Black And Latino Tech – Connecting Founders of Color to Venture Capital

Attention Tech Trailblazers!
A Pre-Accelerator Dedicated to Tech Co-Founders

The most successful Black and Latinx start-up tech companies have an exceptional tech co-pilot. We are seeking technologists with an interest in entrepreneurship to join us in June for a virtual pre-accelerator program.
Learn about:

Business models and product-market fit
Roles and responsibilities of technical cofounders
Financial compensation models
Developing technology roadmaps in line with proformas and investment requirements
Substance, form, content, design and delivery of investor materials

You will be paired with a Black or Latinx founder needing a tech co-founder to apply your learnings. At the end of the program, two tech co-founders will earn a $10K grant to invest in a start-up or advance their own business.

APPLY

CLICK HERE TO APPLY TO THE PRE-ACCELERATOR PROGRAM, AND LAUNCH YOUR DREAMS!

EXPECTATIONS

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
FROM THE PROGRAM

Connections

Mentorship

Knowledge

Capital

OUR EXPERTS

FAQS

How much does it cost?

$300 USD

Who is this for?

Individuals who have background in tech who are interested in starting a tech program and want to be paired with a cofounder

Why should I apply? What do I get out of it?

This is not a “one shot” program. Rutgers University’s Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development (CUEED) is committed to helping the cofounders over their multiple years and phases of growth. Rutgers University allows program participants to have access to teams of MBA students who do consulting projects for them. Two technical cofounders will receive a $10,000 grant to invest in a start-up team and advance their business

When will the program take place?

The next BLT program will start in 2025. The exact dates are still to be determined. Please complete the application and we will notify you when the dates have been determined.

Where will the program be?

The program will be hybrid with a mix of virtual and 3 in-person sessions. The virtual sessions will take place via Zoom and the in-person will take place at Rutgers Business School in Newark. Participants that are not in the tristate area can participate virtually for in-person sessions.

How often do I need to participate?

There will be six sessions plus a Demo Day. The 2025 dates are TBD.

What topics will you cover in the program?

• Orientation; Startup Toolkit; Structure of the entity; Team development,
diversification and expansion; Law 101 (Contracts, IP); Using the right
startup documents
• Idea Identification; Converting Ideas into Business Models; Differentiation;
Gaining Traction; Customer Discovery and Validation; Competition
• Raising Capital; Financial Pro forma
• Product Development; Technology Dev (Agile)
• Sales, Marketing, Growth Hacking, Business Development; Strategic Partnerships
• Pitch Decks Presentations
• Special guest speaker series session

What can I expect from the mentors?

Mentors will provide assistance, guidance, resources, and connections for their team.

Will I be able to pitch to investors?

Yes! Companies will have an opportunity to pitch to angel investor network being formed specially to investing in tech companies led by teams that include a Black or Latino founder.

Will Rutgers invest in my business?

No, Rutgers Business School will not invest in the entrepreneur’s business. Rutgers is leveraging the platform and its relationships and making space, equipment and resources available to the community of entrepreneurs.

Are you interested in becoming one of our Tech Mentors?

If you are interested in tech mentoring one of our teams, please email [email protected].edu with your resume and areas of expertise. Mentors should have expertise in one or more of the following areas: Building a Technology Platform, Data Analytics, Growth Hacking, Building a Technology Team, User Experience, Raising Capital for a Tech Startup.