About Us
Launched by Nex Cubed, the HBCU Founders Initiative (HBCUFI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that empowers entrepreneurs from HBCUs to create tech-enabled solutions, addressing challenges on campus, nationwide, and abroad.
Our core thesis is that by providing underresourced innovators at HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) with access to capital and curriculum to scale their startups, we can help reduce the wealth gap that has persisted for generations – through the power of entrepreneurship. To date, over 1,400 students and alumni from 80+ HBCUs have participated in the HBCUFI programming.
Our sector-agnostic community is developing tech-enabled solutions in AI, climate tech, social impact, health care, education, financial services, supply chain, and e-commerce.
From the ideation stage to the investment stage and beyond, HBCUFI offers technical resources, access to funding, and a vast network of advisors committed to supporting founders from HBCUs who are pursuing entrepreneurship. HBCUFI alumni have raised over $2M for their startups.
Our philosophy
We ensure that innovative ideas at HBCUs don’t die on the vine because there is no one available to help cultivate them.
Filling a void
In 2020, we launched the first startup pre-accelerator in support of all HBCU students and alumni. Today, we host the largest HBCU-centered program in the country.
In the next 5 years
We aim to support 5,000+ HBCU innovators who are pursuing entrepreneurship and developing solutions that close the wealth gap.
Our Programs
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Pre-Accelerator Program
The HBCU Founders Initiative’s pre-accelerator program supports early-stage startup founders from partner HBCUs with mentorship, workshops, networking, and funding opportunities to validate their ideas and build a minimum viable product.
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Designing For Social Good
The Designing for Social Good program is a two-day workshop that fosters collaboration among students through an immersive Design Thinking session, empowering participants to develop innovative solutions, and create impactful business models for social challenges.
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Better Futures Pitch Competition
The Better Futures Pitch Competition showcases entrepreneurial excellence from HBCU students and alumni, providing funding and support to innovative startups creating impactful solutions.
“We believe the key to combating the wealth gap is by focusing on entrepreneurship.”
- Marlon Evans, President, HBCU Founders Initiative
Join Us!
Sign up below to join the HBCUFI community and receive the latest updates on programs, founder wins, and more!
Donate
Your donation will help ensure that all HBCU founders have access to the resources necessary to help close the racial wealth gap.