The Include
Awards

We’re excited to to launch a new partnership this with Black Founders Matter who have created the Include Awards, designed to designed to help help bridge the gap of Friends & Family funding related to systemic wealth disparities that BIPOC entrepreneurs face.

Three companies led by BIPOC founders will receive an Include Award at our event on 5/21, which includes a $5,000 in non-dilutive capital to help further the development of the company.

The Include Awards are separate from the direct investment being made in a growth-stage startup via AOTech.

Include Awards are open only to startups at the “concept stage”, meaning pre-launch and pre-revenue, and that are led by a BIPOC founder. Eligible companies will be evaluated by an independent judging committee selected by Black Founders Matter, and chosen based on the strength of their concept, the experience of the team, and the potential for future growth. To be eligible, the company must have a BIPOC founder who has equal or majority equity ownership in the company, and not yet be generating revenue. Both INCLUDE Awardees will pitch on the main stage at TFNW and receive a $5,000 non-dilutive check for product development and initial market validation testing.