Ask HN: How many YC companies have African American founders?
I am curious of how many YC companies have been founded by African Americans, I am trying to encourage some teens in my neighborhood to learn about programming and startups. I want to show them examples of companies that were started by African americans, which companies can I use as an example?
72 comments
I'm black and I've worked with black youth to get them involved with tech and here's what I've found:
Black youth don't necessarily need to find other black idols to look up to. They - much like any other youth - need to feel like they have access to the same tools that everyone else does to succeed. Tools = access, technology, opportunity, mentors, funds, etc...
Typically, these youths assume that others that look like them had access to the same tools that they have/had hence why they "need" to see successful people that look like them. As a result, if you truly want help them succeed in the long run, rather than simply show/tell them about successful black people (who may/may not have had a similar upbringing), help them gain access to those same tools.
Black youth don't necessarily need to find other black idols to look up to. They - much like any other youth - need to feel like they have access to the same tools that everyone else does to succeed. Tools = access, technology, opportunity, mentors, funds, etc...
Typically, these youths assume that others that look like them had access to the same tools that they have/had hence why they "need" to see successful people that look like them. As a result, if you truly want help them succeed in the long run, rather than simply show/tell them about successful black people (who may/may not have had a similar upbringing), help them gain access to those same tools.
For those wondering why this is important, see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereotype_threat
> "If negative stereotypes are present regarding a specific group, group members are likely to become anxious about their performance, which may hinder their ability to perform at their maximum level. For example, stereotype threat can lower the intellectual performance of African-Americans taking the SAT reasoning test used for college entrance in the United States, due to the stereotype that African-Americans are less intelligent than other groups. Importantly, the individual does not need to subscribe to the stereotype for it to be activated. Moreover, the specific mechanism through which anxiety (induced by the activation of the stereotype) decreases performance is by depleting working memory (especially the phonological aspects of the working memory system).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stereotype_threat
> "If negative stereotypes are present regarding a specific group, group members are likely to become anxious about their performance, which may hinder their ability to perform at their maximum level. For example, stereotype threat can lower the intellectual performance of African-Americans taking the SAT reasoning test used for college entrance in the United States, due to the stereotype that African-Americans are less intelligent than other groups. Importantly, the individual does not need to subscribe to the stereotype for it to be activated. Moreover, the specific mechanism through which anxiety (induced by the activation of the stereotype) decreases performance is by depleting working memory (especially the phonological aspects of the working memory system).
Doesn't that support the other view, that race shouldn't be brought into play?
Only if you can make a plausible argument that there are no existing stereotypes.
The theory is that people perform worse when a negative stereotype they identify with is presented to them. Saying "oh, but unfortunately there are no successful black entrepreneurs" in an entrepreneurship class to black kids seems to be exactly that.
...thats why the op is asking for examples of actual black entrepreneurs, so that what will actually happen is, when presenting a list of entrepreneurs as examples, at least some of them are black, and the kids are not explicitly or implicitly told that there are no black entrepreneurs. You seem to be arguing that presenting a list of white examples would not prompt stereotypes in itself, and I think you really need to show that instead of simply assume it.
Yeah, that makes sense. I was thinking along 'companies started by african-americans' as the presentation context, which carries the subtext of blacks as the exception.
It's hard to say for sure because we don't ask people what race they identify as, and we don't know offhand which people are citizens and which aren't. But Michael Seibel seems a good bet if you want an example to encourage kids.
Respectfully, I think you ask should at least ask, as an optional question. Even on your application, it might be nice to know who's applying and how people of different ethnicities/racial identities perform in the process. The fact that you have provided just one example of a black YC founder, out of who knows how many, speaks to the fact, for whatever reason, black folks are not getting in the door. Even if this is simply the result of a whole bunch of things that happened before the application, it seems like something your organization should be able to speak intelligently about, as the clear leaders in the space. That's my opinion at least.
