T.J. Breeden

T.J. Breeden Speaking Topics

• Equity in Entrepreneurship: Empowering Minority and Underrepresented Founders

  Leveling the Playing Field: How Venture Capital Can Bridge the Equity Gap

  Entrepreneurship is a powerful engine for economic growth, yet minority and underrepresented founders still receive less than 2% of venture capital funding. In this insightful talk, I explore how venture capitalists can play a pivotal role in closing the equity gap by investing in diverse leadership and creating equitable opportunities in the entrepreneurial space. We will discuss the strategies, tools, and ecosystem-building practices necessary to empower minority and underrepresented founders, with examples drawn from my experiences at Fuze Fund and my non-profit, Emerging Entrepreneurs, Inc.

  Attendee Results:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers facing underrepresented founders.
  • Learn actionable steps that venture capitalists and fund managers can take to prioritize diversity in investment portfolios.
  • Explore case studies of successful minority-led ventures and how they overcame funding challenges.
  • Build an actionable framework for creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• Philanthropy and Social Entrepreneurship: Driving Social Change through Innovation

  The Power of Purpose: Leveraging Venture Capital for Social Impact

  Social entrepreneurship is about more than just profits—it's about making a measurable difference in society. In this session, I share how venture capital and philanthropy can work hand-in-hand to foster innovation in social enterprises. We will explore how investors can strategically align their resources with social good, providing capital to founders who are tackling societal issues like education, healthcare, and sustainability. I’ll discuss my work as Director of Programs at ABFE and how philanthropy can be a force multiplier for venture capital in driving social impact.

  Attendee Results:

  • Learn how to integrate social impact into traditional venture capital models.
  • Understand the importance of philanthropy in supporting high-potential social entrepreneurs.
  • Discover tools for measuring social and economic impact within venture portfolios.
  • Gain insights into building partnerships with non-profits and public-sector organizations.

Breaking Barriers: Promoting Racial Equity in STEM through Education and Entrepreneurship

STEM Education and Racial Equity: Building Pathways for the Future

Despite advancements in STEM, racial disparities continue to limit opportunities for African American women and girls. In this talk, I explore the intersection of STEM education and entrepreneurship, sharing insights from my doctoral research on underrepresentation in STEM fields. We will examine how educational institutions and venture capital can collaborate to create pathways that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education and entrepreneurial ventures.

Attendee Results:

• Understand the root causes of racial disparities in STEM education.
• Learn how educational programs can be designed to support minority students in STEM fields.
• Explore real-world examples of how venture capital can support STEM-focused startups led by underrepresented founders.
• Build actionable strategies for creating inclusive STEM programs in schools, universities, and communities.

Leadership in Venture Capital: Fostering Diversity and Innovation Diverse Leadership

Disruptive Innovation: How Inclusive Leadership Unlocks Creativity in Venture Capital

As industries evolve, so too must our approach to leadership in venture capital. This talk focuses on the role of diverse leadership in driving disruptive innovation within startups. Drawing from my experience in launching Fuze Fund, I discuss how fostering an inclusive and diverse environment can lead to breakthrough ideas and innovation, benefiting both investors and entrepreneurs. We’ll look at the success stories of minority-led ventures and the role of venture capitalists in cultivating an inclusive entrepreneurial culture.

Attendee Results:

• Learn how diverse leadership teams contribute to innovation and success in startups.
• Gain insight into the practical steps that venture capitalists can take to prioritize diversity in their firms.
• Explore the correlation between inclusive leadership and business growth, with real-world examples.
• Build leadership strategies that attract top talent from underrepresented backgrounds.