1863 Fund

1863 Ventures, now operating as New Majority Ventures, develops business acceleration programs designed to support and scale companies led by underrepresented founders. The firm provides capital, mentorship, rigorous leadership training, and strategic market access, aiming to bridge the gap between entrepreneurship and racial equity. Its core approach centers on fostering high-potential businesses within diverse communities, enhancing their growth trajectories and market presence.

Melissa L. Bradley co-founded 1863 Ventures in 2016, establishing it as a Washington-based investment firm. The foundational insight stemmed from a commitment to creating substantial new wealth for "New Majority" founders, primarily Black and Brown entrepreneurs. Bradley's vision was to build an ecosystem that offers essential resources to these often-overlooked entrepreneurs, thereby fostering economic empowerment and systemic change.

The firm primarily serves New Majority entrepreneurs, focusing its efforts on accelerating their businesses from nascent stages to high growth. Its overarching mission is to catalyze significant wealth creation by and for these founders, projecting a long-term goal of fostering $100 billion in new wealth. This forward-looking approach positions the firm as a critical player in redefining inclusive economic development.