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Devon Horace is a Portland, Oregon-based investor at Black Founders Matter and the founder and chief executive officer of Horace Consulting. He previously spent over six years at Nike Inc., where he held operational and strategic roles within the global digital commerce and North America supply chain divisions. Horace also serves as a venture partner with the Oregon Venture Fund and previously acted as the president of the Alberta Main Street nonprofit from July 2021 to January 2023. In February 2025, he pleaded no contest to embezzling more than $100,000 from the nonprofit organization, resulting in a court order to pay $50,000 in restitution and serve twelve months of probation. He holds a bachelor's degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo State, and his current focus remains on early-stage venture capital investments supporting diverse founders.
Devon Horace stands as a prominent investor, deeply committed to fostering innovation and equity within the startup ecosystem through his work at Black Founders Matter. As a key figure in the organization, Horace is instrumental in identifying, evaluating, and providing crucial capital to Black-led businesses, addressing historical funding disparities and propelling a new generation of entrepreneurs forward. His dedication ensures that promising ventures receive the support needed to scale and succeed.
At Black Founders Matter, Devon Horace's role extends beyond capital allocation. He is actively involved in mentorship, strategic guidance, and ecosystem building, leveraging his expertise to empower founders at every stage of their journey. The organization's mission, championed by Horace, is to create a robust pipeline of successful Black-owned companies, thereby generating wealth, creating jobs, and driving economic development in communities often overlooked by traditional venture capital. His efforts are vital in transforming the landscape of startup funding.
Horace's investment focus at Black Founders Matter is broad yet strategic, targeting early-stage companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth and market disruption. While specific industry preferences can evolve, common areas of interest include technology startups across SaaS, fintech, health tech, and consumer goods. He seeks innovative solutions that solve real-world problems, possess scalable business models, and are led by visionary teams. His approach is not just about financial returns but also about creating sustainable impact and fostering a more inclusive economy.
Devon Horace brings a wealth of experience to his role, cultivated through a career dedicated to understanding market dynamics and identifying untapped potential. While specific details of his early career are not publicly detailed here, his background likely encompasses a blend of financial acumen, entrepreneurial insight, and a profound understanding of the challenges faced by diverse founders. This unique blend of skills allows him to critically assess opportunities and provide invaluable strategic advice to the companies within Black Founders Matter's portfolio. His commitment to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs is a driving force behind his investment philosophy.
Through his leadership and investment decisions, Devon Horace is not only building a portfolio of successful companies but also contributing to a significant cultural shift in venture capital. He embodies the principle that diversity is a catalyst for innovation and superior returns. While specific notable investments are not detailed in this overview, his impact is evident in the growing number of Black founders gaining access to capital and resources previously out of reach. His work at Black Founders Matter is a testament to his belief in the power of diverse talent to shape the future of business. He continues to be a driving force for change, ensuring that Black founders have the resources and opportunities to thrive.
Devon Horace is a dedicated investor and a key figure at Black Founders Matter, an organization focused on funding and empowering Black entrepreneurs. He is known for his commitment to bridging funding gaps and fostering innovation within diverse startup communities.
Devon Horace primarily invests in early-stage companies with high growth potential, particularly those led by Black entrepreneurs. His investment focus at Black Founders Matter spans various sectors, including technology (SaaS, fintech, health tech) and consumer goods, seeking innovative solutions and scalable business models.
Devon Horace works as an investor at Black Founders Matter, an organization dedicated to providing capital, mentorship, and strategic support to Black-led startups. His role is central to their mission of empowering diverse founders.
