Google for Startups has invested $1.2 million across 12 Black-led Atlanta startups.
The funding is part of the Black Founders Fund, an initiative created in 2020 by Google LLC’s startup program to create economic opportunity for Black startup founders and job seekers. Atlanta had more startup recipients than any other city.
The investments come as racial disparities continue to affect Atlanta’s startup scene. Out of the 25 largest venture deals in Atlanta so far in 2022, three went to Black founders.
Each founder received $100,000 in addition to mentorship and networking opportunities from Atlanta-based nonprofit Goodie Nation. Google will not receive an equity stake in the businesses.
Goodie Nation has held a partnership with Google since 2014 and has helped distribute the money for the Black Founders Fund. In July, the organization expanded its partnership with Google for the inaugural Latino Founders Fund, which invested $5 million to 50 Latino-led startups nationally.
Since the inception of the fund, Google for Startups has invested $4.85 million into 60 Georgia startups in Georgia, according to the company. Those recipients have since received $25 million in follow-up funding.
“The Google for Startup Black Founders Fund means we have the operation capital to boost our revenue this year by 75%,” said Robert Hatcher, CEO and co-founder of music tech startup Aurign.
The remaining funds will go toward a $100 million commitment to Black-led venture capital firms by Google’s parent company, Alphabet, through its CapitalG growth fund. Georgia-based Heirloom Capital Partners will be one of seven firms to receive investment.
Here are the Atlanta startups that made it into this year’s Black Founders Fund:
Mitivate, founder Aaron Petty: This IT service startup helps professionals in the healthcare industry analyze the financial process and quality outcomes of patients’ treatment processes.
MedTrans Go, founder Dana Weeks: This health tech platform helps solve medical appointment cancellations by connecting patients to healthcare providers with access to medical transportation, telemedicine and prescription delivery services.
Ziscuit, founder Mark Anthony Peterson: This startup helps connect shoppers with the grocery stores closest to them with the cheapest prices for the food they need.
Uplevel Communications, founders Paula Hill & Courtney Culmer: This online job marketplace connects companies with freelance writers and communications consultants.
Blooksy, founder Anthony “AJ” Joiner: This subscription startup is a collaborative publishing platform that guides writers through the process of starting, writing and editing their books.
Smart Alto, founder Wayne Anderson: This appointment setting platform helps find homeowners and set up meetings without cold calling them or getting seller leads.
Tapestree, founder Desmond Mitchell: This software-as-a-service platform that helps companies’ employees digitally interact to create insights and solutions to grow a business.
Transition, founders Kayla Wright-Jackson & Corey Shaw: This startup is a career service platform that helps recruiters find students from health training schools.
Aurign, founder Robert Hatcher: This startup helps musicians and music companies get publishing rights to their music without outsourcing to a publishing administration.
ImIn, founder Lauren Wilson: This startup helps call center employees determine their work schedules and available hours.
SustainAble Home Goods, founder LaToya Tucciarone: This startup is a lifestyle brand that focuses on home decor that is ethically traded and produced.
Chezie, founder Toby Egbuna: This startup aims to help companies serve their diverse employees by helping track their membership, events, budgets and engagement.
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