Empowering Latino/a Entrepreneurs: LA Tech Event Spotlights Diversity and Representation

Los Angeles, celebrated for its diverse demographics, boasts nearly 5 million Hispanic or Latino/a residents. However, a lingering sentiment prevails – a dearth of representation within the city's vibrant tech sector.

Recognizing this disparity, Valeria Martinez, an investor at VamosVentures, highlighted the dearth of Latino and Latina entrepreneurial narratives during the prior year's LA Tech Week, primarily concentrated on the city's west side. Driven by a determination to reshape this narrative, Martinez and her associates took initiative.

Drawing insights from a Dot.LA article, a leading purveyor of news on the Los Angeles tech and startup landscape, the event, aptly titled "The East Side Story – Latino/a Founders and Funders in LA," unfolded at the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) nestled within the vibrant Arts District. Collaborating entities included VamosVentures, LatinxVC, VCFamilia, Supply Change Capital, LEEAF, PledgeLA, and AnnenbergTech.

At its core, the event centered on the stories of the Latino/a community, voiced by its members. Patty Rodriguez, co-founder of publishing company Lil' Libros, underscored the potency of storytelling as a tool for human connection. Drawing from her father's journey from Guadalajara, Mexico, Rodriguez saw narrative-sharing as a pathway to inspiration. Although her father never witnessed the "better life" he aspired to, Rodriguez aspires to amplify his narrative and ignite the aspirations of others to share their experiences.

With attendance surpassing 400 individuals, the event attracted founders, investors, aspiring entrepreneurs, and vendors. It provided a platform for an eager community to engage with relatable stories, nurturing a stronger sense of unity and belonging.

Fanny Grande, CEO of Avenida Entertainment Group, acknowledged the paucity of on-screen representation for the Latino community. This realization propelled her to establish a production company aimed at empowering independent creators. Grande expressed optimism in the evolving landscape driven by technological advancements, social media, and a vocal new generation demanding authentic representation.

One avenue through which Avenida Entertainment Group supports creators is by leveraging technology to fund and produce projects. Grande unveiled plans for an English-language streaming service, offering visibility to Latino/a projects. This approach not only showcases creators' work but also bridges it with the community that fostered its inception.

Patty Rodriguez, co-founder of Lil' Libros, reflected on her journey, highlighting the absence of entrepreneurship in her upbringing. Despite lacking prior experience in publishing, Rodriguez staunchly believed in the rightful place of Latino/as on significant platforms. Her gratification stems from opening doors for Latino/a authors and witnessing their books grace prominent bookstores, a testament to the realization of their dreams.

In essence, the event, citing a Dot.LA article, cast a spotlight on the stories and experiences of the Latino/a community within the tech and entrepreneurial sphere. It nurtured a more inclusive environment in a city renowned for its diverse populace. As Los Angeles-based entrepreneurs, the local community can anticipate heightened visibility, support, and an amplified voice within the realms of tech and business. This event marks a significant stride toward a more equitable representation that mirrors the city's vibrant tapestry of cultures and perspectives.

Source: LA Latinx Founders On Authentic Storytelling - dot.LA