Support network Tech Nation has revealed the startups selected for the 2024 cohort of the Libra programme, which aims to champion underrepresented founders.
Now in its third year, Libra is a programme addressing the funding and support gap faced by ethnic minority founders.
Tech Nation said that between 2009 and 2019, just 0.24% of all venture capital funding went to black founders.
The six-month Libra programme – comprised of coaching, workshops and networking opportunities – will support the development of black, South Asian, Latinx and Arab-founded companies.
Members of the 2024 cohort include Brarista, an AI bra sizing tool; Ecolens, which collects emissions data across supply chains; Deep Loop, a generative AI market research tool; and Bakkali, a platform for accessible grocery shopping for culturally diverse products.
The full cohort of 25 companies will be mentored by the organisation’s team of experts and given access to a network of investors.
“Libra exists to address the systemic disparities in the entrepreneurial landscape, and the founders’ awareness of these challenges only fuels their determination to succeed,” said Libra programme lead Chantelle Young.
“Sharing their stories and successes, collecting crucial data and insights, and fostering a tight-knit community alongside alumni are the building blocks of the transformative impact we aim to achieve through the Libra Programme.”
Tech Nation CEO Carolyn Dawson added: “We know that a truly innovative and representative tech ecosystem hinges on diversity, and we’re excited to amplify the voices of this talented Libra cohort, helping them to grow their businesses and inspire future generations of founders from all backgrounds.”
Earlier this month, Tech Nation revealed the 24-strong cohort for its climate startup programme, its first since the brand relaunched last year under the ownership of Founders Forum.
Tech Nation closed down in March 2023 after losing government funding, before relaunching in October.
The full list of Libra 2024 cohort startups is:
- Bakkali
- Deep Loop
- Brarista
- Ecolens
- Final Rentals
- aTrace
- TRC
- Nowii
- Microfon
- Unyte Africa
- meCash
- Zido
- Elifa
- UNNDOO
- WUKA
- Travel Creators
- Vendoir
- FueGo
- Vieunite
- Tech1M
- TEVR
- Greenworkx
- Genzaar
- Bot Theory