4th Annual Pardi Gras Ball Invests in Five Indiana-Based Black Tech Start-ups and Launches 3M Fund for Black Founders in Indiana
Be Nimble Foundation and Black Hatch Fund hosted their fourth annual Pardi Gras Ball at the Pan Am Pavilion on Saturday, February 22, 2020. The annual gala expanded its footprint this year, with a week’s worth of events that celebrated the intersection of tech, black culture, and entrepreneurship.
Led by Be Nimble Foundation and Black Hatch Fund Co-Founders Kelli N. Jones, Jeff Williams and their event committee, these events brought together over 3,000 attendees and raised over $150,000 for black tech founders. Pitch Pardi, one of the seven events, highlighted 8 of the best and brightest black tech startup founders in Indy. These founders pitched their ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to win $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500 in cash investment, along with legal, business, design, and marketing resources that will help scale their business. The event was sponsored by AT&T, Gutwein Law, Innovatemap, and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. This winners were:
● Grand Prize Winner: Founded by Darrian Mikell, Qualifi, is an HR solution that allows recruiters to easily record, invite and evaluate potential candidates, leading to better candidates and faster hires.
● Second Place Winner: Afterschool HQ, founded by Darye Henry and San Pathak, has a mission that aims to transform 3-6pm for all students by enabling schools to partner with great after school providers in their area.
● Third Place Winners - (Three Way Tie): Mark Harsley founder of KITe, a web and mobile application that allows families to easily compose and share picture mail messages; The Halo App founded by Taylor Simpson is a peer to peer app that connects backers and borrowers for small-dollar loans; and Immortal Soles, founded by Quentin Magnett is a shoe company that uses kinetic energy to charge your cell phone’s battery.
The week of events was a way to mobilize those who want to support and learn more about the black tech ecosystem in Indianapolis. Each event honored the past while looking towards the future. In addition to Pardi Gras Ball and Pitch Pardi, other events included:
Black Wealth & Wellness Community Forum featured a panel of young, relevant, black micro influencers in the real estate, spiritual and wellness spaces.
Indy Black in Tech Mixer brought together those in or looking to transition into the black tech ecosystem in Indianapolis.
#Pardiway Art and Chef Showcase highlighted talented artists and featured food from one local chef, Marko Harrison, inspired by his African American heritage.
Honor the Legacy VIP Reception, which gave pardi goers the chance to participate in an intimate conversation with Judith Thomas, the executive director of the Madame CJ Walker Legacy Center, Gary Brackett, serial entrepreneur and former colt’s player and Kenny Burns, lifestyle specialist.
#LariPardi Recap Brunch, featuring great food and drinks at Michael’s Soul Kitchen.
With the Pardi Gras Ball’s economic impact on the city exceeding $1M, it has become a staple in Indy’s young, black tech community. The fifth annual Pardi Gras Ball will be held during NBA All Star Weekend in Indianapolis on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Be Nimble Foundation is gearing up for another unforgettable week of events.
About Be Nimble Foundation & Black Hatch Fund
Be Nimble is a social enterprise using a quantitative and qualitative method to support the creation and growth of black tech ecosystems. Black Hatch Fund is a venture capital firm who invests in general market technology companies led by black founders.