There were at least 3 african-americans in my batch (which was large so I'm probably missing some). But I am not sure whether they'd want to be identified as anything else other than as hackers/founders. Feels weird to even try and count in my head, as I see my batchmates as simply batchmates.
I don't think explicitly adding ethnicity to the YC app would be good for anyone .. for one, these are (mostly) teams of 2 or more. Accepting or not accepting a team/idea/application doesn't reflect judgement of the individuals within the team, regardless of their background(s).
Since there is only 1 application per team, it may also introduce unnecessary and awkward questions between the founders even prior to YC's evaluation.
I don't think explicitly adding ethnicity to the YC app would be good for anyone .. for one, these are (mostly) teams of 2 or more. Accepting or not accepting a team/idea/application doesn't reflect judgement of the individuals within the team, regardless of their background(s).
Since there is only 1 application per team, it may also introduce unnecessary and awkward questions between the founders even prior to YC's evaluation.
That's good to know that there have been more black folks than just the one lone guy PG mentioned. I was worried for a minute.
Every black person is an individual obviously, but I think it's safe to say that most of us don't have the luxury of thinking of ourselves as "just another person", as much as we may like to. You tend to notice when you're the only black person in a mostly non-black room (just as the average white person would probably feel out of place in a mostly black event). That's been my experience in the vast majority of my life, and even though many of the most important people in my life are not black, the feeling of being the lone black representative in these situations is never really far away. All this to say that "colorblindness" sounds great in theory, but in reality, it's a privilege that not everyone has.
I think you're right that there are practical issues of when and how to collect voluntary ethnic information...but seriously, how awkward is that discussion between founders really, compared to things like equity split and job titles? It could just as well be left to the individual team members to identify or not.
But my overall point is that even if YC decides it shouldn't actively do anything about its minority imbalance (if it, in fact, exists), it would be nice to do some from an informed position, rather than a blind assumption that meritocracy is working as hoped.
Every black person is an individual obviously, but I think it's safe to say that most of us don't have the luxury of thinking of ourselves as "just another person", as much as we may like to. You tend to notice when you're the only black person in a mostly non-black room (just as the average white person would probably feel out of place in a mostly black event). That's been my experience in the vast majority of my life, and even though many of the most important people in my life are not black, the feeling of being the lone black representative in these situations is never really far away. All this to say that "colorblindness" sounds great in theory, but in reality, it's a privilege that not everyone has.
I think you're right that there are practical issues of when and how to collect voluntary ethnic information...but seriously, how awkward is that discussion between founders really, compared to things like equity split and job titles? It could just as well be left to the individual team members to identify or not.
But my overall point is that even if YC decides it shouldn't actively do anything about its minority imbalance (if it, in fact, exists), it would be nice to do some from an informed position, rather than a blind assumption that meritocracy is working as hoped.
> It could just as well be left to the individual team members to identify or not.
This is not possible the way it works now (one HN user submits the application for the whole team). Asking isn't any more awkward, but it is unnecessarily so, in the sense it does no benefit to the team (vs the equity question, which forces a discussion thats likely been put off too long). I'm not white myself, but I'm more concerned about people with ambiguous ethnicity (mixed, adopted, immigrant etc) who may not like such questions (particularly as many applicants are quite young). Nonetheless, I agree that's a minor quibble.
But I just don't see YC as having much of a role in solving such social problems other than how it already does so (by funding startups and (now) non-profits to "make things people want"). YC may have an outsized influence in tech, but it's really a tiny, quirky little band of ~20 people (>(1/2) of which are part-time).
Clearly YC would benefit if more underrepresented minorities learned to code and started companies, but it seems the best way to do that is to make those things easier for everyone. I.e. fund startups that improve education (clever, code academy etc) and startups that make it easier to start startups (fundersclub, wefunders etc).
This is not possible the way it works now (one HN user submits the application for the whole team). Asking isn't any more awkward, but it is unnecessarily so, in the sense it does no benefit to the team (vs the equity question, which forces a discussion thats likely been put off too long). I'm not white myself, but I'm more concerned about people with ambiguous ethnicity (mixed, adopted, immigrant etc) who may not like such questions (particularly as many applicants are quite young). Nonetheless, I agree that's a minor quibble.
But I just don't see YC as having much of a role in solving such social problems other than how it already does so (by funding startups and (now) non-profits to "make things people want"). YC may have an outsized influence in tech, but it's really a tiny, quirky little band of ~20 people (>(1/2) of which are part-time).
Clearly YC would benefit if more underrepresented minorities learned to code and started companies, but it seems the best way to do that is to make those things easier for everyone. I.e. fund startups that improve education (clever, code academy etc) and startups that make it easier to start startups (fundersclub, wefunders etc).
Not a YC company, but Lonnie Johnson is an excellent example. Inventor of the supersoaker and now developing thin-film lithium air batteries and working with MIT on solid state thermoelectric engines.
http://www.johnsonems.com/
http://www.excellatron.com/
http://www.johnsonrd.com/ie/lj/ljprofile.html
http://www.parc.com/event/713/high-efficiency-solid-state-en...
http://www.johnsonems.com/
http://www.excellatron.com/
http://www.johnsonrd.com/ie/lj/ljprofile.html
http://www.parc.com/event/713/high-efficiency-solid-state-en...
Lonnie is one hell of a guy. He should be a role model for everyone.
They should build giant benevolent statues of him wherever children gather with the intention of soaking each other for fun.
Another great resource., thanks for these links. very excite to have a great conversation with these young people.
Not sure if this has changed since 2011, but according to this article:
http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/11/technology/diversity_acceler...
Another Y Combinator representative told CNNMoney: "We've never collected any stats about people's race or ethnicity. It's not a big factor when we're judging applications."
Maybe the founders (if any) can identify themselves
http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/11/technology/diversity_acceler...
Another Y Combinator representative told CNNMoney: "We've never collected any stats about people's race or ethnicity. It's not a big factor when we're judging applications."
Maybe the founders (if any) can identify themselves
That seems like an odd strategy to me; like "no really, you can do it look these other black people did it"--as i would expect the merits/benefits of programming itself to be the main motivating factors. Perhaps I am underestimating the amount of self-imposed race-based limiting factors; which makes me sad and surprised. On the one hand I want to say, "please focus on the fact that they can do anything they want; and this is a great thing to do"--and on the other, if showing them African American's doing it will be significant toward getting some of them into programming; then by all means.
I have no idea about yc; but you might find this answer on quora useful: http://www.quora.com/Who-are-some-notable-African-American-f...
I have no idea about yc; but you might find this answer on quora useful: http://www.quora.com/Who-are-some-notable-African-American-f...
For a white kid in America, race doesn't matter, in this, or almost any other context.
For a black kid, seeing black people in leadership roles does matter. It's a reality that for many poor black kids in America, the only obvious path out of poverty is sports or drugs, neither of which are very good options...especially for nerdy black kids living in poverty. That's not to say entrepreneurship is an obvious path out of poverty for anyone (white or black), but being technically savvy is extremely good for your value in the employment market, no matter what you choose to do.
Anyway, I believe you are underestimating the amount of self-imposed race-based limiting factors. I think we're all probably also underestimating the external society-imposed limiting factors on people of color in America, as well (because most of the people on HN are white, grew up in a middle class household, and male).
For a black kid, seeing black people in leadership roles does matter. It's a reality that for many poor black kids in America, the only obvious path out of poverty is sports or drugs, neither of which are very good options...especially for nerdy black kids living in poverty. That's not to say entrepreneurship is an obvious path out of poverty for anyone (white or black), but being technically savvy is extremely good for your value in the employment market, no matter what you choose to do.
Anyway, I believe you are underestimating the amount of self-imposed race-based limiting factors. I think we're all probably also underestimating the external society-imposed limiting factors on people of color in America, as well (because most of the people on HN are white, grew up in a middle class household, and male).
If you've never seen or heard of a person that shares a major trait with you doing a particular thing, but you know that people with that characteristic are common, you probably don't think that you can do that thing either.
In addition, it's not at all unreasonable to think that way. Why waste your time on something that you will ultimately likely not be allowed to do? That's good decisionmaking, not "self-imposed race-based limiting factors."
In addition, it's not at all unreasonable to think that way. Why waste your time on something that you will ultimately likely not be allowed to do? That's good decisionmaking, not "self-imposed race-based limiting factors."
Yes you are definitely "underestimating the amount of self-imposed race-based limiting factors;"...It is true for many kids not just African Americans, seeing people you can identify with even if just superficially can influence how you view certain careers/professions.
Being able to "see yourself" in a certain position, or discovering that a particular avenue for success is "culturally acceptable" is definitive in breaking the mold and helping young minorities expand their horizons. In short, race matters when considering positive role models, Penguin's efforts should be applauded.
Why are so many diners in NYC owned by Greeks? Why are so many corner stores owned by people of Arab heritage? Why are so many basketball players and musicians black? Why are so many CEOs white? Why are so many doctors South or East Asian?
Having a clear line of progression into a career, validated by people you feel connected to, is important. I would say that having a familial connection is strongest, followed by a social connection, and lastly followed by cultural/ethnic connection.
For many of these kids, the first two types of connection are already very weak for high paying careers. Well, at least for those careers that have reasonable prospects of success (ruling out music performance and sports). It can be transformative to these kids to have some example to follow. Believe it or not, not everyone in America is born believing in the reality of the American Dream. It just seems that way to many, because they have been surrounded by people for whom the American system is working from their earliest memories. Many others grow up awash in evidence the game is strongly rigged against them. If that's what the preponderance of evidence tells you, then why try?
I would go further and say that not all the limits black people face in this country are self-imposed. Even if you're doing all the right things, there is a burden to constantly prove you're not one of those black people on the evening news. Not to mention, black people disproportionately lack the privileges of wealth and social connections compared to other ethnicities. This leads to a vicious cycle of self-fulfilling prophecy on the perceived capabilities of black people, as perceived from both within and outside of many black communities. I would argue that institutions should feel some responsibility to recognize these inequalities and even act against them in ways that align with their philosophies.
Having a clear line of progression into a career, validated by people you feel connected to, is important. I would say that having a familial connection is strongest, followed by a social connection, and lastly followed by cultural/ethnic connection.
For many of these kids, the first two types of connection are already very weak for high paying careers. Well, at least for those careers that have reasonable prospects of success (ruling out music performance and sports). It can be transformative to these kids to have some example to follow. Believe it or not, not everyone in America is born believing in the reality of the American Dream. It just seems that way to many, because they have been surrounded by people for whom the American system is working from their earliest memories. Many others grow up awash in evidence the game is strongly rigged against them. If that's what the preponderance of evidence tells you, then why try?
I would go further and say that not all the limits black people face in this country are self-imposed. Even if you're doing all the right things, there is a burden to constantly prove you're not one of those black people on the evening news. Not to mention, black people disproportionately lack the privileges of wealth and social connections compared to other ethnicities. This leads to a vicious cycle of self-fulfilling prophecy on the perceived capabilities of black people, as perceived from both within and outside of many black communities. I would argue that institutions should feel some responsibility to recognize these inequalities and even act against them in ways that align with their philosophies.
Tristan Walker is a very successful African American deep in the startup scene. He was director of BD for FourSquare and was EIR at Andreessen Horowitz for a spell.
He just announced his newest venture, Bevel, a health and beauty 'brand' for people of color.
