Startup Noir NOLA is setting a new standard for empowering Black entrepreneurs and investors in New Orleans.
This initiative, launched by Greater New Orleans Inc. (GNO Inc.), provides resources and opportunities to support the success of Black-led startups in a region brimming with potential.
With access to networking events, educational sessions, and strategic mentorship, the program aims to address the systemic barriers that often hinder access to capital and connections.
Closing the Funding Gap
Despite the growth of venture capital, Black founders continue to receive only a fraction of total investment.
In 2022, Black-led businesses in the U.S. secured just 1% of over $200 billion in venture funding.
Startup Noir NOLA is tackling this disparity by creating a community of support through meetups, HBCU internship programs, and upcoming private equity and venture capital tracks.
“We are committed to providing a space where entrepreneurs can launch and scale their ventures while building connections to capital,” said Daphine Barnes, the program lead in a press release.
Showcasing Success to Drive Growth
Jasmine Brown-DeRousselle, GNO Inc.’s chief engagement officer, emphasizes the importance of showcasing the successes of Black-led startups.
“When we highlight the quantitative impact of these businesses, we can attract more attention and resources to this community,” she noted.
Drawing inspiration from New Orleans’ recent tech wins, such as Lucid’s $1.1 billion acquisition, Startup Noir NOLA seeks to build on this momentum.
