Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Changemaker's Show Her the Money Documentary Screens in February

Join the conversation to dismantle the barriers faced by female founders and celebrate the journey towards equity in venture capital.

Welcome to this edition, where we spotlight the remarkable endeavors of Changemaker as they host the screening of Show Her the Money, a documentary that dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs. As we reflect on these narratives, we ask: How can we collectively foster a more inclusive environment that empowers all aspiring founders to thrive?

🚀 Startup of the Week: Black Seed VC

• Industry: Venture Capital focused on supporting Black entrepreneurs.
• Founder: Karl Lokko, a passionate advocate for diversity, founded Black Seed VC in 2021. His commitment to bridging the funding gap for Black founders is backed by significant experience in the startup ecosystem.
• Recent Achievement: Black Seed VC recently won the Startups 100 DEI Award and ranked 41st in the 2025 Startups 100 Index, showcasing its impactful contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the industry. Additionally, the firm stands out as the first and only Black-led venture fund in Europe, signaling a crucial step towards equitable funding practices—given that only 0.24% of UK venture capital is allocated to Black founders.
• Location: London, UK.

In line with its mission to empower Black entrepreneurs, Black Seed VC has garnered backing from notable investors such as M&G Catalyst and Atomico, and has partnered with NatWest Bank to further support its initiatives. This innovative venture under Karl Lokko’s leadership reflects a transformative approach to funding within the startup landscape, making strides toward inclusivity and equal opportunities.

For more information on Black Seed VC, check out the article here.

Additionally, we celebrate the upcoming documentary screening of Show Her the Money, hosted by Changemaker and Penn State Lehigh Valley’s LaunchBox, which tackles the barriers faced by female entrepreneurs in securing venture capital. This event will feature insightful discussions with successful women entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of community support for women-led initiatives. This reflects the broader narrative of championing diversity and innovation, crucial themes for those passionate about progressing the startup ecosystem.

🌟 Why It Matters

Black Seed VC stands at the forefront of a transformative movement within the venture capital landscape. Founded by the visionary Karl Lokko, this London-based firm is dedicated to addressing the pervasive funding gap faced by Black entrepreneurs, particularly in a system where only 0.24% of UK venture capital is directed towards Black founders. Lokko's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion directly challenges the industry's traditional norms, positioning Black Seed VC as the first and only Black-led venture fund in Europe dedicated to supporting Black founders.

The impact of Black Seed VC’s mission goes beyond mere funding; it signifies a critical shift toward equitable opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in the startup ecosystem. By securing significant partnerships with investors like M&G Catalyst and Atomico, and teaming up with NatWest Bank, Lokko not only showcases the firm’s unique value proposition but also amplifies the voices of Black entrepreneurs striving to make their mark in various industries.

Moreover, the upcoming documentary screening of Show Her the Money, hosted by Changemaker and Penn State Lehigh Valley’s LaunchBox, further underlines the urgency of these discussions. Featuring narratives from female founders who navigate systemic barriers in securing capital, the documentary complements Black Seed VC’s mission by highlighting the foundational role of support networks in empowering women-led ventures.

In an industry that continues to exhibit low female representation, Karl Lokko's leadership—or his drive to champion Black entrepreneurs—not only challenges the status quo but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. His dedication to fostering a more inclusive startup environment reflects a broader narrative that emphasizes the importance of diverse leadership in driving innovation and creating meaningful change.

For those invested in supporting diversity and innovation in entrepreneurship, Black Seed VC and its initiatives represent a beacon of hope and progress, paving the way for future generations of founders to thrive and succeed.

🏆 Key Milestones

• Startups 100 DEI Award: Black Seed VC has been recognized with the prestigious Startups 100 DEI Award, reflecting its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the venture capital space. This recognition underscores the firm's impactful contributions to supporting Black entrepreneurs since its founding in 2021.

• Ranking Achievement: The firm proudly ranks 41st in the 2025 Startups 100 Index, which highlights the significance of its role in fostering innovation and promoting equitable funding practices within the startup ecosystem in Europe.

• Strategic Partnerships: Backed by prominent investors such as M&G Catalyst and Atomico, and in collaboration with NatWest Bank, Black Seed VC is paving the way for enhanced opportunities for Black founders. These partnerships not only validate its innovative approach but also signify a crucial step toward transforming the venture capital landscape.

For more detailed insights on these milestones, you can read more about Black Seed VC's journey here.

📈 Market Impact

Black Seed VC is not just another venture capital fund; it is a pioneering force in the European startup landscape, uniquely positioned to transform funding dynamics for Black entrepreneurs. Founded by Karl Lokko in 2021, it stands as the first and only Black-led venture fund in Europe specifically dedicated to investing in Black founders. This distinct positioning allows Black Seed VC to cater to a demographic that has historically been overlooked in the venture capital space, where an alarming 0.24% of UK venture capital funding is directed towards Black founders.

What sets Black Seed VC apart from its competitors is its unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, combined with a robust supportive framework for its portfolio companies. Their innovative approach is buffered by significant partnerships with well-known investors like M&G Catalyst and Atomico, alongside collaboration with NatWest Bank. This not only validates their mission but amplifies their impact by providing a comprehensive ecosystem that extends beyond mere capital infusion.

Moreover, Black Seed VC leverages its unique access to insights and networks within the market to identify high-potential Black entrepreneurs who often introduce ingenious solutions across various industries. Their investment strategy is not just about funding but fostering growth and sustainability among businesses that champion inclusivity and innovation. The firm's commitment to supporting Black founders embodies a broader narrative of equity in entrepreneurship, aiming to reshape the funding landscape and promote systemic change within the industry.

Additionally, as an illustration of the urgency and need for further advocacy in this area, upcoming initiatives such as the documentary screening of Show Her the Money highlight the broader challenges faced by female entrepreneurs. As Changemaker and Penn State Lehigh Valley's LaunchBox explore these issues through this media, it complements Black Seed VC’s overarching mission. By creating dialogue around the barriers women face in securing access to venture capital, Black Seed VC and the documentary showcase the significance of fostering a supportive community for all underrepresented entrepreneurs.

In conclusion, Black Seed VC's positioning not only sets it apart from traditional venture funds but underscores its role as a catalyst for meaningful change. By addressing the funding gap for Black founders and supporting women-led initiatives, Black Seed VC is paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative startup ecosystem. This makes it a key player for those invested in supporting diversity and progress within the entrepreneurship landscape.

🤝 How You Can Support

• Follow Black Seed VC on Social Media: Stay updated on their initiatives and the inspiring stories of Black entrepreneurs by following Black Seed VC on platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. This helps amplify their mission to bridge the funding gap for underrepresented founders.

• Share the Documentary Event: Help raise awareness about the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs by sharing information about the upcoming documentary screening of Show Her the Money. Encourage your network to attend the screenings on February 7 and 8, 2025, hosted by Changemaker and Penn State Lehigh Valley’s LaunchBox. This event not only highlights the systemic barriers in securing venture capital but also features powerful narratives from women entrepreneurs that can inspire action and support.

• Engage with Diverse Startups: Explore products and services from women-owned businesses showcased at the documentary screening. By supporting local vendors and engaging in conversations with female entrepreneurs, you can foster connections that promote collaboration and empowerment in the startup ecosystem.

Together, we can create a more inclusive and innovative entrepreneurial landscape by championing the incredible work of ventures like Black Seed VC and supporting initiatives that uplift women in business.