Mandela launched Founder Gym in 2018 helping hundreds of underrepresented founders to build successful businesses and raise over $55 million in startup capital. Prior, she was the Founding Portfolio Services Director at VC firm Kapor Capital, as well as the Global Director of Startup Weekend. Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List, as well as LinkedIn's Top 10 Voices in Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship, Mandela has shared her frameworks for success with TEDx, SXSW, and Forbes, as well as hundreds of other stages and publications.

As CEO and founder of Naturalicious, Gwen has already cemented her place in history as the first African American woman to hold a patent for a natural hair care product. Named one of The Root 100 Most Influential African Americans, as well as one of Crain’s 40 Under 40, Gwen’s irresistible charm and relatability make her a highly sought after speaker. She’s lit up stages and pages across the country, featuring on Fox News, TVOne, and in Essence and The Washington Post, to name a few.

Jannah Handy and Kiyanna Stewart are the founders of BLK MKT Vintage, a collection comprised of black collectables and curiosities, representing the richness of black history and lived experience. The collection includes found items like vintage literature, vinyl records, clothing and art. Whether sourcing important wardrobe pieces for the hit HBO show Insecure or sharing their ethos in Condé Nast Traveler, BET.com and Vogue, Jannah and Kiyanna are at the center of bringing black cultural artifacts to the forefront.

William Adoasi is the founder of the Backstage Capital backed philanthropic Watch brand Vitae London. With each watch the brand sells they help support a Child through education across Sub-Sarahan Africa. Since launching they've sold in over 30 countries, been endorsed by the likes of Richard Branson & Ava Duverney, been featured in Forbes, CNN & the BBC and have distributed over 2,000 items of school uniform and solar lights to children in need.