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Slauson & Co. is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, focused on investing in technologies that empower small business owners and promote economic inclusion.
Key people at Slauson & Co.
Slauson & Co. is a Los Angeles-based early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2020, focused on investing in technology startups led by historically underrepresented founders, particularly Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. The firm’s mission centers on economic inclusion and democratizing access to entrepreneurship by intentionally expanding the pool of founders receiving venture capital. Slauson & Co. primarily invests in U.S.-based pre-seed and seed stage companies, with a focus on SMB SaaS (small and medium business software-as-a-service) and culturally aligned consumer tech that authentically serves diverse communities. To date, it has invested around $24 million in 26 portfolio companies, emphasizing founder wellness and community support alongside financial backing[1][2][3][5].
The firm was co-founded by Austin Clements and Ajay Relan, who lead its efforts to address the stark disparity in venture capital allocation—where Black and Latinx founders receive less than 2% of VC dollars despite representing 25% of the U.S. population. Slauson & Co. has evolved with a strong network of influential backers including Ron Conway, Jeff Wilke, will.i.am, and Ashton Kutcher, and supports founders through initiatives like the Friends & Family accelerator program, which provides non-dilutive capital and community resources. This approach reflects their belief that talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not, and that lived experience is a competitive advantage in building innovative, authentic products[1][6][3].
Slauson & Co. rides the growing trend of inclusive venture capital that seeks to correct systemic inequities in startup funding. The timing is critical as social justice movements and corporate commitments to diversity have increased awareness and capital flow toward underrepresented founders. By focusing on SMB SaaS and culturally relevant consumer tech, Slauson & Co. taps into expanding markets driven by shifting demographics and the rise of diverse consumer bases. Their influence helps broaden the venture ecosystem, creating more equitable access to capital and resources, and fostering innovation that reflects a wider range of experiences and needs[1][2][6].
Looking ahead, Slauson & Co. is poised to deepen its impact by scaling investments and expanding its accelerator programs, further supporting the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs. Trends such as increased corporate diversity commitments, the rise of minority-led startups, and the growing importance of culturally aligned products will shape their journey. As they continue to demonstrate that inclusion drives outperformance, their influence may help reshape venture capital norms and contribute to a more equitable startup ecosystem.
This mission-driven approach ties back to their founding belief that opportunity must be democratized to unlock the full potential of entrepreneurial talent across all communities[1][6].
Key people at Slauson & Co.
