SHOPPE BLACK

Community College Startup Campus Scores $23 Million to Expand Access to Top-Tier Education

1 min read
campus

Campus, a startup focused on revolutionizing community college education, has announced an additional $23 million in funding.

This Series A extension round was led by Founders Fund, with participation from 8VC. The news comes just over a year after Campus secured $29 million in its initial Series A round.

Campus offers a unique approach to higher education, providing students with access to high-caliber instruction at an affordable price. They achieve this by employing adjunct professors who are currently teaching at prestigious universities like Vanderbilt, Princeton, and NYU.

These professors are compensated competitively, at a rate of $8,000 per course, which is significantly above the national average for adjunct faculty.

“Campus is obsessed with giving everybody access to these amazing professors,” said founder Tade Oyerinde, highlighting their commitment to quality education.

The funding will allow Campus to further develop its innovative learning platform and expand its course offerings. While the majority of students participate online, the company also maintains a physical campus in Sacramento, California. This campus offers hands-on learning experiences in fields like phlebotomy, medical assisting, and cosmetology.

This latest investment demonstrates the confidence that venture capitalists have in Campus’s ability to disrupt the traditional community college model. Their focus on affordability and access to renowned instructors positions them well to address the growing demand for quality higher education.

by Tony O. Lawson

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Two Black-Owned Breweries Break Barriers with Historic Alliance

4 mins read
Black-Owned Breweries

Two Black-owned breweries, Full Circle Brewing Co. and Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., have announced a groundbreaking strategic alliance aimed at transforming the face of the craft beverage industry.

The Circle of Crowns Beverage Group (CCBG) is an alliance that combines two leading Black-owned companies and centralizes production, sales and marketing between them, to bring locally curated brands and authentic experiences to more retailers and consumers around the world.

This strategic alliance transcends a simple merger; it’s a potent symbol of progress toward inclusivity and expanded opportunity within the craft beverage sector.

Full Circle, headquartered in Fresno, California, already holds the distinction of being the largest Black-owned production brewery in the United States. By joining forces with Crowns & Hops, the Inglewood-based brand that ignited a global movement for Black representation in craft beer, the CCBG creates a powerhouse with a powerful mission.

“This strategic alliance leverages the strength of our infrastructures and distributor networks to bring our unique brands to retail shelves around the world,” said Arthur Moye, CEO and Founder of Full Circle. “Together we are better positioned to maximize growth and bring more consumers craft beverages with an aspirational, relevant connection to black culture.”

“We can each apply our No Big Deal skills, those areas where we naturally excel based on our previous knowledge and experiences,” explained Teo Hunter, Crowns & Hops Co-Founder, COO and Head of Brewing Operations. “Arthur at Full Circle is amazing with production, scaling, and the financial side of the business, while Beny and I are experts in branding, marketing, community, and partnerships.”

“Crowns & Hops and Full Circle share the same visions, values, and strategies,” added Beny Ashburn, “The Dope” CEO and Co-founder, Crowns & Hops. “Our collective mission extends beyond production, marketing, and sales; we aim to be a supportive resource for other Black-owned craft beer brands, fostering community and growth within the industry.”

The impact of this alliance is multifaceted. Firstly, it streamlines operations and production for all the participating brands. Full Circle’s established infrastructure and distribution network will be leveraged to ensure wider availability of their unique beverages, allowing consumers across the country (and potentially beyond) to experience their offerings. This expanded reach encourages increased brand recognition and growth for all members of the CCBG.

Secondly, the CCBG tackles a crucial issue – the persistent barriers faced by Black-owned businesses in the craft beverage industry. Historically, Black suppliers have often struggled with limited access to production facilities, distribution networks, and retailer partnerships.

The CCBG aims to dismantle these barriers by creating a consolidated platform with the resources and clout necessary to overcome these challenges. This paves the way for a more level playing field, fostering a more equitable industry landscape.

by Tony O. Lawson

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Sparen: Streamlining Real Estate Transactions with AI

9 mins read
Sparen

Traditional real estate transactions are slow and expensive due to a complex and outdated process.

Sparen, aims to revolutionize the industry by streamlining the process with automation and algorithms, making buying and selling homes faster and cheaper.

In this interview, Sparen’s founder, Paris Dean, delves into the transformative power of its algorithms and outlines a vision for the future where real estate transactions are streamlined, efficient, and accessible globally.

What were the key insights that led you to create Sparen?

