We're making an impact.
Since 2019, PledgeLA has connected more than 170 people from underrepresented backgrounds to paid opportunities in tech and venture capital. We’ve awarded $875k to 35 Black and Latinx-led startups, helping them raise more than $19 million in follow-on capital. Select a program below to learn more about our impact and how we’re creating access in LA tech.
Program Impact
PledgeLA Founders Fund
The PledgeLA Founders Fund was created to directly address the systemic barriers that Black and Latinx entrepreneurs face when seeking capital for their companies. Each of the 35 selected companies of the fund received: a $25k grant; 12 weeks of tailored technical assistance; and mentorship from established founders and C-Suite Executives.
$ 0 M
of follow-on capital raised
0 %
of entrepreneurs reported increased recurring revenue
0
new jobs created by alumni companies
0 %
of founders used funds
to hire employees
to hire employees
Jeremiah Regis & Vernon Yancy
Co-Founders, SOSS
“The PledgeLA program has helped improve our business acumen, and put us in a better position to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship. It has also challenged us to rethink processes, and dig deeper into our creativity. We have a better outlook on several aspects of our business, from our mission and vision statement to our unique value proposition. It has introduced us to the benefits of grant opportunities, fundraising, and venture capitalists. We’ve been able to build long lasting professional relationships from the cohort, including mentors and alumni.”
Co-Founders, SOSS
“The PledgeLA program has helped improve our business acumen, and put us in a better position to navigate the journey of entrepreneurship. It has also challenged us to rethink processes, and dig deeper into our creativity. We have a better outlook on several aspects of our business, from our mission and vision statement to our unique value proposition. It has introduced us to the benefits of grant opportunities, fundraising, and venture capitalists. We’ve been able to build long lasting professional relationships from the cohort, including mentors and alumni.”
Claudia Barrera & Laura Barrera
Co-Founders, Burrito Break
“The Grid110 & PledgeLA teams offered us the ability to grow and better understand our company. With the tools and mentorship provided, we were able to expand our network, create new jobs, and received over $20,000 in grants. Additionally, we were accepted into the first cohort-class of RE:HER Academy.”
Co-Founders, Burrito Break
“The Grid110 & PledgeLA teams offered us the ability to grow and better understand our company. With the tools and mentorship provided, we were able to expand our network, create new jobs, and received over $20,000 in grants. Additionally, we were accepted into the first cohort-class of RE:HER Academy.”
Ezinne Adeoye
Founder, SKNMUSE
“Financially, it helped us strategize for a successful Q1 & Q2. We were able to hire an Executive assistant & Bookkeeper with the funds given. The network, resources and peer-to-peer mentorship were invaluable, allowing us to come as we are and find solutions to problems specific to POC founders. I’m still benefiting from being part of the; through partnerships, funding and business development.”
Founder, SKNMUSE
“Financially, it helped us strategize for a successful Q1 & Q2. We were able to hire an Executive assistant & Bookkeeper with the funds given. The network, resources and peer-to-peer mentorship were invaluable, allowing us to come as we are and find solutions to problems specific to POC founders. I’m still benefiting from being part of the; through partnerships, funding and business development.”
Trey Brown & Garrick Mitchell
Co-Founders, Ride FRSH
“Being a part of PledgeLA’s Fund for South LA Founders helped us in a number of ways: we were able to network with other entrepreneurs, gain access to resources that weren’t available to us before, and gain the type of exposure that many minority-owned companies simply never get. During the program, we were able to form a partnership with NBA LABS.”
Co-Founders, Ride FRSH
“Being a part of PledgeLA’s Fund for South LA Founders helped us in a number of ways: we were able to network with other entrepreneurs, gain access to resources that weren’t available to us before, and gain the type of exposure that many minority-owned companies simply never get. During the program, we were able to form a partnership with NBA LABS.”
Guadalupe Tlatenchi
Founder, GTLA Apparel
“The PledgeLA program helped me to keep my business afloat during the pandemic. While many laid off their workers, I kept my team together and safe. I am so grateful for the experience, the advice and the financial help.I was also able to take a look at my business from a different point of view, adapt, and grow. This program is what many founders of color need - as many of us are not born into wealth. The knowledge and mentorship provided by PledgeLA gave me hope that as an entrepreneur, I am on the right path. I now realize that I am not alone, and that there is an opportunity to keep growing.”
Founder, GTLA Apparel
“The PledgeLA program helped me to keep my business afloat during the pandemic. While many laid off their workers, I kept my team together and safe. I am so grateful for the experience, the advice and the financial help.I was also able to take a look at my business from a different point of view, adapt, and grow. This program is what many founders of color need - as many of us are not born into wealth. The knowledge and mentorship provided by PledgeLA gave me hope that as an entrepreneur, I am on the right path. I now realize that I am not alone, and that there is an opportunity to keep growing.”
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Gabriel Gamez & Enrique Loyola
Co-Founders, On The Go LA
“Working with PledgeLA helped us connect with like-minded founders that have the same motivation to support underrepresented communities in Los Angeles. We have been able to take advantage of the vast network of mentors available across the tech scene in Los Angeles, explore opportunities to refine our business model, and receive additional outside investments. This enabled us to scale our food truck business more quickly than expected.”
Co-Founders, On The Go LA
“Working with PledgeLA helped us connect with like-minded founders that have the same motivation to support underrepresented communities in Los Angeles. We have been able to take advantage of the vast network of mentors available across the tech scene in Los Angeles, explore opportunities to refine our business model, and receive additional outside investments. This enabled us to scale our food truck business more quickly than expected.”
Ezinne Adeoye
Founder, SKNMUSE
“Financially, it helped us strategize for a successful Q1 & Q2. We were able to hire an Executive assistant & Bookkeeper with the funds given. The network, resources and peer-to-peer mentorship were invaluable, allowing us to come as we are and find solutions to problems specific to POC founders. I’m still benefiting from being part of the; through partnerships, funding and business development.”
Founder, SKNMUSE
“Financially, it helped us strategize for a successful Q1 & Q2. We were able to hire an Executive assistant & Bookkeeper with the funds given. The network, resources and peer-to-peer mentorship were invaluable, allowing us to come as we are and find solutions to problems specific to POC founders. I’m still benefiting from being part of the; through partnerships, funding and business development.”
Trey Brown & Garrick Mitchell
Co-Founders, Ride FRSH
“Being a part of PledgeLA’s Fund for South LA Founders helped us in a number of ways: we were able to network with other entrepreneurs, gain access to resources that weren’t available to us before, and gain the type of exposure that many minority-owned companies simply never get. During the program, we were able to form a partnership with NBA LABS.”
Co-Founders, Ride FRSH
“Being a part of PledgeLA’s Fund for South LA Founders helped us in a number of ways: we were able to network with other entrepreneurs, gain access to resources that weren’t available to us before, and gain the type of exposure that many minority-owned companies simply never get. During the program, we were able to form a partnership with NBA LABS.”
Guadalupe Tlatenchi
Founder, GTLA Apparel
“The PledgeLA program helped me to keep my business afloat during the pandemic. While many laid off their workers, I kept my team together and safe. I am so grateful for the experience, the advice and the financial help.I was also able to take a look at my business from a different point of view, adapt, and grow. This program is what many founders of color need - as many of us are not born into wealth. The knowledge and mentorship provided by PledgeLA gave me hope that as an entrepreneur, I am on the right path. I now realize that I am not alone, and that there is an opportunity to keep growing.”
Founder, GTLA Apparel
“The PledgeLA program helped me to keep my business afloat during the pandemic. While many laid off their workers, I kept my team together and safe. I am so grateful for the experience, the advice and the financial help.I was also able to take a look at my business from a different point of view, adapt, and grow. This program is what many founders of color need - as many of us are not born into wealth. The knowledge and mentorship provided by PledgeLA gave me hope that as an entrepreneur, I am on the right path. I now realize that I am not alone, and that there is an opportunity to keep growing.”
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Program Impact
PledgeLA Summer VC Internship
PledgeLA, in collaboration with HBCUvc, launched LA’s first-ever citywide summer venture capital internship in 2019. Our goal? Expand access to this innovative sector, particularly for those not well-represented in tech. Some of our incredible host firms include: Crosscut Ventures, Greycroft, MaC Venture Capital, and Slauson & Co.
Since 2019, PledgeLA has placed
60 interns
from underrepresented backgrounds in paid roles at 29 LA-based firms.
0 %
of alumni now work in VC or tech roles
0 %
of past interns identify as a person of color
0 %
of past interns identify as women
0 %
are first-gen college students
Ashley Aydin
2020 Alumna, Matched at VamosVentures
“The internship provided me with a framework and network for early-stage investing. I learned about everything from venture economics to who to connect with to source the best LA startups. The PledgeLA VC Internship is a unique opportunity to do the job before you get the job.”
