Slauson & Co., a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm dedicated to supporting early-stage founders from underrepresented backgrounds, has successfully closed its second fund, raising a total of $100 million.
This milestone represents a substantial increase from its initial $75 million fund, demonstrating the firm’s growing reputation and investor confidence.
“To date, we’ve invested in 38 companies from our first fund led by 66 founders across the U.S., whose lived experience is their competitive advantage. Notably, 95% of our portfolio companies are led by founders of color, with over half of our founding teams led or co-led by women. These companies have gone on to raise hundreds of millions of dollars following our initial investment,” said a company representative in an online statement.
Fund II will focus on investments ranging from $500,000 to $2 million, with plans to lead most rounds and make approximately 30 investments over the next three years. The firm has already begun deploying capital from Fund II and remains dedicated to its mission of advancing inclusivity in venture capital.
Despite a challenging fundraising environment in recent years, Slauson & Co. persevered and successfully closed Fund II. The firm faced numerous rejections but remained steadfast in its mission. As noted in the statement, “Our hurdles are akin to those faced by the founders we support — fundraising while operating the business, volatile markets causing constant shifts in investor sentiment, all while building a transformational product.”
The closing of Fund II marks a significant step forward for Slauson & Co., positioning the firm to continue its work of empowering founders from underrepresented backgrounds and driving innovation in the tech industry.
Echoing the sentiment, “The greatest loss is what dies inside while you’re still alive. Never surrender,” Slauson & Co. embodies this spirit of perseverance and inclusivity.
by Tony O. Lawson
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