YSK that if you've been incarcerated (or if you know someone who has), there's a Venture Capital group that invests exclusively in currently or formerly incarcerated persons.
I've been involved with the US startup ecosystem for a few years now with my own startups, and I just came across this VC group and had to share: Defy Ventures. I've never heard of anyone else doing something like this (though I'm sure someone is).
Basically, ex-convicts can apply to get investment, training, and mentorship (key for startups) for legitimate business ventures.
From their website:
Defy recognizes that many former drug dealers and gang leaders can become successful, legal entrepreneurs. We “transform the hustle” of our currently and formerly incarcerated Entrepreneurs-in-Training (EITs) by offering intensive leadership development, Shark Tank-style business plan competitions, executive mentoring, financial investment, and startup incubation. We give our EITs a legitimate chance to succeed and equip them to become profitable entrepreneurs, stellar employees, engaged parents, and committed role models and leaders in their communities. We intentionally build life-giving, authentic community between EITs and our executive volunteers as they bond in their humanity.
Defy serves EITs in our primary hub cities of New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Omaha, NE; click here to enroll in our Introductory Training!
^ Apparently you have to be in NYC, SF, LA, San Diego, or Omaha (interesting inclusion).
Useful links:
