Equity Raise

As co-founder and CEO of LoanWell, Bernard Worthy is focused on affordable capital for ALL.

"Access to capital is so super important to the long term stability of a family, of a community, and ultimately wealth generation. How do we create affordable capital for all? Not just those that are most privileged or know how to run the system or know the right folks or know the right numbers or so on and so forth. How do we actually create true equitable access? Because capital can be so catalytic to your life."

Today, Bernard shares his LoanWell journey, including how he connected with our second guest Justin Dawkins, managing partner of Collab Capital.

Equity Raise is hosted by Naya Fela Powell, presented by American Underground, sponsored by The Diversity Movement, and produced by Earfluence.

This episode is brought to you by DEI Navigator from The Diversity Movement, a new, monthly membership service designed exclusively for small- to medium-sized businesses who are committed to DEI action and results.  It’s everything you need all in one place - access to proven business leaders and certified diversity executives, expert curated content, how-to guides, training, and a community of peers sharing their ideas and lessons learned — all at a fraction of the cost of hiring a full-service DEI consultancy. 


What is Equity Raise?

Welcome to Equity Raise: Leveling the Landscape for Diverse Founders and their VCs. Each year, less than 3% of venture capital funding is invested in startups led by founders of color and women.

On this podcast from the American Underground, we’ll learn from some of these entrepreneurs who have successfully raised venture capital, despite the struggles and systemic barriers they’ve faced.