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Fundraising as a FirstGen Founder: Challenges, Mindsets and Cultural Differences to Overcome

Open to Public.

​​​Fundraising is never easy, especially as an immigrant or first generation founder. The immigrant experience creates incredible resourcefulness and resilience, but also comes with its own set of mindsets, cultural norms and challenges when it comes to fundraising. These can be set-backs or sometimes your biggest strength if leveraged well.

​Join us for an evening conversation as we explore these unique challenges. During the panel, you'll hear from FGI founders that have successfully raised venture funding and FGI venture investors.

The conversation will focus on:

  1. ​Specific mindsets founders have to overcome and the strategies and tactics these founders used

  2. ​Perspective from investors of what FGI founders lack compared to other founders but also what they can leverage that is unique

  3. ​Input from FGI founders and investors on how to improve your chances of successfully fundraising

​Agenda for the event:

  • ​6 - 6:30pm: Registration and mingling

  • ​6:30 - 6:40pm: Welcome & intro to panelists

  • ​6:40 - 7:10pm: Facilitated conversation

  • ​7:10 - 7:30pm: Open Q&A

  • ​7:30 - 8:15: Networking and drinks

​Our Panelists:

Ami Kumordzie - CEO and Founder of Sika Health. Sika Health raised a $6.2m seed round led by Forerunner Ventures. Ami is an immigrant from Ghana.

Raad Ahmed - CEO and Founder of Lawtrades. Lawtrades raised a $6m Series A, built a profitable business and recently passed $10m in ARR. Raad is first generation Bengali from New York. 

Rich Mokuolu - CEO and Co-Founder of Partsimony. Partsimony went through Techstars and raised a $2m seed round led by Closed Loop Ventures. Rich is an immigrant from Nigeria. 

Geri Kirilova - Partner at Laconia Capital Group. Laconia is a B2B pre-seed and seed stage focused fund in New York. Geri is an immigrant from Bulgaria

​Following the panel, you'll have the chance to connect with other immigrant founders, investors and supporters. Whether you are just starting out or are already well on your way, we hope you'll join us for the evening.

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March 22

FG Breakfast: Building Vertical Saas Companies, Marketplaces and Fundraising

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Next
May 11

Creating Urgency with VCs: Roleplays with Ami Kumordzie of Sika Health