Suggestions
Kris Jones (He/Him)
[email protected] - getting underestimated founders funded and investors better deal flow
Kris Jones (He/Him) is the Head of Founder Education at Diversity-X, where he plays a significant role in mentoring and supporting startup founders. His expertise is rooted in extensive experience as an entrepreneur and investor. He has been involved with various initiatives that aim to empower diverse teams and facilitate access to funding for startups.
Professional Background
Kris Jones is recognized for his contributions to the startup ecosystem, having served as a mentor for organizations such as Raise Ventures, Black Valley, and Carbon 13. He has helped numerous founders raise significant capital, reportedly over £50 million, through his guidance and support.24
In addition to his role at Diversity-X, Kris is also the CEO of Magic Sauce, a platform designed to assist early-stage startups in becoming investment-ready by providing education and resources tailored to their needs.4 His professional journey includes founding and leading multiple successful ventures, including the well-known affiliate network Pepperjam, which he sold to eBay in 2009.1
Educational Contributions
Kris is passionate about education and has been actively involved in creating opportunities for founders to learn and grow in their entrepreneurial journeys. His work at Diversity-X focuses on equipping founders with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in a competitive landscape.34
Kris is also a published author and a sought-after speaker, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, digital marketing, and personal development.1 His diverse background and commitment to fostering an inclusive startup environment make him a notable figure in the entrepreneurial community.
Highlights
Just finished Serj Tankian 's "memoir of sorts".
You're wondering what this has to do with business?
Once famous, he used his voice to attract recognition to the Armenian Genocide that has been denied by Turkey for over 100 years. Many countries don't formally recognise it because it's not "diplomatically expedient" to do so.
He's also highlighted (with the likes of Tom Morello) suffering across the globe and raised funds for those suffering because of (too many) conflicts.
Seeing the leaders of top tier VC's in the US pander to an orange megalomaniac because he's offering tax breaks is the opposite of this and goes a long way to explaining the lack of investment into under-represented founders globally. Voices have weight. Principles endure. It's time that people put themselves on the right side of history as well as on the right side of their LP's.
World leaders are complicit in not supporting those suffering most in conflicts instigated by leaders of countries who view opportunism above the suffering of thousands (if not millions of humans).
What has happened in Artsakh with the Azeri and Turkish government wiping out and dehumanising people of Armenian ethnicity is no less terrible than what's happening in Ukraine and Gaza (and I fear Armenia itself is on their wish list). This was new to me as I'd seen little to nothing in the press.
Collectively, when we have influence and voices that will be heard in enough numbers, stay true to yourself and your beliefs.
We are stronger collectively by helping one another than hindering or causing harm.
For those where peace is something you take for granted, be thankful for it. Add your voice in support of those that need it where it's not an option.
I'll just leave this here....
Give us a follow to stay in touch via Magic Sauce Online or join our wait list as an under-represented founder (or someone who wants to invest in them) at the link in the vid.
Not long......*
*huge thanks for the tech team that built this platform back from scratch based on where we were when we beta launched first time out at the end of Spring. Prettier videos of more of the platform to come soon.
Diversity-X Jenny Ervine Kevin Withane (FRSA) Black Valley The Migrant Accelerator Founderland Venturing Women Colorintech 💃 Wil Benton Hephzi Pemberton Liam G. Alison McMurtrie
