An Impactful Year
The mission of the Kapor Center family of organizations, Kapor Capital, Kapor Foundation, and SMASH, is to build an equitable tech ecosystem that creates economic opportunity, tackles critical societal issues, and reflects the power and perspectives of Black, Latine, and Native communities.
This mission becomes more critical than ever in the current economic and sociopolitical climate weaponizing racial equity. The targeted elimination of DEIB roles and large-scale layoffs in tech due to this year’s economic downturn have disproportionately impacted Black, Latine, and Native talent in tech. Moreover, political attacks on diversity efforts, such as the banning of diversity programs in education, the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action, and the injunction against the investment fund from targeting programs exclusively based on race are likely to further undermine racial equity. This year has taught us that a path toward equity requires a steadfast commitment and a coalition of dedicated individuals and partners.
Throughout 2023, we’ve had the privilege to continue to invest in gap-closing tech startups and work with our phenomenal partners, grantees, investors, entrepreneurs, educators, and scholars in transforming tech to better reflect our communities and meet the needs of the future ahead. Here’s what we’ve been up to:
