NEW YORK, May 14, 2020 – The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE: GS) today announced the 14 companies that have been selected to participate in the first Launch With GS Black and Latinx Entrepreneur Cohort. The eight-week virtual experience will provide high-touch access and resources to a select group of U.S.-based Black and Latinx founders to fast-track their companies’ growth and build relationships with investors and industry experts. The Black and Latinx Entrepreneur Cohort is a part of Launch With GS, Goldman Sachs’ $500 million investment strategy grounded in the belief that diverse teams drive strong returns.
The participating companies were chosen from over 400 applicants across 37 states. The 2020 Cohort includes:
“The volume and quality of applications confirms our view that there is a strong pipeline of companies led by Black and Latinx founders in the U.S.,” said Margaret Anadu, head of the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group and Launch With GS Lead Investor. “We’re thrilled to share the knowledge and convening power of Goldman Sachs with these founders as they take their businesses to the next level.”
Companies included in the inaugural Cohort represent a range of sectors across enterprise software, financial technology, healthcare, and consumer. These founders will participate in virtual, customized 1-on-1 and sector specific workshops with Goldman Sachs leaders across investment banking, research and investing teams. Additionally, founders will access resources through Goldman Sachs partnerships with Cooley LLC for legal insights, Carta for capitalization table structure, and Red Antler for marketing and branding, and have opportunities to engage with the broader Goldman Sachs network. The eight-week experience will feature individually tailored programming delivered virtually, and will culminate in an invite-only Investor Showcase.
The Cohort demonstrates the power of the Launch With GS ecosystem, which has grown to over 10,000 members in the first two years of the initiative. The ecosystem helped reach applicants in partnership with the Launch With GS Advisory Council, venture capital firms, local community groups, social media partners, and local news organizations, as well as Goldman Sachs employees, alumni, and portfolio companies.
“These founders were selected because they are true innovators across their industries,” said Jemma Wolfe, Head of Launch With GS. “We believe in the power of diverse leadership – and I’m thrilled to bring all that Goldman Sachs has to offer to the 2020 Cohort.”
About The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.
About Launch With GS
Launch With GS is Goldman Sachs’ $500 million investment strategy grounded in our belief that diverse teams drive strong returns. Through Launch With GS, Goldman Sachs aims to increase access to capital and facilitate connections for women, Black, Latinx and other diverse entrepreneurs and investors.
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Media Contact:
Leslie Shribman
Tel: +1 212 902 5400
Related: Goldman Sachs COVID-19 Resource Center for US Small Businesses
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global investment banking, securities and investment management firm that provides a wide range of financial services to a substantial and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the firm is headquartered in New York and maintains offices in all major financial centers around the world.
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