1863 Ventures

What is 1863 Ventures?

1863 Ventures is an investor organization that operates as an incubator and accelerator, specializing in assisting early stage and seed companies.

They work to bridge entrepreneurship and racial equity by supporting new majority entrepreneurs. The term 'new majority' refers to individuals of color who are becoming the majority within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. 1863 Ventures focuses on guiding these entrepreneurs through the crucial stages of business development, providing them with the necessary resources to grow and scale their innovative ideas into viable, profitable businesses.

Their investment thesis revolves around the belief that by investing in businesses led by diverse founders, they can not only generate substantial financial returns but also have a positive impact on society by advancing racial equity and economic empowerment. The organization lends its name from the year 1863, which marks the Emancipation Proclamation, symbolizing freedom and the endless potential for progress and innovation. Their approach includes providing strategic guidance, mentorship, access to networks, and sometimes direct funding, all tailored to the specific needs of early stage ventures.

Through their support, 1863 Ventures aims to create a thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape where new majority entrepreneurs can excel and redefine the future of business. They highlight their impact by showcasing success stories and outcomes of their initiatives to underscore their commitment to transforming the business landscape through diversity and innovation.

What they say:

We are a startup accelerator that helps new-majority entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

What we look for: We invest in startups led by diverse entrepreneurs.