The Venture Black Podcast

Episode#5 Navigating venture capital and acquisition with Mark Monroe

Evan Poncelet talks with Mark Monroe about his journey as a Black founder, from cofounding to MVP development and overcoming early challenges. They discuss customer acquisition, securing investment, and a successful acquisition by Monster. Mark shares insights on venture capital and offers advice for Black founders in the Pacific Northwest. (0:00) Introduction, guest background, and Mark Monroe's founding journey (2:00) Inspiration, cofounders, MVP development, and early challenges (8:26) Customer acquisition, pricing, and fundraising challenges (18:08) Investment from Kapor Capital and team transition (21:51) Monster acquisition and market trends (29:05) Post-acquisition reflections and venture capital transition (37:48) Venture capital challenges and founding FTC (42:13) Advice for Black founders in the Pacific Northwest and legacy (49:10) Closing remarks and guest achievements (50:00) Sponsor: Acme Ventures

#pisode#4 Kia Davis on black entrepreneurship, community, and navigating the Pacific Northwest venture scene

Evan Poncelet and Kia Davis discuss Kia's entrepreneurial journey, highlighting challenges unique to Black founders in the Pacific Northwest. They explore the importance of community, mentorship, and storytelling in securing capital, and share strategies for business validation and venture growth. (0:00) Introduction of Kia Davis (1:00) Kia's journey and overcoming entrepreneurship challenges (5:30) Traits of successful entrepreneurs and customer discovery (8:01) Unique challenges and opportunities for Black founders in the Pacific Northwest (17:27) The role of community, mentorship, and storytelling in securing capital (27:00) Business validation with Lean Canvas and customer insights (38:00) SMART goals and marketing strategies for venture growth (48:00) Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship and community engagement (54:16) Leveraging corporate experience and sources of motivation (1:01:47) Future of the Pacific Northwest venture ecosystem and support for Black founders (1:16:03) Recap and closing thoughts

Episode#3 Overcoming barriers in venture capital with Terrance Stevenson

Evan Poncelet and Terrance Stevenson explore connecting underrepresented groups with venture capital, addressing racial wealth gaps, balancing venture support with jobs, overcoming capital challenges, and fostering inclusivity in Washington's tech ecosystem for Black founders. (0:00) Welcome and episode introduction (0:45) Connecting Underrepresented Groups with Venture Capital and Addressing the Racial Wealth Gap (5:44) Balancing Venture Space Support and Full-Time Jobs (7:48) Overcoming Capital Access Challenges for Underrepresented Communities (10:09) Netflix Founders' Journey & Economic Empowerment in the Black Community (17:44) Washington State's Tech Ecosystem and Encouraging Startup Engagement (28:36) Leveraging Events to Enter the Tech Ecosystem & Inclusivity in Washington's Tech Industry (34:44) Retention and Community Building for Black Tech Workers in the Pacific Northwest (36:29) Closing Remarks and Future Conversations

Episode#2 Navigating venture success with Yolanda Barton: Lessons in resilience, community, and storytelling

Evan Poncelet and Yolanda Barton discuss Yolanda's journey, challenges, and successes with Revere XR, its community impact, and recognition. They explore the importance of networking, storytelling, and leadership resilience, and Yolanda shares advice for aspiring Black founders and the value of family stories. (0:00) Introduction and background of Yolanda Barton (2:32) Inspiration and Challenges behind Revere XR (9:42) Revere XR's Community Impact and Recognitions (16:50) Pharrell Williams Black Ambition Prize Experience (20:13) Urban Impact's Role in Supporting Black Founders (24:15) Community and Precision Pitching for Entrepreneurs (28:37) Networking and Preserving Seattle's Black Music Legacy (34:05) Leadership Resilience and Self-Reflection (41:38) Future of Immersive Storytelling and Training (46:25) Lessons in Entrepreneurship and Investing in Oneself (54:38) Advice to Younger Self and the Importance of Family Stories (59:40) Closing Remarks and Appreciation

Episode#1 Insights on Black entrepreneurship with Lance Mason and Kwame Boler

Evan Poncelet chats with Lance Mason and Kwame Boler about Kwame's startup journey and WTIA role, media resources for Black founders, revenue growth insights, and tackling VC biases. They discuss entrepreneurship frameworks, DEI initiatives, and offer advice on maintaining relationships and business adjustments. (0:00) Welcome and introduction of Lance Mason and Kwame Boler (4:30) Kwame Boler's startup evolution and WTIA involvement (11:50) Media resources for Black founders (19:31) Revenue growth and private company insights with Lance Mason (25:01) Lance and Kwame's entrepreneurship frameworks and DEI initiatives (31:44) Tackling VC funding biases for Black founders (38:24) Portfolio company innovations and founder advice (47:04) Maintaining personal relationships and evaluating business adjustments (52:00) Sponsor: Black Founders Matter (52:30) Teaser for next episode