As black and brown founders lead the charge as the fastest-growing groups of entrepreneurs
, Goldman Sachs is helping them secure resources and capital as they grow and scale their business.As a part of its $500 million investment in diverse founders, the company created the Launch with GS Black and Latinx Entrepreneur Cohort and put a call out to company founders in April. After receiving 400 applications from founders in 37 states, Goldman Sachs selected 14 black and Latinx founders to participate in the inaugural cohort.
Founders participating in the eight-week virtual experience will get access and resources to help them fast-track their companies’ growth and build relationships with investors and industry experts. During that time they will remain hyper-focused on moving their business forward as the program is designed around their schedule so they may tailor their participation for optimal results.
data-slot="/21868623726/site264.tmus/amp2" data-multi-size="320x50,300x250" data-multi-size-validation="false" rtc-config='{"vendors": {"prebidappnexuspsp": {"PLACEMENT_ID": "27198239"}}, "timeoutMillis": 500}'>In a statement released by Goldman Sachs, Margaret Anadu, head of the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group and Launch With GS lead investor said, “The volume and quality of applications confirms our view that there is a strong pipeline of companies led by Black and Latinx founders in the U.S. We’re thrilled to share the knowledge and convening power of Goldman Sachs with these founders as they take their businesses to the next level.”
Each company will receive mentorship from Goldman Sachs leaders and investors and participate in one-on- one and group workshops with specialists from a variety of Goldman Sachs divisions and external cohort partners. They will also be connected to the exclusive Launch With GS advisory council networks.
The 2020 Launch with GS Black and Latinx Entrepreneur Cohort
Bedrock Analytics
Bedrock Analytics’ data visualization platform augments $120 billion in category sales each month via automating retail analytics by leveraging AI, ML, and a simplified user experience for the CPG industry.
Bloc Power
BlocPower uses machine learning and structured finance to partner with utilities and governments to identify, finance, and upgrade building energy systems in America’s Urban Core.
CareAcademy
CareAcademy is the leading U.S. platform for educating and teaching new skills to millions for the future of the healthcare workforce.
Caribu
Caribu is an educational family entertainment platform for kids ages (up to age 13) to have a virtual playdate with family and friends.
Deep Labs
Deep Labs enables persona-based intelligence to deliver true context-aware decision-making.
Finhabits
Finhabits is the leading bilingual money app designed for Latinos’ financial success.
Journey Foods
Journey Foods solves food science and supply chain inefficiencies with enterprise software.
Lendstreet
LendStreet is an online lending platform that enables individuals who have weathered a financial shock to restructure and pay off their debt.
NIVSNx
NVISNx is a big data cyber platform that enables companies to protect their most critical data while also identifying useless data that could be disposed of to save millions in enterprise storage costs.
Partake Foods
Partake Foods is a line of delicious, nutritious, allergy-friendly snacks.
Revry
Revry is the world’s first LGBTQ+ global streaming TV network. It features live and on-demand movies, shows, music, news, and podcasts.
REZI
REZI is an online marketplace where you can find, tour and lease your next apartment in minutes.
Squire Technologies
Squire Technologies provides a robust, fully integrated software system for barbershops and men’s salons with tools such as point of sale, scheduling, payroll, and CRM.
Sweeten
Sweeten matches home renovation projects with thoroughly vetted general contractors, while offering expert advice, tools, and financial protection—at no cost to homeowners.
Accelerating with Goldman Sachs
“These founders were selected because they are true innovators across their industries,” said Jemma Wolfe, head of Launch with GS. “We believe in the power of diverse leadership–and I’m thrilled to bring all that Goldman Sachs has to offer to the 2020 Cohort.”
In a statement released by Squire Technologies, Dave Salvant, co-founder and president, expressed his gratitude and excitement for being accepted into the program saying, “To be selected as one of the inaugural companies in the GS Launch program is an amazing opportunity. To be able to leverage Goldman Sachs resources will allow us to scale even faster.”
Stay tuned for more from these founders in the coming weeks.