we are est ventures

We help empower BIPOC & women-led companies that want to innovate.

Our mission

Our mission is to prioritizefunding for diversefounders that are committed to change the world.

The Problem

There is a massive gap in funding between traditional founders and BIPOC/female-led startups.

Funding is 2.6% for black founders and 2.3% for women-led startups
The Problem

The performance of diverse teams compared with all-male teams, have shown to be superior.

Diverse teams perform better than all-male teams
The Problem

Diverse teams are more likely to generate more revenue than non-diverse teams.

Diverse teams generate more revenue than non-diverse teams
how we invest

We use our expertise and diverse deal flow to invest.

3 traditional funds

We have established three "traditional" funds: Agriculture and Ag Tech, Cannabis, BIPOC/Women Founders.

SPVs

We work with companies and investors on a low-cost SPV alternative to help drive success for the company.

Private Placements

We work with accredited institutional investors and family offices to drive private placement in unique opportunities.

our difference

We are a bit different to a traditional VC firm.

Deep deal flow

We have access to deal flow that is stronger and earlier than any other VC firm

Industry veterans

Our network of allies make billion-dollar investments that drive systemic change.

Expert experience

We've scaled hundreds of entities from an idea to budgets backed by 100’s millions of dollars.

the team

Our people have the expertise to increase your odds of success.

To a company that falls outside of one of our funds, we will work with the company and investors on a low-cost SPV alternative to.

Picture of Tucker McDonald
Will Hailer
Managing Partner
LinkedIn Logo
Picture of Tucker McDonald
Tucker McDonald
Partner
LinkedIn Logo
Picture of Tucker McDonald
Tim Mynett
Partner
LinkedIn Logo
Picture of Tucker McDonald
Melahat Rafiei
Partner
LinkedIn Logo
Picture of Tucker McDonald
Keith R. Mestrich
Board Chair
LinkedIn Logo
Picture of Tucker McDonald
Courtney Grigsby
Partner
LinkedIn Logo
Picture of Tucker McDonald
Calvin Wilborn
Associate
LinkedIn Logo

Connect with us.
We’re ready to talk.