Barclays has launched an immersive 12-week accelerator programme for 25 Black founder-led tech businesses.
According to a report by Barclays, the launch featured the work of acclaimed photographer, Misan Harriman, the first Black male cover photographer for British Vogue and Oscar-nominated director Cornelius Walker
The virtual accelerator programme was designed to help early-stage tech businesses, founded by one or more Black entrepreneurs, in order to boost diversity in entrepreneurship.
“The accelerator, in partnership with Foundervine, an award-winningsocial enterprise specialising in digital startups, includes a series of expert masterclasses focused on a number of core business skills, including product development, sales strategy, operations and leadership. The founders will be mentored by and receive professional coaching from scale-up experts.
“So far, over 140 businesses have applied to take part in theaccelerator, of which 25 successful businesses will be selected toparticipate in the programme. Applications close on 29 October.
“The programme will start on the 12th November and will last 12 weeks.
It will culminate in a Demo Day in which founders will have the opportunity to present their business to an invited audience. In addition, through the programme, participants will gain access to the UK-wide Eagle Labs network and to community events through Barclays Eagle Labs,” it revealed.
The launch of the Black Founder Accelerator comes as Barclays celebrates Black History Month and further demonstrates its commitment to the Race at Work agenda, and its Race at Work action plan.
Ecosystem Manager at Barclays Eagle Labs, who led on the creation of the programme, Natalie Ojevah said: “Having worked with businesses for a number of years, and in my current role supporting founders and startups, I have seen the lack of diversity, especially with Black entrepreneurs.
“I realised this was a national issue, so working with my colleagues and Foundervine, we have launched the Black Founder Accelerator. Foundervine’s track record of supporting Black founders and businesses will help us to make a real difference and I am delighted to see the programme come to life.”
Also, Managing Director of Foundervine, Izzy Obeng said: “I am delighted to be partnering with Barclays Eagle Labs to launch the Black Founder Accelerator. Together we have the opportunity to help level the playing field for Black founders – building a more equitable future where successful founders come from a wide range of backgrounds.”
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