I don't know him personally, but his public persona seems very welcoming if you wanted to reach out depending on what you're trying to achieve.
[1] - http://www.crunchbase.com/person/tristan-walker
[2] - http://allthingsd.com/20131218/tristan-walkers-next-act-buil...
He just announced his newest venture, Bevel, a health and beauty 'brand' for people of color.
I don't know him personally, but his public persona seems very welcoming if you wanted to reach out depending on what you're trying to achieve.
[1] - http://www.crunchbase.com/person/tristan-walker
[2] - http://allthingsd.com/20131218/tristan-walkers-next-act-buil...
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Why should race (or gender) matter?
As a south-american, the term african-american irks me. It reeks of political correctness, not respect. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism_treadmill#Evolution
EDIT: eh, what did I get myself into... over here we're just plain white/black/latin/asian/etc, despite some media usage of the term 'afro-descendant'. I do support affirmative action policies in general, it's just my personal opinion that teaching kids to be self-conscious about race in this context is not necessarily positive.
As a south-american, the term african-american irks me. It reeks of political correctness, not respect. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemism_treadmill#Evolution
EDIT: eh, what did I get myself into... over here we're just plain white/black/latin/asian/etc, despite some media usage of the term 'afro-descendant'. I do support affirmative action policies in general, it's just my personal opinion that teaching kids to be self-conscious about race in this context is not necessarily positive.
Because race still effects the world we live in.
To insist on a "color blind" view of society, our industry, etc. is to deny the real experience of people of color within it, who have found discrimination and prejudice.
We can and should say to racists that try to prove some sort of race-based superiority that genetically "race" is a silly fiction, and has no basis in reality. But, we can't deny that black folks in America have a very different experience than white folks. Doing so is counter-productive to the conversation that needs to happen.
To insist on a "color blind" view of society, our industry, etc. is to deny the real experience of people of color within it, who have found discrimination and prejudice.
We can and should say to racists that try to prove some sort of race-based superiority that genetically "race" is a silly fiction, and has no basis in reality. But, we can't deny that black folks in America have a very different experience than white folks. Doing so is counter-productive to the conversation that needs to happen.
> To insist on a "color blind" view of society, our industry, etc. is to deny the real experience of people of color within it, who have found discrimination and prejudice.
I inisit on color blindness in all kinds of social, business, and political relationships, but I do not deny that blacks have a much tougher time, other things being equal.
Race-based discrimination, whether supposedly for or against blacks, does not actually provide value for blacks in general in the long run, and neither does it provide value for non-blacks.
As a side note, other things are not equal. For instance, coming from an abusive family in America is probably much more of a disadvantage than being black. We need to stop fetishizing race in particular.
I inisit on color blindness in all kinds of social, business, and political relationships, but I do not deny that blacks have a much tougher time, other things being equal.
Race-based discrimination, whether supposedly for or against blacks, does not actually provide value for blacks in general in the long run, and neither does it provide value for non-blacks.
As a side note, other things are not equal. For instance, coming from an abusive family in America is probably much more of a disadvantage than being black. We need to stop fetishizing race in particular.
"We need to stop fetishizing race in particular."
Who is "festishizing race"? And, what does that phrase mean in this context? Do you believe I'm fetishizing race? Or OP? Or some other comment in this thread?
I'm merely saying that to insist that race not be part of the conversation is a passive approach to maintaining the status quo. Or, to quote Elie Wiesel: "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim."
Who is "festishizing race"? And, what does that phrase mean in this context? Do you believe I'm fetishizing race? Or OP? Or some other comment in this thread?
I'm merely saying that to insist that race not be part of the conversation is a passive approach to maintaining the status quo. Or, to quote Elie Wiesel: "We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim."
But this is not a fight, or it shouldn't be. There is no need to "take sides". The pattern of under-represented ethnicities can be seen all over, should it be brought up in every conversation? It is a reflex of beliefs and behaviours in our society that we want to get rid of, not perpetuate. Encouraging people to discriminate based on race would be the status quo, ignoring it is the exact opposite.
