ANGELA BENTON

Angela Benton stands as a formidable figure in the venture capital and startup ecosystem, widely recognized for her groundbreaking work as the Managing Partner of NewMe Accelerator. As the visionary behind the first accelerator specifically designed for minority and women founders, Angela has profoundly impacted the landscape of tech entrepreneurship, fostering an environment where diverse ideas can thrive and secure crucial early-stage investment.

At NewMe Accelerator, Angela Benton's role extends beyond traditional venture capital. She is a mentor, strategist, and advocate, guiding promising startups through critical development phases. Her investment focus is broad yet strategic, targeting early-stage technology companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth and innovation. Key areas of interest include Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, consumer technology, and healthcare technology, particularly those addressing underserved markets or leveraging unique perspectives. Angela is deeply committed to backing founders from underrepresented backgrounds, believing that diversity in leadership leads to more robust and impactful solutions for a global audience.

Angela Benton's illustrious career background laid the foundation for her current leadership. Before establishing NewMe Accelerator in 2011, she co-founded Black Web 2.0 in 2007, a pivotal platform that highlighted and connected African Americans in the burgeoning tech industry. This early initiative showcased her foresight and dedication to fostering community and opportunity within tech. Her entrepreneurial spirit and advocacy for diversity have earned her widespread recognition, including serving on the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (NACIE) for the U.S. Department of Commerce. She is also an accomplished author, sharing her insights on startup development.

Under Angela Benton's guidance, NewMe Accelerator has cultivated an impressive portfolio of companies that have gone on to achieve significant success. While specific personal investments are often channeled through the accelerator's fund, the success of NewMe's alumni, such as Blavity, Bandwagon, and KweliTV, directly reflects her strategic vision and commitment to nurturing high-potential ventures. These companies exemplify the transformative power of investing in diverse leadership and innovative ideas. Angela Benton continues to be a driving force, shaping the future of technology by empowering the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs.