Build Black Better: How to finance a better post-pandemic future

Dear Supporter,

We hope you’ll join us on October 29th for our inaugural access to finance breakfast co-hosted with Lendoe and sponsored by Goldman Sachs - Build Black Better: How to finance a better post-pandemic future.

All the evidence shows that Black businesses have historically been significantly underrepresented in VC funding and bank financing. In the United States, billions of dollars have been pledged by major financial institutions and corporations to support Black businesses and racial equity following the murder of George Floyd and recognition of historic racial injustice. Despite supportive words and some provision of resources, similar financial support for Black businesses in the UK has been conspicuously absent.

This event will explore what is needed to level the playing field in Britain for Black businesses. We are bringing together senior influencers and leaders from the Black business ecosystem – those who finance Black businesses, those who support Black businesses, those who invest to grow Black businesses, and Black business owners themselves.

We invite all Black entrepreneurs and business owners to explore the current state of play, but more importantly to discuss and document tangible commitments and action plans for diversifying the funding landscape in 2022 and beyond.

Please register for the event here.

Agenda

Opening Speech by:

Lord Michael Hastings, LCCI Black Business Association

Panel discussion followed by Q&A:

Demi Ariyo, Lendoe

Jamie Broderick, Impact Investing Institute

Erika Brodnock, Extend Ventures

Eric Collins, ImpactX Capital Partners

Karl Lokko, Black Seed Ventures

Damian Thompson, Aldermore Bank

Fireside Chat with:

Tom Ilube, Crossword Cybersecuritiy

Speakers:

Lord Michael Hastings CBE - LCCI
Tom Ilube CBE - Crossword Cybersecuritiy
Eric Collins - ImpactX
Damian Thompson - Aldermore Bank
Demi Ariyo - Lendoe
Karl Lokko - Black Seed Ventures
Jamie Broderick - Impact Investing Institute
Erika Brodnock - Extend Ventures

Sponsors:

Goldman Sachs