a16z Cultural Leadership Fund

CLF is often asked by founders how exactly athletes, entertainers, or executives can be a game-changing asset for their companies. On the flip side, cultural leaders also ask what they should expect when investing in tech startups and working with founders. We've seen firsthand that these partnerships can produce new ideas, new opportunities, and new shifts in culture faster than operating in silos. Dig into some of the most important must-knows and to-dos for building together! ✍: Megan Holston-Alexander, Derek Dolin, Deborah Embaie, MPA https://lnkd.in/gjQbMyCE

It was an honor for CLF to participate in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation 53rd Annual Legislative Conference this week. Thank you Senator Laphonza Butler for convening a discussion that explored the role AI can play in driving economic empowerment for Black communities. Megan Holston-Alexander, DeVaris Brown, and Tyrance Billingsley II shared perspectives on the potential for this innovation to open new markets, make entrepreneurship more accessible, and create opportunities for wealth creation. We are in the early days of gen AI and Black voices and contributions are critical in shaping this future!

See you at #LATechWeek! CLF partner Derek Dolin is hosting a private dinner for the architects, creative confidants, and other leaders in entertainment shaping culture. Join us: https://lnkd.in/gc6MafeP?

For many athletes, entertainers, and executives, stepping into the realm of technology investing for the first time requires a deep dive into the venture ecosystem and the nuances of early-stage investing. To become a great investor, putting yourself in a position to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible can make a substantial difference in how you show up to founders and other investors. Be prepared to spend time building meaningful connections within the tech industry and honing their personal and professional influence to elevate and support future investments. More 💎 's from Megan Holston-Alexander, Derek Dolin, and Deborah Embaie, MPA on how cultural leaders and founders can work together below!

Invest Fest ATL 24! Earn Your Leisure is at the forefront of a financial movement! It was incredible to witness the energy among so many people excited to learn about finance, entrepreneurship, investing, and building wealth. Thank you Shareef Abdur-Rahim, DeMaurice Smith, and Khadija (Kiki) Campbell, MS for the great discussion on the business of sports and athlete investing. And big congrats to Troy Millings, Rashad Bilal, and the entire EYL team at Invest Fest!

Step #1 for founders looking to collaborate with athletes, entertainers & C-level execs: Make it make sense! Finding alignment is not only about shared professional interests or expertise but can also be about shared personal passions. Check out all the must-know's from a recent piece by CLF's Megan Holston-Alexander, Derek Dolin, and Deborah Embaie, MPA. https://lnkd.in/gjQbMyCE

In the onslaught of AI product launches and hyped-up features, it’s worth asking: Which of these gen AI apps are people actually using? And which of them are people returning to, versus dabbling and dropping? Welcome to the third installment of the Top 100 Gen AI Consumer Apps. Every six months, we take a deeper dive into the data to rank the top 50 AI-first web products (by unique monthly visits, according to Similarweb) and top 50 AI-first mobile apps (by monthly active users, according to Sensor Tower.) This time, nearly 30 percent of the companies were new. Here are some of our top takeaways: 1️⃣ Video and music-related tools are on the rise 2️⃣ Competing assistants are challenging ChatGPT 3️⃣ ByteDance is getting in the game, making a push into web-based AI products 4️⃣ There’s a new category in the space: Aesthetics and dating 5️⃣ Discord helps drive growth See the full report by Olivia Moore: https://lnkd.in/exUqJXRn

Dinner on the Bluffs 2024!

Great piece by Doug Melville highlighting the significance of Martha’s Vineyard as a hub of history, art, and culture for the Black community. Thanks for including CLF! https://lnkd.in/guftjp5C

Our 3rd annual Dinner on the Bluffs was magic on Martha's Vineyard ✨ As a place that holds special meaning and history for so many, it is an honor to host investors, partners, and friends for an evening of connection, conversation, and celebration. Thanks to everyone who joined us! Special thanks to Kevin Hart and Gran Coramino for treating our guests to a Vineyard-inspired tasting. The summer vibes were high! 📷 Eric Dargan