2020 Alumna, Matched at VamosVentures
“The internship provided me with a framework and network for early-stage investing. I learned about everything from venture economics to who to connect with to source the best LA startups. The PledgeLA VC Internship is a unique opportunity to do the job before you get the job.”
Sanika Bhave
2020 Alumna, Matched at Crosscut Ventures
“As a BIPOC in tech/VC, sometimes you don't even really know what you don't know. PledgeLA has broadened my horizons by pushing me to grow intellectually and provided support and mentorship as I navigated that process. PledgeLA opened doors that I didn't even know existed.”
2020 Alumna, Matched at Crosscut Ventures
“As a BIPOC in tech/VC, sometimes you don't even really know what you don't know. PledgeLA has broadened my horizons by pushing me to grow intellectually and provided support and mentorship as I navigated that process. PledgeLA opened doors that I didn't even know existed.”
Brandon Gunning
2020 Alumnus, Matched at LACI
“The PledgeLA VC Internship gave me the technical background I needed to succeed in my initial internship, and provided a community of mentors that have aided me with further career guidance and additional opportunities.”
2020 Alumnus, Matched at LACI
“The PledgeLA VC Internship gave me the technical background I needed to succeed in my initial internship, and provided a community of mentors that have aided me with further career guidance and additional opportunities.”
Evan Hamilton
2020 Alumnus, Matched at MiLA Capital
“The recruiting process for VC is a combination of luck and part diligence. PledgeLA was an amazing opportunity to get facetime with leaders and up-and-coming investors across LA, who I was able to contact as I secured the perfect position at the ideal VC firm.”
2020 Alumnus, Matched at MiLA Capital
“The recruiting process for VC is a combination of luck and part diligence. PledgeLA was an amazing opportunity to get facetime with leaders and up-and-coming investors across LA, who I was able to contact as I secured the perfect position at the ideal VC firm.”
Chelsea Roberts
2019 Alumna, Matched at Upfront Ventures
“The PledgeLA VC internship program was my first formal experience in venture capital, an industry I was then unsure of how I'd get to. Making the pivot from healthcare to venture had been a dream of mine, and the opportunity to work at Upfront Ventures, Valence, and now HBCUvc would not have been possible without the internship’s training, network building, and exposure to VC.”
2019 Alumna, Matched at Upfront Ventures
“The PledgeLA VC internship program was my first formal experience in venture capital, an industry I was then unsure of how I'd get to. Making the pivot from healthcare to venture had been a dream of mine, and the opportunity to work at Upfront Ventures, Valence, and now HBCUvc would not have been possible without the internship’s training, network building, and exposure to VC.”
Chris Vazquez
2019 Alumna, Matched at Tale Venture Partners
“The PledgeLA VC internship was a great starting point for learning VC principles while having opportunities to engage with entrepreneurs, VCs, and many others supporting the LA tech ecosystem. In addition to building awesome relationships, it provided me with confidence to make a larger impact at my current startup WeeCare, but more importantly, to inform and demonstrate the importance of diversity in tech.”
2019 Alumna, Matched at Tale Venture Partners
“The PledgeLA VC internship was a great starting point for learning VC principles while having opportunities to engage with entrepreneurs, VCs, and many others supporting the LA tech ecosystem. In addition to building awesome relationships, it provided me with confidence to make a larger impact at my current startup WeeCare, but more importantly, to inform and demonstrate the importance of diversity in tech.”
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Ashley Aydin
2020 Alumna, Matched at VamosVentures
“The internship provided me with a framework and network for early-stage investing. I learned about everything from venture economics to who to connect with to source the best LA startups. The PledgeLA VC Internship is a unique opportunity to do the job before you get the job.”
2020 Alumna, Matched at VamosVentures
“The internship provided me with a framework and network for early-stage investing. I learned about everything from venture economics to who to connect with to source the best LA startups. The PledgeLA VC Internship is a unique opportunity to do the job before you get the job.”
Sanika Bhave
2020 Alumna, Matched at Crosscut Ventures
“As a BIPOC in tech/VC, sometimes you don't even really know what you don't know. PledgeLA has broadened my horizons by pushing me to grow intellectually and provided support and mentorship as I navigated that process. PledgeLA opened doors that I didn't even know existed.”
2020 Alumna, Matched at Crosscut Ventures
“As a BIPOC in tech/VC, sometimes you don't even really know what you don't know. PledgeLA has broadened my horizons by pushing me to grow intellectually and provided support and mentorship as I navigated that process. PledgeLA opened doors that I didn't even know existed.”
