Turning off the camera

1 min read · June 7, 2024
New Power Labs

Last week, I moderated a conversation on access to capital at the Black Innovation Summit hosted by DMZ at Toronto Metropolitan University. As part of this discussion with founders, investors, and government representatives, a Black founder noted that, to increase his chances of success, one of the most effective strategies he uses is turning off his camera during initial virtual investor meetings. He’s had more success with this approach than when the camera is turned on. 

This tactic sheds light on the subtle yet profound impact of implicit biases in investment decisions. It is a reminder of the additional hurdles that Black founders often navigate to attempt to level the playing field. Using US data as a proxy, we have seen venture capital to Black founders dropped from 1.5% to 0.48% in the past 3 years. Our sense of progress may be more optimistic than the real progress we have made.

What needs to change for all founders to keep their cameras on?

Narinder

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