I was an asset manager overseeing hundreds of millions of dollars of mostly residential real estate, and a big part of my job was searching for, communicating with, and analyzing information from the various parties required to facilitate transactions such as agents, title companies, insurance companies, inspectors, and contractors.

It was like having to go on a scavenger hunt to find the pieces to a puzzle before you put the puzzle together. At the time my mom was looking to buy a house, and it was twice as complicated: she used Zillow and Redfin to find properties; then she had to talk to lenders to figure out what she could afford to spend because seller’s agents wouldn’t take her seriously without a pre-approval letter; then she had to find a Buyer’s agent to get access to the property, which is a whole other process because not all agents are created equal; and lastly, she had to quickly submit her “highest and best offer” before somebody else beat her to it.

I think she looked at maybe 15 houses and missed out on 12 of them. I got frustrated more times than I can remember because I could not figure out why the whole process was so fragmented and inefficient in 2017 when you could buy a $1M car and have it delivered to your driveway and robots could repair a heart valve. I was looking at the whole process like “Why is it so hard to buy a house?? There’s got to be a better way to do this,” and I couldn’t find one, so I started designing one.

How do Sparen’s algorithms streamline the transaction process?

Real estate transactions are made up of multiple series of processes, each of which requires data to be collected and analyzed. Think of it like baking a cake.

You mix the dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients, then you combine them. The problem with that is that the majority of that data is manually collected and analyzed by people, which means lots of errors. Our algorithms streamline and automate the data collection and analysis for the majority of the steps in real estate transactions, meaning people can get through transactions in a few days compared to weeks and months.

Take underwriting for example. On average, it takes lenders 4-6 weeks and costs about $8-12,000 to underwrite a Buyer whether they’re approved or not, which is then passed down to Buyers. While we don’t lend money, we collect all the same data and analyze it to the same standards in under a minute for less than $2. Less time = more savings.

How do you anticipate Sparen’s platform will impact traditional real estate agents and brokers?

I didn’t build Sparen for agents. I built it to get rid of them because I thought they were the enemy. But after talking to so many of them I realized it wasn’t agents I had a problem with, it was that standard 5 or 6% commission. So rather than dismissing agents entirely, we built an internal marketplace of sorts where buyers and sellers can connect with agents on demand and get help with specific tasks for a flat fee.

For example, if a seller needs help with staging, they can click a button and get connected with an agent who may charge $1,000 for a consultation. So while they’re not making their normal 3%, they’re also not overburdening themselves with every little facet of the transaction, freeing up a significant amount of their time.

Also, that agent may be able to provide that service 2 or 3 times that month. That’s an extra $3,000. In many cases, that would be more than their commission for significantly less work.

What strategic partnerships do you have, and how will they contribute to your growth strategy?

Because real estate is so ubiquitous and is constantly being bought and sold in every sector and industry, there are more applications for Sparen’s technology than any one person can know.

We knew individual buyers and sellers would want to use it, but we’ve gotten attention from a wide variety of Buyers and Sellers, including small flippers who sell 5 properties a year, investment banks, national home builders, the US Government (DoD and HUD), two of the top 5 largest mortgage lenders, and the largest Black-owned Keller Williams brokerage in the country to name a few.

Governor Wes Moore is a fan, and we’ve even been invited to test Sparen’s technology in other countries. Being able to work with and learn from these types of Buyers and Sellers so early on will allow us to 1) build a better product for less money and 2) scale from a few hundred transactions to several thousand transactions in significantly less time.

What are your priorities for your upcoming soft launch, and how do you plan to drive user adoption?

We facilitated more than $100M in transactions with the MVP, so we’re hoping to at least match that with the second launch. By the end of the 12 months after launch – Spring 2025 – we’re expecting to be operational in our target states of Michigan, Maryland/DMV, Florida, and Missouri.

Working with our mentor and advisor network – which includes Dr. George C. Fraser, Michael V. Roberts, MaryAnne Gilmartin, Miller London, Monica Wheat, and members of a D.C.-based networking group named “Hamhock” – and our channel partners will make Sparen available to many more people much faster than we can because their networks and customer bases are significantly larger than ours.

What is your vision for the future of Sparen?

This is a tough one because the more we learn about our technology, the bigger the future becomes. But if I had to choose a number and spin the roulette wheel right now, I’d have to say I want Sparen to be the largest global real estate marketplace.

