2025 Session
|
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Is it time we scrapped "Black" Funds
Creator Economy
|
3:35 pm
-
4:05 pm
09 Oct 2025
Drumsheds London
Drumsheds London
The rise of "Black funds"—investments, grants, and philanthropic initiatives specifically for Black-led organizations and communities—is a direct response to a documented history of systemic underfunding. But are these targeted funds the most effective way to achieve equity, or are they a temporary, and even counter-productive, measure?
Rodney Appiah is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cornerstone VC, a black led, $25m early stage fund focused on a ‘people first’ investment approach. Investing at pre-seed and seed, Cornerstone VC is focused on outlier UK tech companies led by diverse teams that seek to change the way we Live ("People + Planet"), Work ("Future of Work") and Play ("New Consumer"). Prior to founding Cornerstone VC, Rodney held roles at BGF, Foresight Group and Merrill Lynch and has more than 15 years of financial services, TMT and Consumer experience across UK and Europe. An experienced board director, Rodney serves as an NED for the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA), the largest UK trade body for angel and early stage investing and is a committee member of Innovate UK (Innovation Loans).
