The podcast discusses a lawsuit against a venture capital firm supporting Black women founders, highlighting the broader backlash against diversity initiatives. The Fureless Fund and its mission to level the playing field for women of color founders are explored, along with concerns about discrimination and the use of race in business contracts. The impact of the lawsuit on business leaders and the disparities in venture capital funding for Black founders are also examined.
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Quick takeaways
The lawsuit against Fearless Fund's grant program highlights a growing backlash against diversity initiatives and programs.
The outcome of the lawsuit will impact the future of diversity initiatives and funding programs addressing systemic inequalities.
Deep dives
Conservative activist sues Fearless Fund over grant for black women entrepreneurs
Edward Bloom, a conservative activist, has filed a lawsuit against the Atlanta-based Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm that specifically invests in women of color-led businesses. Bloom argues that the Fearless Fund's $20,000 grant, exclusively for black women entrepreneurs, is discriminatory. The panel of judges temporarily blocked the grant, highlighting an increasing trend to challenge diversity initiatives and programs. The lawsuit raises questions about the legality and future of such grants and programs that aim to address systemic inequalities.
Fearless Fund's mission and investments
Fearless Fund, started by black women, focuses on filling the funding gap faced by women of color entrepreneurs. They invest in food and beverage, beauty, and technology companies. Their investments include brands like Slaudee Vegan, Hairbrella, and Bread Beauty. Overall, they have invested in around 40 startups, aiming to level the playing field for women of color founders in the business world.
Legal arguments and implications
The Alliance for Equal Rights, led by Edward Bloom, claims that the Fearless Fund's grant program is illegal due to its explicit focus on race. They argue that the grant violates the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. Fearless Fund defends the grant as a charitable donation and claims their First Amendment right to decide who they support. The outcome of this lawsuit will likely have broader implications for diversity initiatives and funding programs.
The lawyer behind the Supreme Court case that overturned affirmative action in university admissions has a new target: a small venture capital firm that gives money to Black women founders. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Mirtha Donastorg and TechCrunch’s Dominic-Madori Davis explain how it’s part of a broader backlash to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
This episode was produced by Siona Peterous, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King.