"The pattern of under-represented ethnicities can be seen all over, should it be brought up in every conversation?"
In every conversation? No. In a conversation about the under-representation of minorities in tech? Yes.
"Encouraging people to discriminate based on race is the status quo, ignoring it is the exact opposite."
Ignoring oppression is not the opposite. It is the tacit approval of oppression.
In every conversation? No. In a conversation about the under-representation of minorities in tech? Yes.
"Encouraging people to discriminate based on race is the status quo, ignoring it is the exact opposite."
Ignoring oppression is not the opposite. It is the tacit approval of oppression.
> Ignoring oppression is not the opposite. It is the tacit approval of oppression.
I agree wholeheartedly. And you should fight the opressor.
I understand the need to relate by example, but am I wrong to insist on a reality where race/ethnicity has jack to do with success in tech entrepreneurship?
I agree wholeheartedly. And you should fight the opressor.
I understand the need to relate by example, but am I wrong to insist on a reality where race/ethnicity has jack to do with success in tech entrepreneurship?
Wrong to want reality to be like that? No. Wrong to say that reality is like that today? Maybe, where's your evidence?
status quo? Are you talking about your parents' generation? I don't recall such an incident in my experience in the last few decades. Maybe I'm just sheltered or something; make up your own excuse to ignore me. But I think there's a generation who's made real progress. I would think the conversation would change; but I guess its easier to just repeat the same diatribe than draw from your own experiences or statistics or something solid?
Just following the parent's train of thought. I agree.
You are taking an irrelevant afterthought to my main point and focusing on it. By "fetishing" I mean "treating as extremely important in a way that reality does not justify."
> I'm merely saying that to insist that race not be part of the conversation is a passive approach to maintaining the status quo.
I'm fine conversing about race. But I don't think that you are actually advocating simply for more conversation. I think you are trying to oppose what I am advocating.
I am advocating that as individuals, we should treat other individuals in a colorblind way. I do not think that that would maintain the status quo, I think it would significantly improve the status quo over time.
> I'm merely saying that to insist that race not be part of the conversation is a passive approach to maintaining the status quo.
I'm fine conversing about race. But I don't think that you are actually advocating simply for more conversation. I think you are trying to oppose what I am advocating.
I am advocating that as individuals, we should treat other individuals in a colorblind way. I do not think that that would maintain the status quo, I think it would significantly improve the status quo over time.
I think it's respectful to call people what they wish to be called. If someone prefers to be called "African-American," calling them that has nothing to do with political correctness, it has to do with the person standing in front of you.
The problem is when people use it as a synonym for black. For example, a Jamaican immigrant would not be African-American, and a white South African would be.
No one considers black an offensive term, and in many cases "African-American" is clunky and imprecise, for example this thread. OP is really asking about black founders.
No one considers black an offensive term, and in many cases "African-American" is clunky and imprecise, for example this thread. OP is really asking about black founders.
That's just a mistake. I'm pretty sure that there aren't many black non-Americans asking to be called African-American.
>white South African would be.
The "African" in "African-American" has nothing to do with where you were born or where your parents were born, just like the "Free" in "Free Software" has nothing to do with beer. It has to do with the origin of the features that make you distinct (in a historically particular way) from white Americans.
Of course, if white Africans who move to America identify as African-Americans, it's certainly their right, and I'd gladly refer to them as that.
>white South African would be.
The "African" in "African-American" has nothing to do with where you were born or where your parents were born, just like the "Free" in "Free Software" has nothing to do with beer. It has to do with the origin of the features that make you distinct (in a historically particular way) from white Americans.
Of course, if white Africans who move to America identify as African-Americans, it's certainly their right, and I'd gladly refer to them as that.
