When Esosa Ighodaro co-founded CoSign, an app that lets shoppers buy items they see in social media posts, she found that being part of an accelerator was a powerful advantage in fundraising. As part of the Seamless Accelerator program in Grand Rapids, Mich, the company raised $1.4 million from three main investors.
"Investing in tech is still a very relationship-based industry," says Ighodaro."It's difficult for people outside the traditional networks—those who didn't go to Ivy League schools or aren't connected through family or community ties—to break in. Through this new initiative, founders get a chance to connect directly with investors without needing a 'warm introduction,' which is typically required.
"Through this new initiative, I hope to expand these opportunities for people of color and women to access accelerator programs," she says."Studies show that founders are more likely to secure funding after participating in an accelerator, especially for women and founders of color. These programs create networks and connections that are invaluable, particularly for those without an established network.
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