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Key Points:
- Harlem Capital, a venture capital firm focused on diverse founders, seeks a record-breaking $150 million for its third fund.
- This follows a successful $134 million raise in 2021, reflecting the firm’s rapid growth.
- Securing funds amidst pushback on inclusion efforts will prove investor confidence in diverse founders.
Harlem Capital, a venture capital firm focused on backing diverse founders, is seeking to raise $150 million for its third fund, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). This represents the firm’s largest fundraising effort to date.
Led by Managing Partner Henri Pierre-Jacques, a prominent Black entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Harlem Capital aims to solidify its position as a key player in fostering diversity within the venture capital landscape.
The new fund follows a successful $134 million raise in 2021, building on the firm’s impressive financial success in recent years. Since its 2019 inception with a $40 million inaugural fund, Harlem Capital has rapidly grown its assets under management to $174 million.
Harlem Capital seeks $150 million to fund diverse founders
Securing $150 million in the current environment would signify Harlem Capital’s resilience and the enduring investor appetite for backing underrepresented communities. The fund’s success would not only validate Harlem Capital’s mission but also serve as a testament to the industry’s commitment to the potential of diverse founders.
As Harlem Capital embarks on its third fundraising round, its dedication to supporting the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs remains unwavering. The outcome of this endeavor will be closely monitored, potentially setting a precedent for the venture capital industry’s approach to diversity and inclusion moving forward.
Henri Pierre-Jacques leads Harlem Capital’s diversity push
Founded in 2015 by Henri ierre-Jacques and Jarrid Tingle, Harlem Capital has a clear mission: transforming the face of entrepreneurship by investing in 1,000 diverse founders over the next two decades. The firm prioritizes diversity across its portfolio companies and limited partner base.
Notably, Harlem Capital’s 2021 fundraise saw a significant influx of capital following the Black Lives Matter movement, a period marked by increased industry commitments to supporting historically marginalized groups. This latest effort, however, comes amidst rising scrutiny and pushback against diversity and inclusion initiatives in various sectors.
Henri Pierre-Jacques, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, oversees investments, portfolio management, fund strategy, and financial analysis at Harlem Capital. He boasts a distinguished background encompassing experience as a private equity investor, investment banker, and board member for organizations like the Amazon Black Business Accelerator and Management Leadership for Tomorrow NYC.
