Lupe Fiasco’s Latest Venture is “turning ideas into start-ups”
Grammy-award winning rapper Lupe Fiasco is helping entrepreneurs in underserved communities “turn ideas into start-ups.”
The thirty-three year old has partnered with Silicon Valley Exec, Di-Ann Eisnor, to launch Neighborhood Start Fund. The non-profit aims to target entrepreneurs in low-income neighborhoods who need assistance funding their business ideas.
The organization’s first event will take place in Brownsville Brooklyn on November 13th. During the event candidates must pitch their ideas live in front of six judges in hopes to receive $5,000 to build their prototype. A demo day will later be held for a $25,000 seed round of investments.
According to the website “A portion of each business’s success is reinvested into the same local fund, fueling future neighborhood entrepreneurs.” The participants also have access to mentors, workshops, and free technology development for their prototypes.
Applicants have ranged from high school graduates to Harvard graduates, all whom have mostly been black. The organization is bringing resources and opportunities normally unavailable to inner neighborhoods.
Lupe Fiasco is the definition of black excellence.
