Westbound Equity Partners

Westbound Equity Partners, formerly Concrete Rose Capital, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California, committed to investing in startups led by underrepresented founders or building solutions focused on diverse communities. Launched initially in 2019, Westbound has grown its impact through its latest $100 million fund, which targets early-stage ventures with a mission to foster generational wealth and diversity in tech. Founders Sean Mendy and Ian Beadle, both seasoned investors, drive the firm’s approach, emphasizing cultural inclusivity and providing robust support through an extensive professional network that includes industry leaders like Andre Iguodala and Jeff Weiner. Westbound’s investment strategy emphasizes financial and social capital, with funds directed to companies demonstrating potential for both high impact and inclusivity, like Esusu and PlanetFWD. Each investment is bolstered by Westbound’s Talent Network, connecting founders with diverse talent pools and advising on company culture to enhance equitable team practices and inclusive product development. This social and financial support framework is designed to break cycles of underrepresentation in venture capital while achieving substantial returns. In addition to direct financial support, the firm reinvests 50% of its profits into minority communities through its foundation, reinforcing Westbound’s commitment to broad, enduring impact. This approach is set to challenge traditional investment structures by prioritizing long-term equity and inclusive growth alongside profitability.