I want Sparen to be as ubiquitous yet “invisible” as Network Solutions and AWS. Anytime a property is being bought or sold, whether it’s someone in Texas selling their home themselves, an agent selling it in California, or a family buying their home from another family in Nigeria, I want Sparen’s technology powering that transaction.

by Tony O. Lawson

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Black Owned Sleepwear and Loungewear Brands

2 mins read

When it comes to comfort and style, Black-owned sleepwear and loungewear brands are taking the industry by storm. From luxurious fabrics and classic silhouettes to vibrant prints and trendy cuts, these designers are offering a range of pajamas, joggers, robes, and more to suit every taste and budget.

So ditch your old sweats and get ready to relax in style – here are some incredible Black-owned sleepwear and loungewear brands you won’t want to miss!

Black Owned Sleepwear and Loungewear for Women

Sleep Ova

Sleep Ova, launched in 2021 by CEO Chanel Dijon, is a clothing brand specializing in luxury sleepwear for women. The company offers a range of sleepwear essentials, crafted from their signature fabric to provide a balance of luxury and comfort. Their pieces, including robes, tanks, button-down shirts, pants, and slippers, are designed to be versatile, allowing women to feel confident and stylish while lounging or sleeping.

DAYO Women

DAYO Women is a clothing company designed to empower women through comfort and style. Founded by Yolanda White, DAYO Women caters to the modern woman who wants to feel confident and relaxed at home. Their focus is on loungewear essentials like pajamas, intimates, and everyday pieces that prioritize both style and functionality. They achieve this through soft, natural fabrics, flattering silhouettes, and built-in features like pockets and support.

Fancy Homebody

Fancy Homebody caters to the woman who cherishes cozy moments at home. Their clothing collections transcend the traditional realm of loungewear, offering luxurious fabrics and a touch of effortless chic. Their diverse collections, featuring everything from pajamas and robes to trendy sweatshirts and dresses, ensure there’s a perfect outfit for every mood and occasion.

RE ONA

Re Ona is a clothing brand that focuses on creating high-quality wardrobe staples that are both comfortable and stylish. Their minimalist aesthetic features clean lines and soft fabrics, making their pieces perfect for everyday wear. They also prioritize ethical production and sustainability, so you can feel good about the clothes you wear.

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AI Squared Secures $13.8 Million to Bridge the Gap Between AI and Business Applications

3 mins read

AI Squared, a company empowering organizations to harness the power of AI, today announced a successful $13.8 million Series A funding round.

Ansa Capital led the investment, with participation from existing investors NEA and Ridgeline. This latest round brings AI Squared’s total funding to $20 million since its founding in 2019.

Unlocking the Potential of AI Investments

Despite significant investments in AI, many businesses struggle to translate models into actionable insights. AI Squared tackles this challenge head-on by streamlining the integration of AI into existing workflows. Their platform acts as a bridge, allowing data science teams to seamlessly connect AI models and data sources directly to business applications, regardless of the specific software used.

“Far too many companies aren’t getting enough ROI from AI,” said Benjamin Harvey, Ph.D., founder and CEO of AI Squared. “Our tools directly address this challenge, making it easier for businesses to deploy and leverage the power of AI within their teams.”

Industry Expertise Meets Cutting-Edge Technology

The AI Squared team boasts a deep understanding of the data science landscape. Led by Benjamin Harvey, Ph.D., who brings over a decade of experience working in the National Security Agency and Databricks’ data science team, AI Squared tackles a critical hurdle for businesses – implementation.

Impressive Results and Strategic Growth

AI Squared estimates their platform reduces the time to integrate data and AI into workflows from months to minutes and significantly lowers implementation costs. This translates to a substantial return on investment for businesses.

The company’s impressive results have attracted prominent figures to their board of directors. Allan Jean-Baptiste, co-founder and General Partner at Ansa Capital, emphasizes the vast potential of AI Squared’s solution: “With new AI models emerging constantly, organizations risk falling behind. AI Squared tackles this by simplifying integration and accelerating the time to value for AI investments.”

Looking Forward: Democratizing AI

Beyond its technological advancements, AI Squared is committed to fostering inclusivity in the AI space. As one of the few Black-founded AI companies, they actively support underrepresented communities through initiatives like the AI Squared Innovation Lab, which provides resources for students interested in programming and technology.

