In a recent interview at Black Tech Week, Ramon Ray, publisher of Zone of Genius.com, sat down with Brian Brackeen, General Partner at Lightship Capital and one of the driving forces behind Black Tech Week. Their conversation shed light on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the importance of supporting underrepresented founders in the tech industry.
Meet Brian Brackeen
Brian Brackeen wears many hats. He’s not only a general partner at Lightship Capital but also a successful entrepreneur. Before venturing into investment, Brackeen founded Kairos, a facial recognition AI firm, and previously led another tech company in Miami. His journey from entrepreneur to investor was driven by a desire to support and invest in people who look like him and may not have had the same opportunities.
Listen to the podcast episode here.
Innovation at Black Tech Week
One of the standout moments of the conversation was Brackeen’s excitement about the innovative products showcased at Black Tech Week. He highlighted a remarkable invention by a woman from Detroit: paper tablets made from stone. These tablets allow for permanent writing with regular pens and are water-resistant, demonstrating the ingenuity and problem-solving skills of Black entrepreneurs.
From Idea to Execution
Brackeen emphasized that while ideas are important, execution is where real value is created. He advised entrepreneurs to be open about their ideas and seek help, stating that growth and success come from sharing and collaboration. He recommended two key strategies for entrepreneurs:
- Use the Business Model Canvas to break down and validate ideas.
- Listen relentlessly to customers, using their feedback to guide product development and improvement.
Lightship Capital: Investing in Diversity
Lightship Capital, Brackeen’s investment firm, focuses on supporting underrepresented founders. They operate two funds:
- A $50 million fund investing directly in founders
- A $2 billion fund investing in Black venture capitalists globally
This approach aims to create a ripple effect of investment in diverse founders and ideas.
The Art of Pitching
Brackeen provided insights into the world of venture capital pitching, noting the differences between West Coast and East Coast approaches. He emphasized the importance of understanding these cultural norms when seeking investment. For Lightship Capital, they’ve simplified the process with an open application system on their website.
Black Tech Week: A Celebration of Innovation and Community
The conversation concluded with Brackeen’s thoughts on Black Tech Week. He described it as an inclusive event that brings together 5,000 people in Cincinnati, Ohio, to inspire and support each other. The event features emotional stories, practical advice, and insights from successful entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
Black Tech Week stands as a testament to the vibrant and innovative Black tech community, offering a platform for networking, learning, and growth. As Brackeen put it, it’s “for everybody,” but with a special focus on elevating and celebrating Black voices in technology.
The discussion between Ramon Ray and Brian Brackeen highlighted the importance of diversity in tech, the power of execution in entrepreneurship, and the vital role of events like Black Tech Week in fostering innovation and community in the tech industry.
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