Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney
Build The Damn Thing
Sign O' The Times: Building a Company that Ends Racism
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Sign O' The Times: Building a Company that Ends Racism

How did Genius Guild quickly raise millions to invest in diversity founders?  Kathryn shares her journey to get to that point, including all the work she had done over the last 20 years to build the relationships she needed to create Genius Guild.

“I started Genius Guild after years of trying to figure out how to create a space where everyone wins.”

How can you build a company that reflects your values? Kathryn wanted to create a space where everyone, especially Black people, could win. And she tried to defy the zero-sum dichotomy that says if one group of people wins, it means other people lose. 

“One ask turned into more asks, and one donation became many donations.”

The Covid pandemic inspired Kathryn to start the Doonie Fund, a micro-grant platform that gave $160,000 to 15,000 black women-led entrepreneurs within six weeks. 

“I knew I could build Genius Guild because I had spent a lifetime building stuff.” 

Your experience and everything you’ve learned from successes and failures are the fuel that can power your latest venture. 

Guests Mia Henry: https://www.freedomlifted.com/miahenry Saidah Nash Carter: https://saidahnashcarter.com/Brian Laung Aoaeh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/industrialtransformationandsupplychaintechnology/

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Build the Damn Thing: A Newsletter from Kathryn Finney
Build The Damn Thing
No more excuses. No more procrastination. If you’re ready to take your business, side hustle or idea to the next level, then this is the podcast for you! The podcast is hosted by Kathryn Finney, one of the most influential women in tech (INC Magazine), one of the first Black women to sell her startup, and Managing General Partner at the Chicago-based venture firm, Genius Guild.
Based on Kathryn’s bestselling book “Build the Damn Thing: How to Build a Successful Business if You’re NOT a Rich White Guy”, Build the Damn Thing is part storytelling, part mix tape and designed to teach you how to bring your business to the next level. The podcast features lessons and tips from leaders and entrepreneurs who have “Built the Damn Thing” themselves. From serial entrepreneurs to those who take risks to solve problems both abroad and locally — it's all here on the show!