizations support their employees who have experienced the death of a loved one. Kera was born to a family with deep roots to her hometown of Brooklyn. She emerged from college and business school, climbing the corporate ladder. Leading all the way to Seattle and Microsoft. But it was her calling to volunteering and service that led her to the world of hospice, end of life, and the underserved season of bereavement. Kera saw that the death of a loved one is an unguided, stressful, and lonely experience - for those grieving and for those who want to support them. It's from this transformative understanding that Foreverly was born. We spoke with Kera recently just after finishing the Techstars program.Keara has a great story. You'll want to listen in.In this episode Keara and Dan discussed:growing up in Brooklynparents who supported continuous curiositybeing mind-blown by her first experience with affluent black Americathe "tragedies in 3's" that spurred on starting Foreverlypivoting from selling service to customers, to a benefit for companiesOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Trajectory: Startup - Ideation to Product/Market FitA new book by entrepreneur and investor Dave Parker.This hot-off-the-presses publication is THE playbook for those at the earliest stages of the startup journey.Or even if you are just contemplating the jump to entrepreneurship. To get this great resource, go to dkparker.com or find anywhere you buy books.MORE on KEARA and FOREVERLYKeara:linkedin.com/in/kearakindelynninstagram.com/kearakindelynnForeverly:foreverly.colinkedin.com/company/foreverlycotwitter.com/foreverlycoinstagram.com/foreverlycoFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #bereavement See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sabrina Williams is Founder and CEO of SEED, a company that helps consumers and underserved farmers grow smart and feed more by democratizing access to agriculture technology.Sabrina is a native Californian, born and raised in Compton. Her curiosity and passions led her to pursuits in architecture, law, and urban planning. Through her non-profit, she dedicated herself to social justice challenges in urban communities. It was in this arena that Sabrina discovered the core issue that would lead to SEED: food insecurity amongst the most vulnerable, lower income populations. Now her company is bringing together technology, climate policy, and food equity to create more and better access to growing.Sabrina has a great story. You'll want to listen in.In this episode Sabrina and Dan discussed:the journey from architecture to law to urban planninghow SEED started as a big idea and morphed into a huge onethe link from food equity and social justicethe connection between Elvis, Karl Marx, and the Bluesbalancing the startup life by playing in a ska bandOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:The PlugDelivering clear analysis and powerful insights on what's shaping the Black innovation economy.Get your annual subscription to The Plug at tpinsights.comMORE on SABRINA and SEEDSabrina:linkedin.com/in/sabrina-l-williamstwitter.com/SabWillinstagram.com/sabwilllSEED:seedbox.systemslinkedin.com/company/seed-sustainable-entrepreneurial-ecosystem-developmenttwitter.com/seedboxsystemsinstagram.com/seedbox.systemsFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #agritech See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sean Bovell is Founder and CEO of Invidica, a company building a marketplace platform that is transforming the reseller economy one product at a time. Sean has an amazing background. Born in the UK, raised in predominantly white communities in Utah and Idaho, before landing in Oakland for his formative year. A natural at math and STEM, Sean has been drawn to tech from an early age. He built his first ecommerce company from the ground up, alternately celebrating and struggling with the highs and lows of rules and technology that seem to change constantly. But it was through this bootcamp of sorts that Sean zeroed in on the key insights that would lead to the creation of Invidica. With funding from 500 Startups, and comparisons to the likes of Aliba and eBay, it's no wonder he has many investors filling up his inbox these days.Sean has a great story. You'll want to listen in.In this episode Sean and Dan discussed:realities of being one of the few black kids in a white schoolthe spark of his entrepreneur ambition in collegestarting his first ecommerce company from his bedrooma lucky encounter with a mentor from 500 startupshow ecommerce today is broken, and why he wants to fix itOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.Tell them "Dan sent you" for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.comMORE on SEAN and INVIDICASean:linkedin.com/in/sean-bovell-22094880twitter.com/collatzconjectInvidica:invidica.comlinkedin.com/company/invidicatwitter.com/invidica_Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #ecommerce See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

James Chapman is Founder and CEO of Plain Sight, a company that helps you make the right connections at events and workspaces, or connect online from anywhere.James started as an aspiring NBA player from Chattanooga Tennessee. He made it to the NBA's D-league, but that's where that dream ended, and the next season began. Basketball's loss was entrepreneurship's gain. James started loading boxes for FedEx. His hustle led him to new opportunities, and eventually starting two different businesses. All along the way sharing his amazing hustle inspiration on Twitter, later turning the collection into a book, aptly named #TheHustle. But it was a chance to work with legendary Detroit businessman Dan Gilbert that led to his 3rd startup journey, Plain Sight.James has a great story. You'll want to listen in.In this episode James and Dan discussed:growing up a passionate athletegoing from the basketball court to the warehousehard lessons from his first startupinsights from running a coworking spacehis connection to Dan Gilbertwhy Plain Sight has no profile picturesOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Founders Livethe global venue for entrepreneurs to experience events, content, and community.To get Founders LiveFest 2021 ticketsCheck out founderslive.com to join and to find a live event streaming from your city.MORE on JAMES and PLAIN SIGHTJames:https://www.linkedin.com/in/plainsightceo/https://twitter.com/iwrotethehustlehttps://www.instagram.com/iwrotethehustle/IWrotetheHustle (on Amazon)Plain Sight:https://www.plainsight.app/https://www.linkedin.com/company/plain-sight-app/https://twitter.com/plainsightapphttps://www.instagram.com/plainsightapp/Follow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #networking #futureofwork #eventtech See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Serge Amouzo is Founder and CEO of Finmod, a startup that helps companies forecast financials 10X faster. Finmod's predictive-financial projection technology uses company data sources to give decision-ready data and actionable next steps for growth. Serge was born and raised in Togo. He came to the US at age 12, determined and curious. He set out to master English and assimilate. He thought he would be a neurosurgeon, but a pursuit of coding and tech led him to a career of being a repeat tech founder, starting his first company while still in High School. It was a pain point he personally experienced at one of his past startups that sparked the idea that would become Finmod.Serge has a great story. You'll want to listen in.In this episode Serge and Dan discussed:moving from Togo to the US at 12mastering English as a 3rd languagebuilding his first coding company in high schoolhow the dream of being a doctor was overtaken by his startup chasewhether you should wear your ambition out loud OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.Tell them "Dan sent you" for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.comMORE on SERGE and FINMODSerge:linkedin.com/in/serge-amouzou-65b76841twitter.com/sergeamouzouinstagram.com/amouzou.sergeFinmod:finmod.iolinkedin.com/company/finmodhqtwitter.com/finmodhqFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #founderstories #foundersafricandescent #fintech See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Navalayo Osembo is Co-Founder and CEO of Enda, a company that is building on Kenya's reputation as the global leader in distance running. With “Run Kenyan” as its motto, Enda makes running shoes in Kenya, for runners around the world. Navalayo is the first guest we've had on from the place of my ancestral heritage - Kenya. She grew up with a military father and a teacher mother, which meant strong themes of discipline and excellence. Combined with her gifts of curiosity, intelligence, and grit, she set out to master accounting, law, and global development. But it was her return to Kenya from the US and UK, that helped her find the calling where she could make her impact. “Run Kenyan.” And so Enda was born.Navalayo has a great story, you'll want to listen in.In this episode Navalayo and Dan discussed:growing up in Kenyaconvincing her dad to start farming fishhere experience working with the UNHow the Williams sisters inspired her to start a Kenya tennis academythe power of "Run Kenyan"OUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: Aperture Venture CapitalVC for the Multicultural MainstreamAperture is the new $75M fund that wants to amplify the voices of diverse foundersShare your story at aperturevc.com/foundersMORE on NAVALAYO and ENDANavalayo:navalayoosembo.comlinkedin.com/in/navalayoosembotwitter.com/NavalayoOsemboinstagram.com/navalayoosemboEnda:endasportswear.comlinkedin.com/company/endatwitter.com/endasportswearinstagram.com/endasportswearFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounder #founderstories #founderofafricandescent #kenyafounder #consumerfitness See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jarrett Wright is Founder and CEO of Higher Rewards, a company that offers nonprofits and faith-based organizations the ability to provide their members a self-branded credit card where a percentage of every purchase goes back to the organization.Jarrett is from several generations deep in the San Francisco Bay Area. Jarrett showed drive and ability from an early age. Reading by 2 years old. Doing the family's grocery shopping at 6. But the pace and structure of school frustrated him. So instead of putting his intellectual horsepower to work in college right away, he started a property development company at 19. And within a few years, he was nationally recognized and bringing in millions in revenue. And that's just the start of his story. The rest is amazing. you'll want to listen in.In this episode Jarrett and Dan discussed:growing up in Richmond Californiathe powerful influence of his family and his heritagerapidly building a business that was decidedly not recession-proofgoing to college with folks 10+ years your juniorthe 'aha' moment for Higher Rewards during a conversation with a financial execthe advantages within the UC Berkeley startup ecosystemOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE:Trajectory: Startup - Ideation to Product/Market FitA brand new book by entrepreneur and investor Dave Parker.This hot-off-the-presses publication is THE playbook for those at the earliest stages of the startup journey. Or even if you are just contemplating the jump to entrepreneurship. To get this great resource, go to dkparker.com or find anywhere you buy books.MORE on JARRETT and HIGHER REWARDSJarrett:linkedin.com/in/jarrett-wrightinstagram.com/wrightjarrettHigher Rewards:higherrewards.comlinkedin.com/company/higher-rewardsinstagram.com/higherrewardstwitter.com/higherrewardsfacebook.com/higherrewardsFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT#blackfounders #blackentrepreneurs #founderstory #underrepresented #underestimated #founderAfricandescent #fintech #UCBerkeley See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Isaac Lymon is Co-Founder and CEO of Raxplay, a company that enables music artists to perform live real/time concerts via virtual reality. Raxplay puts fans in the front row, VIP, and backstage - all in the comfort of their homes.Isaac was born and raised in Detroit. At an early stage, he felt called to music. But after a taste of the grind artists endure, Isaac gravitated to what made music happen behind the scenes. It was then that he really came to appreciate the power that technology could have on the industry. And like many famous tech entrepreneurs before him, he made the tough call to pursue his startup dream instead of focusing on college. A hustled-for internship, a hack-a-thon, and a call from Google Startups followed, changing everything. And so Raxplay was off and running.Isaac has a great story, you'll want to listen in.In this episode Isaac and Dan discussed:growing up in a Detroit suburbhow he relentlessly pursued an internship in musicperspectives on raising money in the LA ecosystemhis thoughts on the future of VROUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: Aperture Venture CapitalVC for the Multicultural MainstreamAperture is the new $75M fund that wants to amplify the voices of diverse foundersShare your story at aperturevc.com/foundersMORE on ISAAC and RAXPLAYIsaac:linkedin.com/in/isaac-lymon-24ab9515a/twitter.com/Isaaclymoninstagram.com/isaaccorey___/Raxplay:raxplay.comlinkedin.com/company/raxplaytwitter.com/raxplayxrinstagram.com/raxplayxrFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Khalid David is Founder and CEO of TracFlo, a company with a predictive financial management platform that is empowering America's contractors.Originally from the Bronx, Khalid was born into a family of tradesmen with a deep connection to his Afro-Caribbean roots. So it's no surprise that, even with education from Morehouse, Columbia, and MIT, Khalid ended up in the construction industry. And it was those experiences that opened his eyes to the opportunity to better track the dynamic cost changes happening on today's construction sites. And so TracFlo was born. Khalid is a passionate speaker and advocate, and has won competitions at MIT, Harvard, and Stanford business schools.Khalid has a great story, you'll want to listen in.In this episode Khalid and Dan discussed:representing the BronxHis Saint Kitts and Nevis heritageEmerging from college during the Great RecessionBuilding software inside a traditional construction firmHow TracFlo replaces the pad and pencil in the fieldWearing the mantle of pioneering black entrepreneurOUR SPONSORS FOR THIS EPISODE: AfriBlocksThe global pan-African freelance marketplace and collaboration platform.Tell them "Dan sent you" for 10% off your first order. More at afriblocks.comMORE on KHALID and TRACFLOKhalid:https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalid-david-34a55824/https://www.twitter.com/kdpegasushttps://www.instagram.com/kdpegasusTracFlo:https://tracfloapp.comhttps://republic.co/tracflohttps://www.linkedin.com/company/tracflohttps://www.instagram.com/tracfloappFollow Founders Unfound: Like and share - help us grow!PODCAST TRANSCRIPT See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.