Victoria Coker

Just finished up my session @Interledger #IFLSummit22 . It was amazing sitting with other creators and builders representing the US, Canada, LATAM, and Africa (felt like the United Nations) speaking about financial inclusion for BIPOC and people with disabilities.

@HatchLabsAI What is the time for the hackathon. Do you need to be onsite for the entire hackathon?

Are you a #femtech founder ready to disrupt the industry with AI? 🌸 Collaborate with top #AI experts at our AI Venture-Building #Hackathon to build next-gen solutions and accelerate your impact. Apply now: buff.ly/3BcIBzA #AIHackathon #venurebuilding #HatchLabs

@DarrelFrater I think sharing your affinities with entrepreneurs also allows them to have mutual trust and starting point with the investor.

Fundraising Hack: Build relationships through common affinities 👇🏿 In today's fundraising environment, investors are constantly bombarded with outreach, making it harder to break through and get their attention. Targeting by affinities—whether it’s shared hobbies, interests, or geography—is an excellent way to start building relationships with investors. For me, faith is a huge affinity. When founders reach out and mention faith, it allows me to connect with them on a topic I’m deeply passionate about, laying the foundation for a relationship beyond just the business opportunity. Don't get me wrong, the business opportunity is still very important, but having other ties makes a huge difference when deciding to invest effort into a new relationship. As you seek out investors, think about the affinities you identify with and incorporate them in your outreach. Here’s a list of affinities I’ve found most effective in building relationships with investors: 1. Geography – Investors often have ties to certain regions and can build greater trust in people they can meet in person. 2. Industry Experience – Aligning on shared expertise in a specific sector can build credibility and add excitement to conversations. 3. Education – Alumni networks are powerful; reaching out to investors from your alma mater can open doors, as many see it as a way to give back. 4. Hobbies/Interests – Whether it’s sports, music, or fitness, common pastimes create an easier entry point for relationship building. 5. Faith – Shared spiritual beliefs can foster deeper connections beyond business and give common ground for building trust. 6. Clubs & Organizations – Fraternities, sororities, and professional organizations can create an instant bond with those who share similar memberships. 7. Family Values – Shared experiences around parenting or family life can help build rapport. 8. Passion for a Cause – Investors who care deeply about making an impact often connect with founders who share a similar dedication to a cause, whether it’s environmental, social, or economic. How has this strategy worked for you? Did I miss any key affinities? Take action today: Identify your core affinities and use them to build meaningful connections. Pro Tip: Displaying affinities publicly within your bio/profile makes it easier for the right people to organically notice them! Have a blessed day!

Any pre-seed founders interested in connecting with The Rockies Seed Fund? They will be writing $100K checks into about 25 pre-seed and seed stage companies led by diverse founders and top level leaders. I'd be happy to get you connected.

Round four of LISC NY’s “Scale up WNY” grant program, sponsored by @GM, is open! Supporting underinvested Black and Latino-owned businesses in Western New York with grants ranging from $10k to $15k. Apply by 06/16: lisc.org/ny/what-we-do/…

I’m super excited to announce the 2024 P.E.A.R.L. Pledge grant program is now live, and applications / nominations are open! Those who are interested in applying can learn more here! Don't miss out on this amazing grant opportunity!  pearlmillingcompany.com/pearlpledge

5. OPENS: February 22nd, 2024 Information: In partnership with Netflix to support emerging LGBTQ+ director in addition to mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities! $25,000 unrestricted grant to 4 emerging directors. Site: newfest.org/new-voices-gra…

DEADLINE JANUARY 29, 2024 The Philadelphia Independent Media Fund awards grants to Philadelphia area independent media makers with digital video and audio projects in three areas: Apply now: scribe.org/philadelphia-i…

🗣️ Just want to remind you all that there is a grant for literally everything! Before you use your own money to pay for something, please find a grant to pay for it! In 2024, we are using other people's money—specifically the government's.

Calling all innovators! Ready to dive into the fintech revolution? We need Fintech Community Builders for our 2024 initiative, supported by Amex Ventures and Goodie Nation. Apply now! goodienation.org/fintech-commun… #TechDoneRight

@_sharonwang @maali Thanks for including me :)!

Applications for the new Bloomsbury Fellowship UK scheme are now open! The pilot programme seeks up-and-coming Black authors to provide them with support to develop their manuscript. Closes 30 Nov, midnight GMT. More info 👉 bit.ly/3Q1rRQB

Cultural Leadership Fellowship's Summer 2023 journey from São Paulo to Machu Picchu was a success! 🌎 Applications for Summer 2024 are open at culturalleadershipfellowship.org. Apply by Nov 30, 2023, 11:59 PM Pacific. Join us for an unforgettable cultural experience!

Happy Monday! Here's your friendly start-of-the-week reminder that applications are still open for cohort II of VHNYC, a hybrid Founder Fellowship for underrepresented founders building high-growth, tech, and tech-enabled businesses based in NYC! 🔻

Desjardins is giving away $3 million in GoodSpark Grants to small businesses. Apply for your GoodSpark Grant by December 3, 2023. desjardins.com/ca/about-us/so…

Our Gulliver Travel Grant is now open! The SLF awards $1000 to aid in any travel-based research #specfic writers need to complete their work. Apply here: speculativeliterature.org/grants-3/the-g…

I'm thinking about hosting an online pitch competition. If I personally donated $1,000 to a cash prize, would anyone be interested in participating? I would try to find sponsors to match my contribution and the goal would be to give a $5,000 prize to the winner. Thoughts?

🚨 Only one week left 🚨 Applications for the Infy Makers Awards close on Oct 27! To learn more about your opportunity to win $10k in grant funding for your maker project, read here:bit.ly/InfyMakersAwar… or watch a recording of our information session here: bit.ly/InfyMakersInfo

📣 THE LOATAD BLACK ATLANTIC RESIDENCY 2024! For African & Diaspora writers Theme: What is Africa to Me? Writers receive 1 month room & board at LOATAD in Accra 🇬🇭, up to $600 travel costs*, $500 stipend More: loatad.org/blackatlantic Deadline: 29 Oct, 2023 #loatadblackatlantic

LA, RSVP to come support 7 local Black and Brown women-identifying founders pitch their businesses for a $10k grant. Remember at a BGV Pitch, you pick the winner. bit.ly/bgvlapitch #CommunityOrNothing