How can you actually make money while closing the tech gap? with Freada Kapor Klein

May 8

The Rhys Show · How can you actually make money while closing the tech gap? with Freada Kapor Klein

In this episode, Freada Kapor Klein, an American venture capitalist, social policy researcher, philanthropist, and author of "Closing the Equity Gap", discusses the importance of investing in seed-stage tech startups focused on closing gaps of access, opportunity, and outcome for low-income communities and communities of color.

Over the last decade, Freada has developed a framework and practice to make the tech industry more diverse and inclusive. As the co-founder of Kapor Foundation, Kapor Capital, and SMASH, she has taken a comprehensive approach to expand access to computer science education, conduct research on disparities in the technology pipeline, support nonprofit organizations and initiatives, and invest in gap-closing startups and entrepreneurs that close gaps of access for all.

Freada argues that the standard investment model doesn't work and explains how it can be fixed. She also shares what the future could look like if more investors would invest in gap-closing tech startups. Join the conversation as Freada talks about the difference between widening the gap and closing the gap, the frontiers of cultural fabrics, and how to dispel myths around investing in marginalized groups.

Furthermore, she expounds on how "distance traveled" entrepreneurs who overcome obstacles in life are a far better predictor of long-term success than those who emphasize their high academic and social prestige pedigree.

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Topics:

Welcome Freada Kapor Klein to The Rhys Show!: (00:00:00)
Intro: (00:00:40)
How Freada got into helping marginalized groups within tech: (00:04:47)
Experiences of stepping up and speaking out: (00:08:37)
A venture capital lens that can get a return on investments : (00:11:027)
Widening gap versus closing gap: (00:15:00)
Research a feedback loop between Kapo Capital, Kapo Center and SMASH?: (00:20:58)
Understanding the talent search frame: it is about the distance traveled and not about the finish line: (00:26:24)
Dismantling barriers across the leaky tech pipeline: (00:30:42)
How does Freada navigates optimism and sadness: (00:34:50)
Important things that need to happen in the next 5 to 10 years to be close to no gap: (00:38:02)
Is it worth investing your 40(k) in ESG - (Environmental, Social, and Governance stocks)?: (00:41:17)
About Freada today: (00:43:42)
Advice for ambitious young people: (00:47:57)
Overrated and underrated questions: (00:49:19)