Transparent Collective

Transparent Collective is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides comprehensive programs for early-stage tech founders from underrepresented backgrounds. The organization delivers expert coaching, hands-on mentorship, and vital investor connections, enabling participants to refine their business strategies, accelerate growth, and establish enduring tech companies. Its structured approach includes specialized modules for storytelling and fundraising preparation, operational upskilling, and facilitating introductions to key investors and fellow founders.

The organization was co-founded in 2015 by James Norman and Adrian Walker, childhood friends and University of Michigan engineering alumni who both pursued careers building tech companies in the Bay Area. Their shared experience of encountering significant barriers to raising capital as non-white males in Silicon Valley led to the insight that a systemic problem existed. This realization prompted them to create a platform for candid discussions and strategic support, officially launching their first founder batch in early 2016 alongside additions like Clayton Bryan and Rohini Pandhi.

Transparent Collective primarily serves Black, Latinx, Hispanic, and Women founders who frequently find themselves overlooked by established Silicon Valley networks. The organization's overarching vision is to level the playing field within the tech industry, actively breaking down barriers and bridging the critical gaps that hinder underrepresented entrepreneurs. By providing essential access, crucial insights, and tailored support, Transparent Collective empowers these founders to build successful, scalable technology ventures, fostering a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem.