Listen to GHOGH with Jamarlin Martin | Episode 05: Angela Benton
Angela Benton talks about starting NewMe Accelerator, whose black and brown founders have raised $42 million in venture capital. Super-early to Black tech media with BlackWeb 2.0, she discusses building her personal brand while being a single mother, battling cancer, and whether or not most of the “diversity” gains in Silicon Valley will go to privileged white women.
The original programming Benton created will continue through the acquisition, and she’ll stay on as an advisor, Blavity reported.
“Lighthouse’s acquisition of NewME is a win across cultures,” said Matthews. “Our accelerator expansion will enable us to reach even more underrepresented founders and their transformative businesses, which offers even more opportunities to connect all people with the disruptive technologies that enhance and define the human experience.”
Benton said on Instagram that she had to keep the NewMe sale a secret, and that was tough.
“This was probably the hardest secret that I had to keep! The sale closed in December and I’m beyond excited to see @candicebrackeenexecute on her vision.
Hillman was the first accelerator in the Midwest providing support to tech companies founded by underserved individuals, according to the company website.
Matthews’ entrepreneurial experience includes co-founding Hello Parent, a national safety technology partner of the Brady Campaign to Reduce Gun Violence and the American Academy of Pediatrics. She also pioneered partnerships with P&G, Miami University, and the University of Cincinnati.
The Hillman/NewMe program offers week-long accelerators in partner cities including Cincinnati, Columbus, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Miami. Free online resources are available for entrepreneurs.
https://twitter.com/mauricecherry/status/1082754221265571841
Really excited to announce the sale of NewME!! These are a few pics from the closing and in my opinion incredibly significant. How often do you see a Black woman selling a company to… https://t.co/EWVlkgj56z
— Angela Benton (@ABenton) January 8, 2019
The next accelerator begins Jan. 28. You can apply here.