Brandon Gunning
2020 Alumnus, Matched at LACI
“The PledgeLA VC Internship gave me the technical background I needed to succeed in my initial internship, and provided a community of mentors that have aided me with further career guidance and additional opportunities.”
2020 Alumnus, Matched at LACI
“The PledgeLA VC Internship gave me the technical background I needed to succeed in my initial internship, and provided a community of mentors that have aided me with further career guidance and additional opportunities.”
Evan Hamilton
2020 Alumnus, Matched at MiLA Capital
“The recruiting process for VC is a combination of luck and part diligence. PledgeLA was an amazing opportunity to get facetime with leaders and up-and-coming investors across LA, who I was able to contact as I secured the perfect position at the ideal VC firm.”
2020 Alumnus, Matched at MiLA Capital
“The recruiting process for VC is a combination of luck and part diligence. PledgeLA was an amazing opportunity to get facetime with leaders and up-and-coming investors across LA, who I was able to contact as I secured the perfect position at the ideal VC firm.”
Chelsea Roberts
2019 Alumna, Matched at Upfront Ventures
“The PledgeLA VC internship program was my first formal experience in venture capital, an industry I was then unsure of how I'd get to. Making the pivot from healthcare to venture had been a dream of mine, and the opportunity to work at Upfront Ventures, Valence, and now HBCUvc would not have been possible without the internship’s training, network building, and exposure to VC.”
2019 Alumna, Matched at Upfront Ventures
“The PledgeLA VC internship program was my first formal experience in venture capital, an industry I was then unsure of how I'd get to. Making the pivot from healthcare to venture had been a dream of mine, and the opportunity to work at Upfront Ventures, Valence, and now HBCUvc would not have been possible without the internship’s training, network building, and exposure to VC.”
Chris Vazquez
2019 Alumna, Matched at Tale Venture Partners
“The PledgeLA VC internship was a great starting point for learning VC principles while having opportunities to engage with entrepreneurs, VCs, and many others supporting the LA tech ecosystem. In addition to building awesome relationships, it provided me with confidence to make a larger impact at my current startup WeeCare, but more importantly, to inform and demonstrate the importance of diversity in tech.”
2019 Alumna, Matched at Tale Venture Partners
“The PledgeLA VC internship was a great starting point for learning VC principles while having opportunities to engage with entrepreneurs, VCs, and many others supporting the LA tech ecosystem. In addition to building awesome relationships, it provided me with confidence to make a larger impact at my current startup WeeCare, but more importantly, to inform and demonstrate the importance of diversity in tech.”
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Program Impact
PledgeLA VC Fellowship
PledgeLA, in partnership with the Riordan Programs at UCLA Anderson, launched the PledgeLA VC Fellowship program in 2020. The program pairs first-generation college students with experienced mentors from LA’s tech sector, with the goal of helping mentees identify internships and full-time work.
0
mentor pairs matched
0 %
of 2020 mentees secured
a job or internship
a job or internship
0 %
are first-gen college students
Organizations our mentees have been placed at include
Leonela Aguilar
UCLA Class of 2022
“My mentor gave me helpful advice on how to polish my resume and stand out during the interview, while also reassuring me that my current path is never set in stone, there is always time and room for growth and exploration.”
UCLA Class of 2022
“My mentor gave me helpful advice on how to polish my resume and stand out during the interview, while also reassuring me that my current path is never set in stone, there is always time and room for growth and exploration.”
Mai Pham
Cal State Fullerton Class of 2023
“My mentor has walked me through many hardships and gave me helpful advice when I felt lost or doubtful. It was very nice to have someone guide me throughout my academic years, and I landed an internship due to my mentor's help improving my resume and building up my portfolio. They gave me feedback to help me.”
Cal State Fullerton Class of 2023
“My mentor has walked me through many hardships and gave me helpful advice when I felt lost or doubtful. It was very nice to have someone guide me throughout my academic years, and I landed an internship due to my mentor's help improving my resume and building up my portfolio. They gave me feedback to help me.”
Britney Juarez
UC San Diego Class of 2024
“Working with my mentor provided me with the opportunity to ask questions and ask for help. My mentor was always there to give me advice and share words of wisdom. I know I have built a long-lasting relationship with my mentor, and know I could always ask for advice later on in life.”
UC San Diego Class of 2024
“Working with my mentor provided me with the opportunity to ask questions and ask for help. My mentor was always there to give me advice and share words of wisdom. I know I have built a long-lasting relationship with my mentor, and know I could always ask for advice later on in life.”
Jatoya Jackson
UCLA Class of 2024
“My mentor has helped me to take a step back and acknowledge that I'm going above and beyond, instead of minimizing my accomplishments.”
UCLA Class of 2024
“My mentor has helped me to take a step back and acknowledge that I'm going above and beyond, instead of minimizing my accomplishments.”
Alain Perez
Stanford Class of 2023
“My mentor and I clicked so well that we're meeting each other in-person for a meal. Through her help, I was able to gain professional experience at an e-commerce company and meet industry professionals in her network.”
Stanford Class of 2023
“My mentor and I clicked so well that we're meeting each other in-person for a meal. Through her help, I was able to gain professional experience at an e-commerce company and meet industry professionals in her network.”
Marline Valencia
UCLA Class of 2021
“The PledgeLA Mentorship Program helped advance my career path by pairing me with a mentor who genuinely wanted to help me succeed in anything that I did! This helped expose me to new networks of people, knowledge, and allowed me to consider career paths that I didn't even know existed.”
UCLA Class of 2021
“The PledgeLA Mentorship Program helped advance my career path by pairing me with a mentor who genuinely wanted to help me succeed in anything that I did! This helped expose me to new networks of people, knowledge, and allowed me to consider career paths that I didn't even know existed.”
Justine Lassoff
2020 Mentor
“While I was able to connect my mentee with my network; facilitate informational interviews; and give input on his written communications, I gained so much from him including friendship. His enthusiasm, passion for life, and success with his burgeoning career are an inspiration.”
2020 Mentor
“While I was able to connect my mentee with my network; facilitate informational interviews; and give input on his written communications, I gained so much from him including friendship. His enthusiasm, passion for life, and success with his burgeoning career are an inspiration.”
Aria Safar
2020 Mentor
“I learned so much from connecting with another person whose lived experiences are different from my own. My mentee and I shared challenges that we faced as the children of immigrants, but she had her own unique experiences, and also came from a different generation. I also was able to provide insights from additional years of experience in the workplace, and hopefully provide a shortcut to understanding the world of work and opportunities out there.”
2020 Mentor
“I learned so much from connecting with another person whose lived experiences are different from my own. My mentee and I shared challenges that we faced as the children of immigrants, but she had her own unique experiences, and also came from a different generation. I also was able to provide insights from additional years of experience in the workplace, and hopefully provide a shortcut to understanding the world of work and opportunities out there.”
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Alain Perez
Stanford Class of 2023
“My mentor and I clicked so well that we're meeting each other in-person for a meal. Through her help, I was able to gain professional experience at an e-commerce company and meet industry professionals in her network.”
Stanford Class of 2023
“My mentor and I clicked so well that we're meeting each other in-person for a meal. Through her help, I was able to gain professional experience at an e-commerce company and meet industry professionals in her network.”
Marline Valencia
UCLA Class of 2021
“The PledgeLA Mentorship Program helped advance my career path by pairing me with a mentor who genuinely wanted to help me succeed in anything that I did! This helped expose me to new networks of people, knowledge, and allowed me to consider career paths that I didn't even know existed.”
UCLA Class of 2021
“The PledgeLA Mentorship Program helped advance my career path by pairing me with a mentor who genuinely wanted to help me succeed in anything that I did! This helped expose me to new networks of people, knowledge, and allowed me to consider career paths that I didn't even know existed.”
Justine Lassoff
2020 Mentor
“While I was able to connect my mentee with my network; facilitate informational interviews; and give input on his written communications, I gained so much from him including friendship. His enthusiasm, passion for life, and success with his burgeoning career are an inspiration.”
2020 Mentor
“While I was able to connect my mentee with my network; facilitate informational interviews; and give input on his written communications, I gained so much from him including friendship. His enthusiasm, passion for life, and success with his burgeoning career are an inspiration.”
Aria Safar
2020 Mentor
“I learned so much from connecting with another person whose lived experiences are different from my own. My mentee and I shared challenges that we faced as the children of immigrants, but she had her own unique experiences, and also came from a different generation. I also was able to provide insights from additional years of experience in the workplace, and hopefully provide a shortcut to understanding the world of work and opportunities out there.”
2020 Mentor
“I learned so much from connecting with another person whose lived experiences are different from my own. My mentee and I shared challenges that we faced as the children of immigrants, but she had her own unique experiences, and also came from a different generation. I also was able to provide insights from additional years of experience in the workplace, and hopefully provide a shortcut to understanding the world of work and opportunities out there.”
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