4 ms·

Sure, that makes sense. Investing in companies based in predominantly black neighborhoods is easy to see that it’s legal. But then announcing you’ll invest in

Sure, that makes sense. Investing in companies based in predominantly black neighborhoods is easy to see that it’s legal. But then announcing you’ll invest in “black businesses” seems questionable. But to your last point, there is no “prevailing standard” to “invest rarely” in black businesses. At least I don’t think many VCs have that as an explicit policy.

runako 6y ago
> But then announcing you’ll invest in “black businesses” seems questionable. Again, read it as investing in "Black businesses also". That's what makes it different than mainstream investing, which invests in "Black businesses rarely, if ever." (And controversial! See other comments here.) > I don’t think many VCs have that as an explicit policy. Search for VCs explicitly saying they look for entrepreneurs who "pattern match" or "look like Mark Zuckerberg" etc. They are as explicit as possible without breaking the law. Regardless of intent, even accidental disparities create gaps that bring opportunities.
- Grustaf 6y ago
  I don’t think they mean that they’re looking for Jewish founders, they are more likely referring to Zuckerberg’s determination and ruthlessness. VCs looking for that would most likely be happy to invest in founders of any colour that match his personality.
  - runako 6y ago
    > VCs looking for that would most likely be happy to invest in founders of any colour that match his personality. Track records say otherwise. And again, there is plenty on the record indicating that what they mean is exactly what it sounds like: they are looking for a close match for Zuckerberg on every axis. Sure, personality, but also traits like age, pedigree, and phenotype. All available in Google if you're curious.
    - Grustaf 6y ago
      Why on earth would they prefer people with a specific phenotype? Do you have basis for that assertion at all?
      - runako 6y ago
        You would have to ask them. I have said repeatedly that this is well-documented over time and on the record. It's actually pretty basic search engine usage given that I cited some specific phrases to search for. The other basis is expressed in the companies in which they choose to invest.
        Grustaf 6y ago
        I’ve only ever heard of stats regarding _total_ investments, not investments relative to proposals or anything that would be needed to prove discrimination. Do you have any links?
        runako 6y ago
        Again, this is well-documented and has been reported on and researched (with public research) by professionals who specialize in this. You don't have to take my word for it, but if you use your favorite search engine and some of the quotes upthread, you will find some nice entry points. Good luck with your journey.

runako 6y ago

> But then announcing you’ll invest in “black businesses” seems questionable. Again, read it as investing in "Black businesses also". That's what makes it different than mainstream investing, which invests in "Black businesses rarely, if ever." (And controversial! See other comments here.) > I don’t think many VCs have that as an explicit policy. Search for VCs explicitly saying they look for entrepreneurs who "pattern match" or "look like Mark Zuckerberg" etc. They are as explicit as possible without breaking the law. Regardless of intent, even accidental disparities create gaps that bring opportunities.

Grustaf 6y ago
I don’t think they mean that they’re looking for Jewish founders, they are more likely referring to Zuckerberg’s determination and ruthlessness. VCs looking for that would most likely be happy to invest in founders of any colour that match his personality.
- runako 6y ago
  > VCs looking for that would most likely be happy to invest in founders of any colour that match his personality. Track records say otherwise. And again, there is plenty on the record indicating that what they mean is exactly what it sounds like: they are looking for a close match for Zuckerberg on every axis. Sure, personality, but also traits like age, pedigree, and phenotype. All available in Google if you're curious.
  - Grustaf 6y ago
    Why on earth would they prefer people with a specific phenotype? Do you have basis for that assertion at all?
    - runako 6y ago
      You would have to ask them. I have said repeatedly that this is well-documented over time and on the record. It's actually pretty basic search engine usage given that I cited some specific phrases to search for. The other basis is expressed in the companies in which they choose to invest.
      - Grustaf 6y ago
        I’ve only ever heard of stats regarding _total_ investments, not investments relative to proposals or anything that would be needed to prove discrimination. Do you have any links?
        runako 6y ago
        Again, this is well-documented and has been reported on and researched (with public research) by professionals who specialize in this. You don't have to take my word for it, but if you use your favorite search engine and some of the quotes upthread, you will find some nice entry points. Good luck with your journey.