With this new funding and a commitment to accessibility, AI Squared is poised to revolutionize AI adoption and empower businesses to unlock the true transformative power of artificial intelligence.

by Tony O. Lawson

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Diagon Raises $5.1 Million to Revolutionize Manufacturing Procurement

3 mins read
Diagon

Diagon is a company that’s redefining the way manufacturers find and purchase equipment. They offer a next-generation procurement platform that streamlines the entire process, providing a consolidated user experience for a faster, more efficient workflow.

They recently announced that they have secured $5.1 million in seed funding in a round led by The Westly Group, with participation from Valia Ventures, Techstars, Foster Ventures, Foxe Capital, Anthemis Group, Ventures Together, and REFASHIOND Ventures: The Industrial Transformation Fund.

Tackling Manufacturing Challenges

Establishing new manufacturing capacity often comes with intricate challenges. Identifying qualified suppliers and managing complex equipment projects are two of the biggest hurdles. Diagon offers a comprehensive solution to address these issues.

The platform provides manufacturers with access to a qualified network of equipment suppliers, system integrators, and service providers. This ensures they can find the right partners for their specific needs. Additionally, Diagon offers a user-friendly toolkit specifically designed to manage complex equipment procurement projects effectively.

Empowering Manufacturers Across the Board

With Diagon’s platform, manufacturers can experience a significant shift in their procurement process. Traditionally, sourcing equipment has been a time-consuming and complex task. Diagon simplifies this by allowing manufacturers to locate and procure equipment with the ease and speed typically associated with larger enterprises.

Furthermore, the platform offers functionalities like milestone tracking, real-time project status updates, and comprehensive project management, empowering manufacturers of all sizes to navigate complex projects efficiently.

Positioned for Growth

Diagon’s leadership team possesses a deep understanding of the manufacturing industry’s needs. Co-founder and CEO, Will Drewery, formerly managed over $700 million in annual capital expenditure (CAPEX) spend at Tesla. This firsthand experience fueled the vision for Diagon’s platform, designed to address the critical shortcomings of traditional procurement tools.

The company’s strategic plan leverages the $640 billion North American manufacturing equipment market. The funding will enable Diagon to make strategic investments in its future.

This includes ongoing platform development, recruiting top talent to propel the company forward, targeting manufacturers in key industries like aerospace, automotive, and battery production, and exploring various equipment financing options to cater to a broader range of customer requirements.

Looking Ahead

Diagon is poised to become a pivotal force in American manufacturing. With its commitment to streamlining procurement and empowering companies to build the factories of the future, Diagon is a game-changer for the industry.

by Tony O. Lawson

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The Folklore Secures $3.4 Million to Scale B2B Platform for Diverse Brands

2 mins read
The Folklore

Fashion tech startup The Folklore, founded by Amira Rasool, has secured $3.4 million in seed funding. The fresh capital brings their total funding to $6.2 million.

The new funding round was led by venture capital firm Benchstrength and included participation from Techstars, Black Tech Nation Ventures, and Slauson and Co.

The funds will be used to further develop their B2B platform and empower more diverse and marginalized brands in the fashion industry.

Their B2B offerings include The Folklore Connect, an online wholesale management platform that equips brands with user-friendly sales technology and increased discoverability through a network of global retailers.

One new service is The Folklore Capital, offered through partners, which allows brands to receive loans of up to $1 million as working capital. Rasool said a pilot program showed that brands typically seek loans between $10,000 and $30,000.

“Access to capital is probably one of the biggest things that prevents small businesses from scaling,” founder Amira Rasool explained to TechCrunch. “For diverse brands in particular, there are a lot of economic hurdles that these groups face, which makes it even harder for them to access capital. Since a large makeup of our community is diverse, we wanted to make sure that they had more resources that they can use to access capital.”

The Folklore also plans to offer additional resources to brands, such as The Folklore Source, a freelancer and manufacturing marketplace, and The Folklore Hub, which will provide educational content and downloadable templates.

With this additional funding and focus on user needs, The Folklore is well-positioned to grow its reach and empower even more creators and brands in the fashion industry.

by Tony O. Lawson

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7 Practical Tips for Building a Profitable Mission-Driven Business as a Black Founder

8 mins read
Dusseau and Company

Mark Dusseau’s journey through the foster care system has instilled in him a deep commitment to social impact.

His company, Dusseau and Company, is dedicated to leveraging software technology development to create positive social change. With a background in creating predictive models for leading companies and governmental bodies, Mark’s expertise spans various domains.

In this article, Mark addresses a few tips for building a profitable business model for a mission-driven startup.

1. Profit = Mission

The first point is more of a mental shift. When creating businesses that impact the world positively and that are for-profit, we must understand that without a healthy, profitable business, the mission is unlikely to succeed–no matter how good our intentions are. After all, the lifeline of any business is cash flow.

While “why” you start your business shouldn’t be focused on just making money, we must maintain a profitable business model that aligns with our vision and mission.

2. Tap into the community

A startup’s biggest challenge is creating hype around a new business idea, service, or product. Without a working product, sometimes it’s harder to get your potential customers excited about what you are building. In the case of a business that has a clear purpose, marketing your concept is easier. That’s because you can build a community early on around your mission. 

Here’s an example: let’s say you are building a sneaker brand that donates a pair of sneakers to disadvantaged kids every time it sells a sneaker; you can build a community to shed light on some of the basic needs some children need in certain circumstances. As you develop your products, you tell a story to draw others in and create buzz around your product.

3. Having a great mission doesn’t negate the need for market research.

Remember how I talked about having a great mission that will help sell your products? Yes, that is true. But there’s a caveat: only if you are truly solving a problem worth solving and there’s a big enough market of people willing to pay for the solution to the problem.

Having a great mission doesn’t necessarily mean people will want the product or service you offer. While your target audience might love your mission, most people buy things they see as needed.

As a result, you want to ensure that you perform some form of market research, either formally or informally, with your target audience to see if you are building a product to solve a problem worth solving.

4. Market the mission

There’s no point in having a great mission if no one knows about it. Use the mission to get free press, interviews, and other opportunities to get as many eyeballs as possible on your business and mission. The bonus point is that if you are in a highly saturated marketplace, the mission is part of what will differentiate you.

In addition to being a pioneer in the eyewear industry, Warby Parker has excelled in marketing their mission. Their ‘Buy a Pair, Give a Pair’ program is a part of their business model and a compelling narrative that resonates with customers.

Through engaging content on social media and partnerships with influencers who align with their values, Warby Parker has effectively used their mission to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

5. Pay attention to trends and pivot when needed.

While having a mission-driven business makes your business model different from a traditional business, it’s at the same time no different from running any other business. Pay attention to trends and pivot when needed; ensure you stay true to your core mission.

Blueland, for instance, started with a mission to reduce single-use plastic waste through innovative cleaning products. As sustainability gained momentum, Blueland capitalized on the trend by expanding its product line and emphasizing the zero-waste movement.

They pivoted by introducing refillable cleaning tablets and leveraging a subscription model. This aligned with environmental concerns and appealed to consumers looking for convenient and eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

6. Don’t let the unknown scare you.

Starting a positive impact-driven business can be daunting, especially if you can’t find similar companies in your industry. It’s important to remember, however, that uncertainty is a natural part of the entrepreneurial journey. Instead of seeing uncertainties as a roadblock, view it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. For a positive impact-driven business, you are working to change what is, so it might be difficult to find a working blueprint. 

Take, for example, Patagonia, a renowned outdoor clothing company with a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. When they started incorporating recycled materials into their products, they faced skepticism from the industry.

The path to sustainability was relatively unexplored in the fashion world then. However, Patagonia persisted; now, they are a profitable business and a beacon of sustainability in the fashion industry.

7. Learn from unrelated industries.

Finally, starting a mission-driven business might be challenging because sometimes we don’t see others doing what we do. However, while there might not be a direct working business model that you can learn from when it comes to your chosen service, product, business, or industry, there might be another unrelated service you can learn from.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you build an artificial intelligence application or create a one-in-kind coffee shop experience. So long as you have a mission, you’ll find many other examples of mission-driven companies making an impact. Draw inspiration from it, learn from it, tweak it, and apply the positives to your business. 

At the end of the day, it’s up to us to make change through the businesses we build, no matter how big or small, because the truth is – no one is coming! Together, we can truly create a positive impact on each other’s lives. 

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Cookonnect Secures $1 Million to Bring In-Home Chefs to Busy Families

2 mins read
Cookonnect

Atlanta-based startup Cookonnect is whipping up a recipe for success, having recently secured a $1 million pre-seed funding round from Los Angeles-based venture firm Slauson & Co.

Founded by Erica Tuggle, the company connects families with local chefs who prepare meals in the comfort of their own homes.

