TCxV313 SXSW Founder Program
‼️ This event is now oversubscribed. Please sign up for our mailing list here to learn more about future Transparent Collective programs. ‼️
Transparent Collective x Venture 313 @ SXSW: Program for Underrepresented Founders
For underrepresented founders, breaking into the venture ecosystem isn’t about talent—it’s about access. That’s why Transparent Collective and Venture 313 are bringing our proven, high-impact founder program to SXSW in Austin.
This invite-only event is designed for pre-seed to pre series A founders who are serious about scaling their startups and raising venture funding. If you’re ready to gain direct access to top investors, expert mentorship, and a powerful support network, this is your chance to level up.
🔥 Only 30 founders will be selected—apply now for a chance to join!
Location
To be announced to confirmed attendees closer to the event.
Who Should Apply
This program is for underrepresented tech founders—including Black, Latinx, and women entrepreneurs—who are actively building or scaling a startup and looking to raise a Seed round of funding. If you’re a pre-seed to pre-Series A founder serious about fundraising, refining your pitch, and gaining direct access to investors, we hope to see you in Austin!
Why Join?
🚀 Proven Program for Startup Success – Our workshops and hands-on sessions have helped founders raise millions in funding and successfully scale their companies.
🤝 Direct Access to Investors & Experts – Get face-to-face time with top investors, industry leaders, and partners who are committed to backing diverse entrepreneurs.
🏡 A Curated Hub for Founders – Our exclusive Founder House will serve as the central space for networking, workshops, and relationship-building in a supportive, high-energy environment.
🔑 Fundraising & Growth Strategies – Learn real, actionable strategies to refine your pitch, secure funding, and take your startup to the next level.
This is more than just another networking event—it’s a launchpad for founders ready to take their companies to the next level. We’re bringing our field-tested program to Austin to give underrepresented founders the access, insights, and investor connections they need to thrive.
⭐️ Spots are limited—apply now to be part of this exclusive opportunity!
Learn from the Best
This program brings together some of the brightest minds in startups, investing, and venture funding, including:
🚀 Harold Hughes – Founder of NFNTE Capital, Serial Tech Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, and Startup Advisor
🚀 James Norman – CEO at Pilotly, GP at Black Ops Ventures, Partner at Transparent Collective
🚀 Vernon Coleman – Founder of VZN AI (formerly RealtimeX), one of the youngest Black founders to raise $4M, backed by Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six, Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Strickler, and others.
🚀 Lander Coronado Garcia – Founder & Managing Partner of Accipiter Advisors, a hands-on strategic advisor and operations leader helping startups scale efficiently.
🚀 Venture 313 – A platform providing Detroit entrepreneurs with up to $250K in funding, capital, and support to launch and scale their businesses.
🚀 Transparent Collective – A 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping Black, Latinx, and women founders gain access to capital, connections, and resources to build successful startups. 65% of our program graduates go on to raise VC funding, totaling over $125M to date.
Program Agenda
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Kickoff & Coffee: Settle In for an Epic Day (Arrival & Check-In)
Settle in, grab coffee & some breakfast, and get ready for a high-impact day.
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Unlocking Social Capital at SXSW – Presented by NFNTE Capital
Led by NFNTE Capital founder, Harold Hughes, this session will teach founders how to strategically navigate SXSW, build meaningful connections, and leverage social capital to unlock new opportunities for growth and funding.
10:00 AM – 10:55 AM | Show Me the Money: Fundraising 101
Led by James Norman (GP @ Black Operator Ventures/ Partner @ Transparent Collective/ Founder @ Pilotly), deep dive into the fundraising journey, covering what investors expect, how to structure a successful raise, and common pitfalls to avoid.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Startup Hacks: Running Your Business Like a Pro
Lander Coronado Garcia will talk through the key operational strategies that set successful startups apart—covering hiring, financial planning, product execution, and scaling efficiently.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Founder’s Table: A Power Lunch with Impact
Enjoy a family-style lunch while engaging in meaningful conversations with investors and experienced founders.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Mic Drop: Perfecting Your Startup's Story
Vernon Coleman, Founder @ VZN AI and one of the youngest Black founders to raise over a million dollars in funding, and James Norman will teach you how to craft a compelling narrative that captures investor attention.
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Wrap Up: Key Insights & Next Steps
Wrap up the day with key insights and next steps to help you move forward with confidence.
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Big Ideas Lab: Founder Whiteboard Jam (INVITE ONLY)
An interactive whiteboarding session where founders tackle real business challenges in real time, with live problem-solving and expert feedback.
Accepted founders will have the opportunity to submit their startup’s challenges after acceptance for a chance to be featured in this hands-on session. (Speaker: Belvin Liles III)
2:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Office Hours: Venture 313 Detroit
Sit down with the Venture 313 team to discuss building and funding your startup in Detroit, exploring available capital, resources, and strategies to scale in the city’s growing innovation ecosystem.
Accepted founders will have the opportunity to sign up for office hours with the Venture 313 team.
How It Works:
✔️ Sign up now on our event registration page.
✔️ We’ll review applications and select 30 founders to participate.
✔️ If accepted, you’ll receive an invitation with event details.
About Transparent Collective
Transparent Collective is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps Black, Latin, and women founders access the resources and connections they need to build successful tech companies.
We began with the mission to solve a fundamental problem plaguing Silicon Valley: that less than 1% of VC Funding is invested in Black and Latino founders.
In 2015, James Norman started TC after personally experiencing and recognizing the harsh reality that raising money to grow tech startups as a non-white male in Silicon Valley was an uphill battle. James brought together an incredible team, Rohini Pandhi and Lara McKeithan, to build a community of startup founders who could talk candidly about their unique challenges and explore fundraising strategies to help them succeed. Hence, the name Transparent Collective.
Our first batch of founders came through our program in 2016, and since then, we have had a competitive application process for our week-long intensive program in San Francisco that touches on all the key aspects of founding and running an early-stage startup.
Our Impact to Date:
92 TC Alumni
65% of Founders Have Raised VC Funding
9% of Alumni have been Acquired
$125M+ Early-Stage Funding Raised to Date
About Venture 313
Venture 313 is a powerful platform designed to help Detroit, Michigan entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Backed by a $10 million, three-year commitment from founding partners TechTown, Invest Detroit, and the Detroit Development Fund, it provides critical capital, coaching, and community. With investments ranging from $500 to $250,000, the platform offers both grants and equity-like funding tailored to the needs of businesses, large or small. This initiative aims to empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources they need to succeed.
Through Venture 313, participants also gain access to unique programming and networking opportunities, further supporting their growth. Entrepreneurs can create a profile and complete a personalized journey planner to receive a Playbook specifically designed to guide them through their venture-building process. This tailored approach ensures that each business gets the guidance and support it needs to thrive.
Venture 313 is part of a larger $500 million effort by the Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund to foster economic growth in Detroit’s neighborhoods. The initiative is not only about funding, but also about shifting the mindset within the community to encourage entrepreneurship and long-term wealth-building.
By equipping more Detroiters with the tools to start successful businesses, Venture 313 aims to make a lasting impact on the city’s economic future.