The BFM Fund

The BFM Fund, also known as Black Founders Matter, is a seed-stage venture capital fund dedicated to investing in Black and innovative entrepreneurs across the United States. Founded by Himalaya Rao-Potlapally, the fund was created to address the glaring inequities in venture capital funding, particularly the lack of access to capital for Black founders. The fund is industry-agnostic, meaning it invests across various sectors, but it places a strong emphasis on impactful ventures that can drive significant change. With a focus on early-stage investments, the BFM Fund not only provides capital but also offers strategic guidance and access to industry-specific resources to help founders scale their businesses effectively. The fund has a portfolio that includes companies like Saysh, a footwear brand by Olympian Allyson Felix, HUED, a healthcare startup backed by Serena Williams, and Glow Up Games, a mobile gaming company. The BFM Fund's strategy is built around inclusivity, aiming to create a pathway for Black founders to achieve success and generate returns for investors. By working closely with portfolio companies over 12 to 18 months, BFM helps them achieve key milestones necessary for scaling and securing further investment​.