Detroit is keeping up with its new trend to foster diversity and inclusivity in the tech startup ecosystem. In a recent announcement, Newlab revealed the official launch of the first cohort of the Founder Fellowship program in Detroit in collaboration with the State of Michigan and Michigan Central. This program, centered on aiding climate tech founders from underrepresented backgrounds, is designed to equip these entrepreneurs with the necessary resources for scaling their companies.
The announcement of the program’s launch came in October, and the selection process identified five outstanding founders who are set to make waves in the climate tech space. New Lab has been a dynamic force in Detroit, consistently serving as a valuable resource for founders and continually seeking innovative ways to provide support—with a particular emphasis on minority founders. A prominent example is Black Tech Saturdays, a significant networking platform that has proven instrumental in securing funding for minority founders within the Detroit tech ecosystem.
“At Newlab, we believe that diversity and inclusivity are critical pillars for fostering innovation and driving real change in the tech startup ecosystem. We are on a mission to create a more equitable landscape where all founders have an equal opportunity to shape the future,” said Katie Soven, Head of Membership for Newlab Detroit.
There are glaring disparities vividly reflected in the startup landscape. As of 2022, McKinsey & Company reported that Black and Latino founders received a mere 1 percent and 1.5 percent, respectively, of the total venture capital (V.C.) funding in the United States. Teams founded by women received just 1.9 percent of V.C. funds, and a mere 0.1 percent of V.C. funds were allocated to Black and Latino women founders. The Founder Fellowship seeks to address this disparity and dismantle systemic barriers, fostering an inclusive community that empowers all entrepreneurs.
A key role in the program is played by Newlab’s ‘Community Builders in Residence,’ Johnnie Turnage and Meagan Ward. Both Turnage and Ward, who are founders themselves, have a specific focus on supporting Black and Women Founders. They understood firsthand the struggles of underrepresented founders and used their platforms and networks to help founders gear up for an exciting future.
“The cool thing about what we are doing is really leaning into community,” said Turnage. “There is a huge group of entrepreneurs and founders who are saying ‘what does it look like if we all just say we can win together?’ Everyone has been pouring in and doing their part and its accelerating people’s journeys. It’s because we are all in the room and the confidence is there.”
The inaugural cohort encompasses industries such as mobility, delivery, produce, education, and retail. Notably, the majority of the cohort consists of Black women, truly reflecting the growing trend of emerging Black female founders. Here is a breakdown of each company that was selected for the program.
- Sheri Washington, Michigan Mobility & Logistics
Sheri Washington, an “unapologetic technologist,” is the founder of Michigan Mobility & Logistics. The company is dedicated to reimagining freight with technology-driven mobility-as-a-service, dispatching and tracking fleets of heavy, medium, and light-duty vehicles across the country. Washington’s commitment extends beyond her company, as she invests in teaching logistics and STEM-related courses to groups who historically lack access to such expertise.
- Ann Larson, Intermode
Ann Larson, a former powertrain and calibration engineer with Ford Motor Company, founded Intermode. The company is pioneering the future of on-demand delivery with custom-engineered robotic delivery platforms, making it accessible to anyone regardless of hardware experience. Larson brings a soft, skill-oriented approach to engineering, emphasizing the cultural aspect of delivering a product. As a transgender individual, she is passionate about addressing representation disparities and providing a voice for her community.
- Wendy Ekua (W.E.) Da’Cruz and Dominique Da’Cruz, The Mushroom Angel Company
The Mushroom Angel Company was founded by Wendy Ekua (W.E.) Da’Cruz and Dominique Da’Cruz specialize in producing whole foods made from mushrooms. Wendy Da’Cruz brings over a decade of experience in promoting technology and digitalization within the entrepreneurship ecosystem, with a focus on driving economic development in the United States and Africa. Dominique Da’Cruz streamlines operations through supply sourcing and financial projections, and together, they are committed to addressing food insecurity challenges in Detroit.
- Achsha Jones, Tripslip
Achsha Jones is the founder of Tripslip, a digital platform connecting teachers, parents, venues, and vendors to increase access to experiential learning for all students through field trips. With a background as a Commercially Licensed Driver and a professional chaperone, Jones has logged over 2 million miles, thousands of hours on the road with various stakeholders, and is a mother of two.
- Karissma Yve, Gildform
Karissma Yve, the founder of Gildform, is revolutionizing on-demand manufacturing with an all-in-one, print-on-demand jewelry design, and manufacturing platform. Leveraging 3D printing and automation, Gildform helps businesses design, produce, and fulfill jewelry products, starting from an idea. Yve, who runs Detroit’s only full-service jewelry manufacturing facility, is focused on creating opportunities for a diverse community on a global scale. She actively contributes to the local economy through partnerships with organizations like Alternatives For Girls, which empowers and develops women and girls in Advanced Manufacturing.
These five founders represent the innovation and resilience needed to drive change in the tech industry. Their dedication to addressing societal challenges and commitment to diversity and inclusivity will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on Detroit’s entrepreneurial landscape. Congratulations to Sheri Washington, Ann Larson, Wendy Ekua (W.E.) Da’Cruz, Dominique Da’Cruz, and Achsha Jones on being selected for the inaugural cohort of the Newlab Founder Fellowship in Detroit. May their journeys inspire others to break barriers and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
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