“Our service is all about helping people eat better, saving their time so they can focus on what matters most to them,” Tuggle explained to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We also prioritize supporting our chefs and assisting them in building more lucrative and flexible culinary careers.”

Cookonnect targets busy families, particularly working mothers, who often face time constraints. The service offers a distinctive solution: the opportunity to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals without the hassle. Chefs undergo background checks and quality screenings to ensure a professional and reliable experience for families. Meal prices start at $20 per plate, with options available to accommodate dietary needs and preferences.

Currently, Cookonnect exclusively operates in Atlanta, but expansion seems imminent with this recent funding infusion. The company’s vision is to extend its services to families nationwide, providing them with a taste of culinary convenience and a helping hand in the kitchen.

To join the company, chefs must undergo interviews, and background checks, and possess up-to-date food safety certifications. Presently, there are over 30 chefs on the platform.

Tuggle identifies Cookonnect’s competition as delivery services like Uber Eats and Grubhub, as well as meal kit providers. Currently, Cookonnect serves a 38-mile radius of Atlanta’s city center, encompassing suburbs like Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Marietta, and Sandy Springs.

This year, Tuggle aims to onboard more chefs onto the platform, expand the Atlanta client base, and prepare to enter another market. She plans to utilize the $1 million raised to increase marketing efforts, hire a backend website engineer, and recruit a head chef.

by Tony O. Lawson

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In Conversation with Bakari Adams, Head of Starwood Impact Investors

4 mins read
Bakari adams

As the Managing Director and Head of Starwood Impact Investors (SII), Bakari Adams leads a return-driven investment platform dedicated to investing in commercial real estate opportunities controlled by underrepresented partners.

Through this collaboration, Starwood Capital, a global private equity real estate firm, will invest programmatic capital and provide strategic advice through board participation and infrastructure support. 

In this interview, Bakari sheds light on the inspiration behind SII, the challenges it aims to address, and his vision for the future of impact investing in the industry.

What motivated Starwood Capital to launch Starwood Impact Investors (“SII”), and what challenges do you hope to address in the real estate industry? 

Starwood Capital Group (“SCG”) started by partnering with top local operators in strong markets and asset classes, which provided broad exposure to investment opportunities.

However, as the firm grew, its strategies evolved. SII returns to SCG’s roots, supporting skilled partners to pursue attractive investments the firm might otherwise miss, widening the net for greater opportunities. SII aims to achieve this by investing in undercapitalized and underrepresented real estate operators who historically lacked liquidity to optimize outcomes.

Less than 5% of real estate firms are diverse or woman-owned. Diverse managers oversee less than 3% of real estate AUM, and only 0.5% of recent third-party capital funding goes to diverse or woman-owned managers. This highlights a significant market segment with immense potential that is currently overlooked. Through SCG, SII is positioned to drive more equitable outcomes in the real estate industry while capitalizing on excellent investment opportunities. 

What are some key criteria you consider when evaluating impact investments? 

  • SII investments include non-controlling positions in real estate operating companies and GP / LP positions in real estate assets through joint ventures.  
  • Sponsors seeking OpCo investments should have strong institutional experience, demonstrate expertise as investors, present a proven track record, and have institutional-grade, scalable business plans with a strong pipeline. Collaboration is key in our partnerships. For asset-level joint ventures, we seek partners with a proven track record and strong institutional experience. 

How will SII support its partner companies beyond providing capital?

SII goes beyond providing capital to its partner companies, offering infrastructure support and board oversight. Partners gain access to training, research, industry experts, and a network of operators,  capital providers, and real estate professionals to aid in their growth. Furthermore, partners can utilize SCG’s capabilities in acquisitions, asset management, and capital markets.

What is your vision for the future of impact investing in real estate?

Impact investing in real estate is a powerful force for driving strong financial returns and positive change in the built environment. Strategies such as affordable or workforce housing, energy efficiency, sustainability, community development, and investing capital with underrepresented sponsors are gaining popularity. Impact investing’s ability to uncover positive opportunities and deliver great returns makes it increasingly appealing.

What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs and young professionals from underrepresented groups interested in pursuing careers in real estate? 

Several excellent real estate training programs and organizations are available to assist young professionals in their development. Each offers valuable insights and expertise across different skill levels.

Some notable options include REEC, REEC Mentorship Program, Project Destined, SEO, Toigo, and Wall Street Prep Real Estate.

by Tony O. Lawson

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