Entrepreneurs of color pitch to investors as part of new Brooklyn-based accelerator program

A group of entrepreneurs of color pitched their companies to investors as part of a new Brooklyn-based accelerator program.

The founders of a dozen start-up companies got a hand from experts during BK-XL’s Demo Day. The program is a collaboration between the Social Justice Fund and Visible Hands that is meant to provide investment, mentorship, and office space to entrepreneurs of color.

“I've had to really prove myself, prove my metrics before being even considered for investment, whereas my white male founder counterparts often just get investments based on belief,” says Tai Adaya, the founder of Habit. “Having people who are supportive of our journey, not only as founders but as founders who are diverse and really changing that narrative, has been super valuable."

The team behind the program says it’s also a way to bring businesses to the borough. They say that startups who choose to base their companies in Brooklyn will get an additional investment.

“Brooklyn is a special place, and to build a company here, to support consumers here, but also to live and experience Brooklyn, is a powerful experience,” says Daniel Acheampong, of Visible Hands.

Organizers hope to open applications for the second cohort in the fall.