Hadiyah Mujhid is reshaping the venture capital landscape by forging pathways for Black communities, particularly historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) students and recent graduates, to access funding and become investors.
A University of Maryland Eastern Shore alumna and experienced entrepreneur, Mujhid transitioned from leading a computer vision startup to addressing deeper systemic issues in VC representation. In 2017, she founded HBCUvc, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing racial and ethnic diversity within venture capital.
Mujhid’s journey underscores the challenges and persistence required in this space. Despite early setbacks with a nonprofit called Black Founders, she leveraged those experiences and relationships, including securing an initial investment from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The support lent HBCUvc both financial resources and credibility, encouraging other donors like the MetLife Foundation, Social Good Fund and Nasdaq Foundation to contribute. Since its launch, HBCUvc has raised $6.6 million in grants to fuel its mission.
HBCUvc’s flagship initiatives focus on providing practical and culturally aware education about venture capital. Its Start Up School annual summit connects undergraduate students with Silicon Valley leaders, offering insights into startup ecosystems and investment strategies. Moreover, the organization is recognized for facilitating paid summer internships at leading VC firms for MBA students and recent HBCU alumni. These internships place participants alongside top investors where they gain hands-on experience evaluating startups and making investment decisions. According to Mujhid, the programs emphasize understanding venture capital through a lens that resonates with the lived experiences of Black communities.
Mujhid’s broader vision for HBCUvc involves mobilizing a new generation of investors and leaders who can contribute to the economic empowerment of Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. Her approach spans supporting startups across all growth stages and incorporates partnerships with entities like AnnenbergTech and PledgeLA to place interns at respected VC firms such as Stat Zero and Crosscut Ventures. Mujhid has advocated for leveraging technology and entrepreneurship as tools to dismantle economic disparities.
Her leadership and innovative work have earned recognition from prominent outlets, including Forbes, TechCrunch, Black Enterprise, and Business Insider. Notably, HBCUvc is now credited as the largest U.S. program offering paid summer internships in venture capital specifically for university students of color, marking a significant milestone in diversifying the VC industry.
Mujhid’s story illustrates the intersection of tenacity, strategic partnerships, and culturally conscious programming in transforming venture capital into a more inclusive ecosystem. By equipping Black students and recent alumni with the skills and opportunities to succeed as investors, HBCUvc is helping to drive systemic change within the startup and technology industries.
