Providing access, insight, and community for Black operators and executives looking to become angel, scout, and venture investors.
ABOUT BLACK VENTURE INSTITUTE (BVI)
Venture capital is an industry reliant upon access — access to the right network, access to the right knowledge, and access to the right opportunity.
It is no secret that the technology industry, specifically venture capital, has an extremely low representation of Black professionals in technical, leadership, and investing roles. Check out our State of Black Venture Report for statistics on Black investors. BLCK VC, Operator Collective, and Salesforce Ventures believe that by making venture capital knowledge and networks more accessible through the Black Venture Institute (BVI) program, we can empower Black operators and executives and provide a path to accelerate innovation, opportunity, and access.
Black Venture Institute (BVI) is a curriculum-based program that teaches Black operators and executives the foundational elements to become angel, scout, and venture investors. It is a virtual program hosted by the Berkeley Haas School of Business in partnership with Berkeley Executive Education. The program enables fellows to gain access to experienced, successful investors and learn the foundations of investing, including what investors look for, how to structure deals, and how to contribute as a board member or observer. Upon program completion, fellows are invited to join the BLCK VC Hub community and attend sessions with industry experts sharing insights from their professional journeys as well as deal flow sessions.
JOIN BLACK VENTURE INSTITUTE (BVI)
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Black Venture Institute (BVI) teaches foundational venture principles like financing, sourcing, diligence, and corporate governance. Fellows learn how investors evaluate opportunities and negotiate terms from top industry minds, business leaders, and UC Berkeley professors.
Applications for Spring 2023 Cohort are now closed.
Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn to be notified of the application opening for Fall 2023 Cohort.
THE SPEAKERS
Monique Woodard
Partner
Cake Ventures
Phaedra Ellis Lamkins
Co-Founder
Promise
Kobie Fuller
Partner
Upfront Ventures
Marlon Nichols
Managing Partner
MaC Venture Capital
Tope Awotona
CEO
Calendly
Elliot Robinson
Partner
Bessemer Venture Partners
Lo Toney
Managing Partner
Plexo Capital
Charles Hudson
Managing Partner
Precursor Ventures
FOUNDING PARTNERS
FAQs
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Who should apply?
Established Black operators looking to better understand the venture industry and learn how they can operate as an angel, scout, and venture investors. Black Venture Institute (BVI) fellows will join a community of high-powered Black operators and technology executives who, together, will represent the future of black venture investors across the country.
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What is the time commitment?
The Black Venture Institute (BVI) program is a 10-day commitment with 4 hours per day. Sessions are held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM PST (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST), with pre-readings assigned for each day. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory. Please ensure your schedule allows you to attend the full program before applying.
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Can I apply to the Black Venture Institute (BVI) if I'm outside of the US?
Our program is currently limited to participants in the U.S. and Canada.
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Where will the sessions be held?
Our sessions will be 100% remote. This gives you the flexibility to be a part of our community regardless of where you are in the U.S. or Canada.
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What does a typical Black Venture Institute (BVI) session look like?
Black Venture Institute (BVI) leverages experts, business leaders, and UC Berkeley professors to teach you how investors evaluate opportunities and negotiate terms. Sessions will combine lecture-style teachings, panel discussions, and fireside chats.
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Do I have to pay for this program?
No. At BLCK VC, we aim to make venture capital as accessible as possible. The program is free for you. We invest time, energy, and resources into making our program great and ask that you commit to giving the program your 100%.
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Do I need to be an accredited investor?
You do not need to be an accredited investor to participate in this program. However, you must be an accredited investor to invest in startups as an angel investor.
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What is BLCK VC?
BLCK VC empowers and supports Black investors while increasing diversity in venture capital. To learn more about what we do and who we are, please visit our website www.blckvc.org
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How do I reach you if I am a VC and want to support the Black Venture Institute (BVI) program?
At BLCK VC, we believe it takes a village to make a difference, and welcome your support. If you are interested in speaking, hiring a graduate, or sponsoring the program, please email us at BVI@blckvc.org.
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Who should I contact if I have more questions?
You can reach us at BVI@blckvc.org.