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I gave a talk at an informal event for YC cos a month or so ago, and the audience was both large and diverse. There were definitely African Americans in attendance.
Youth seems like the more troublesome homogeneity here. For whatever that's worth.
Youth seems like the more troublesome homogeneity here. For whatever that's worth.
Michael Seibel founded two YC companies: Justin.tv and Socialcam
My understanding was SocialCam and Twitch.TV were both built under Justin.TV. Only later was Twitch.TV spun out. Not sure SocialCam was ever a separate company. Anyone with better knowledge can chime in
Social Cam was spun out as a separate company and participated in the same batch of YC as me (W12) They also sold it to Autodesk for about $60MM if I recall correctly only a month or two after the batch.
Michael was a super nice guy and should be considered a great example here. I always appreciated him bringing beer to the dinners personally though I remember the group office hours with him and his great insights into problems or struggles we were having just as fondly.
Michael was a super nice guy and should be considered a great example here. I always appreciated him bringing beer to the dinners personally though I remember the group office hours with him and his great insights into problems or struggles we were having just as fondly.
Garrett Johnson co-founded SendHub.
You could also compile a list of black "geeks" (yours truely) online and perhaps set them up for mentoring...
Not to be incisive, but I think startup founders are extremely poor role models. Of those I've met, most have been very narcissistic and self-serving (successful ones and failures alike). Plus, I'd wager that those who aspire to be 'startup founders' are putting the cart before the horse.
If black highly intelligent role models are who you're after - Neil Tyson exhibits all of qualities that a kid of any race/creed/religion should aspire to have.
source: I'm a jew and I love Neil.
If black highly intelligent role models are who you're after - Neil Tyson exhibits all of qualities that a kid of any race/creed/religion should aspire to have.
source: I'm a jew and I love Neil.
that's funny, because i'm a scientist and I don't like him at all; to me he seems to use science as a source of authority and power, which is antithetical to the entire philosophy of science.
I'm also a scientist and I find Neil deGrasse Tyson extremely grating. I find something about his snarky/condescending tone to be poor qualities for his role as "science communicator."
Hmmm I have always thought him to be an effective science communicator, I don't see how he's used science as a source of authority and power.
He's also quite accessible, I have randomly ran into him in NYC on a couple of occasions and was always cordial.
He's also quite accessible, I have randomly ran into him in NYC on a couple of occasions and was always cordial.
Why would you use a cosmologist to inspire black teens to become involved with technology and startups? Are smart black people fungible?
Read the comment before responding. Neil is being held as a "black highly intelligent role model". What is your source of confusion.
Incisive? I can't think of a definition that makes sense in this context.
Use a dictionary. " 2. biting or sarcastic; mordant"
Yea no. If he meant sarcastic he should have used it - "incisive" has extra implications of being perceptive and cutting to the point, which doesn't really fit well in a self descriptor/apology - because I assume he is not disclaiming his intention to actually get to the point, just the potential offense caused by criticizing founders on HN.
- I think NewMe Accelerator will be a better option. Here is their link ~> http://www.newmeaccelerator.com/ . It is like the YC for African American people. There's alot that you'll find.
Thanks for this link. This is a great resource.
Paul Judge is also a very prominent and successful entrepreneur in Atlanta. He's had a number of security related businesses. He's currently working as chairman of Pindrop Security and probably doing other things of top of that. Link:http://www.pindropsecurity.com/about-pindrop-security/
Penguinlinux. I would love to help you out more. You should even talk to Angela Benton who runs the program. She is a very nice woman.
- Here is a link to the startups ~> http://www.newmeaccelerator.com/startups/
How many are founded by Native Americans?
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You mean by indians?
Sorry to break it to you, but Columbus was a bit wrong about that. You see there's this thing called the Pacific...
Thankfully other languages have evolved separate words (e.g. índio vs indiano) so witty remarks from both sides can be avoided.
I'm pretty sure there are Indian YC founders, just not Native American ones.