Diversity, Inclusion & Equity at Acceleprise
Our mission is to create a space where everyone—no matter their background—can get access to funding, build their dreams, and push innovation forward.
As both a startup accelerator and fund, we’re in a unique position to influence the future of the tech industry. We have the responsibility to create equity in our funding practices, the duty to lead our cohort companies by example, and the platform to educate our companies to build their own diverse teams and inclusive cultures.
“As venture capitalists, we have a platform to be able to create an outsized impact by reallocating capital to those that the industry has historically looked over.”
Pranavi Cheemakurti
Associate
“We have the responsibility to educate the portfolio companies that we work with day in and day out how to build and foster a diverse team and inclusive culture.”
Jonah Midanik
MD, Canada
— our plan —
Our Mission Is Three Fold
Build And Develop A
Diverse Team
It all starts within our doors. We are committed to creating equality of opportunity in our hiring process, providing a platform for all employees to grow and develop, and fostering a culture of inclusivity where our people can thrive.
Educate And Empower Founders
We’re helping our portfolio companies build equity into their DNA by leading by example, offering content and programming dedicated to these practices, and engaging with community, speakers and mentors from diverse backgrounds.
Provide Equal Access To Funding
By investing in companies founded by underrepresented groups, we can help build a more equal tech ecosystem. And a more diverse team at Acceleprise is crucial to sourcing and evaluating companies with a more equal lens.
Our Numbers
As one way to stay transparent and accountable, we’re sharing our diversity numbers and will update these twice per year.
Acceleprise Team
Womxn
POC
LGBTQ+
2020 Portfolio Company Founders
Womxn
Black
East Asian
Southeast/
South Asian
Latinx
“Who we choose to wire investments to can have a measurable impact on building an equitable tech ecosystem and on the broader economy.”
Steph Jones
Associate
“Given the volume of companies we invest in, we feel like we are in a position to have an outsized impact on building a more diverse tech industry, and intent to leverage our platform to do so"
Michael Cardamone
CEO & Managing Partner
"It’s not enough to hire diverse talent, we need to make sure they are comfortable, empowered, and can flourish on our team."
Faye Almeshaan
Global Operations Manager
“We certainly don’t have all of the answers but we won’t stop learning and improving because we understand how crucial it is to make this change.”
James Murphy
MD, NYC
— Resources —
Let's Get There Together
Are you an underrepresented founder? We’ve compiled a few helpful resources for you while you build your business.
