[Unity & Inclusion Summit LA] Monique Woodard and Morgan DeBaun

TL;DR

Morgan discusses the inception and growth of Black media platform Blavity, focusing on raising funds and navigating the startup landscape as a Black woman CEO.

Transcript

so I was just trying to think about how long I've known you and you're one of those people who so I know a lot of founders a lot of black banners but you're one of those people that I just feel like I've always known you so I have no like reference point for when we met how we met it just Morgan always was oh okay you can hear me now um that's so f... Read More

Key Insights

• ◼️ Blavity's inception stemmed from a collective passion for Black culture and empowerment, driving its evolution into a prominent media platform.
• 💁 The platform's response to the Ferguson unrest showcased its commitment to providing accurate information and amplifying underrepresented voices.
• 🥹 Strategic investor outreach and a revenue-focused approach facilitated Blavity's growth and sustained success as a venture-backed company.
• ◼️ Morgan's journey as a Black woman CEO highlights the challenges and pressures of representation in the media landscape.
• 🌱 Blavity's future plans include expanding accessibility for diverse voices and fostering critical conversations through its content.
• 😀 Despite facing obstacles, Morgan's resilience and strategic decision-making enabled Blavity to thrive and secure significant funding.
• 👾 The platform's role as a source of authentic Black narratives and a space for political commentary underscores its significance in today's media landscape.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the idea for Blavity originate, and what core values drive the platform?

The idea for Blavity emerged from a shared passion for Black culture, creativity, and empowerment among the founders. They aimed to bridge the gap in representation and provide a platform for storytelling and creativity within the Black community.

Q: How did the Ferguson unrest impact Blavity's growth and direction?

The Ferguson protests highlighted the need for accurate information and representation in media. Blavity responded by curating content from vetted sources and providing a platform for authentic voices, cementing its role as a reliable source for Black narratives.

Q: What challenges did Morgan face while fundraising, and how did she overcome them?

Initially facing rejection from investors who deemed Blavity risky, Morgan shifted strategies and sought investors who aligned with the company's vision. By focusing on revenue generation and proving market viability, Blavity successfully raised over a million dollars.

Q: How does Morgan navigate the pressure of being a Black woman CEO in the media industry?

Morgan acknowledges the pressure to represent and succeed but emphasizes the importance of staying true to herself and her vision. She views Blavity as a platform for diverse voices and perspectives amidst societal shifts.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Morgan reflects on her journey from St. Louis to Silicon Valley, detailing the founding of Blavity with three college friends.

• Blavity initially began as an email newsletter and pivoted to a video site post-Ferguson, focusing on providing accurate information during crises.

• Through strategic investor outreach and a revenue-focused approach, Blavity evolved into a thriving media company for Black Millennials.