Where founders, investors, service providers, and program partners have equal access to resources,
can efficiently connect, and collaboratively drive innovation.

Hi there,

It’s my first newsletter here in 2025, and given everything happening in the United States, I wasn’t sure where to begin.

Already, we’ve seen billionaires and corporations bowing to a new regime and the disappearance of diversity-related initiatives, while immigrants worry about what their futures hold.

Yet, while the conversation around DEI has taken a 180, the fact remains: economies flourish when diverse perspectives and experiences are at the table. I truly believe that amid the turmoil, there’s still so much we can do to shape a more equitable and innovative future.

I recently posted on LinkedIn about how, in 2024, U.S. venture capital investments totaled $209 billion.

• Only 1.8% of those VC funds were allocated to women-founding teams.
• In the first half of 2023, Black founders received less than 0.3% of U.S. Venture Funding.

This pattern has persisted for decades, and continuing to expect change without action is, as they say, the definition of insanity. Complaining about it certainly isn't moving the needle. Founders, and therefore the economy, can't win without building different systems for accessing alternate types of capital.

Angel investing is how “we the people” vote on the future of innovation. It puts the power into our own hands by directly supporting the entrepreneurs and innovations we want to see succeed.

By investing in diverse founders, even with small checks, we not only shift the balance of power - we create a more robust economy. According to McKinsey:

• Closing the wealth gap between white and black Americans would add anywhere from $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion to the 2028 economy.
• If women participated in the economy equal to men 10 years ago, we’d have added $28 trillion to the global annual GDP by this year. 
• Women and minority groups with at least 30% representation are significantly more likely to financially outperform those with 30% or fewer.

These aren’t just numbers—they’re pathways to sustainable growth.

Angel investing creates ripple effects beyond the dollar amount of the check. Founders who work closely with engaged investors gain access to critical advice, connections, and the kind of support that turns a good business idea into a thriving company. 

At Scroobious we focus on building relationships - not transactions - because we know investing is about people investing in other people and because of that, the decisions aren’t always rational. You go with your gut, as many big investors say they do.

Sometimes, you just like someone.

I've experienced this myself. Recently, a founder I didn’t know followed me on social media and sent Scroobious to one of their angel investors. That investor joined our platform and invested in Scroobious itself. They have since invested in five other founders on Scroobious and connected all of us together in an unofficial group with their other portfolio company founders to share advice, connections, and resources.  

One investor created exponential impact by investing in AND bringing together founders from all over the country and across industries - folks who likely wouldn’t have met otherwise. This is exactly the type of ripple effect I wanted to enable when I founded Scroobious.

We want to help you make these connections easier because they will move the needle. If you’re wondering where to start, check out some of our events below.

Let’s make 2025 a year of working together and creating opportunity for ourselves and the people in our communities who we want to see succeed.

ICYMI: Scroobious has experienced tremendous growth, and so has Lily. She is ready for her next role! We are fully supportive of her exploration and she is continuing to cheer on and support Scroobious in our mission. Check out my LinkedIn post for more.

Help Us Out! If you're a service provider we'd love for you to take our survey to help inform the next version of our Vendor Marketplace. It's short and sweet and should take less than 5 minutes. Take Survey. 

I'm speaking on a panel at the Athena Summit on 2/11 discussing the unique opportunities and challenges women face in reshaping the financial landscape.

Topics will include the growing control women have over generational wealth, the confidence gap in financial management, and the barriers to funding women-led businesses. Use the code INVEST  and Register Here.

Virtual Workshop: Join us on Thursday, 2/13 from 2-3 pm ET for a workshop on how medical device companies can secure public funding. Berta from Inspiralia will cover eligibility, device classification, regulatory pathways, and current NIH funding opportunities. 

Virtual Workshop: Join us on Thursday, 2/20 from 2-3 pm ET for a Fireside Chat with Carrie Colbert, Founding and General Partner at Curate Capital. Carrie will provide valuable insights on leveraging diverse funding avenues to set your company up for long-term success.

The Halcyon Climate Fellowship brings together climate entrepreneurs who receive expert training, critical resources to accelerate their ventures, and an 8-week in-person residency at Halcyon in Washington, DC. Applications due 2/16.

The M2D2 $200K Challenge attracts hundreds of entrepreneurs and startups working on novel solutions that address medical device and healthcare challenges. Applications due 2/16.

CalTech Rocket Fund offers $25,000 - $100,000 in non-equity grants for women and diverse-founded cleantech and sustainability startups. Applications due 3/3.

Elijah Davis is the founder and CEO of Platinum915, a veteran-owned life sciences brand offering innovative hemp-derived and natural plant-based products, including nootropic functional mushroom gummies, kava gummies, hemp-derived beverages, and CBD/D9 THC gummies.

Platinum915's mission is to deliver safe, delicious, and innovative hemp-derived CBD and non-CBD products while fostering joyful customer interactions through a culture of servant leadership. Recognized as a BevNET "Best of 2024" nominee, they want to build a movement that awakens hearts and elevates minds. 

"While navigating a debilitating neck and spinal injury, compounded by a difficult divorce, I endured constant pain that drained my energy and affected my well-being. As a disabled veteran, I experienced the weight of anxiety and suffering firsthand and started Platinum915. Our products provide adults with enjoyable alternatives to alcohol, opioids, and traditional stimulants, supporting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle."

- Elijah

• Sunny, co-founded by Cindy Belardo, received the Human Rights Campaign x SHOWTIME x Paramount+ $10k Queer to Stay Grant.
• Elcove, co-founded by Stacia Yefimenko, won $3,000 at the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA).
• Stanley Rameau, founder of Renavest, was accepted into the Mentors+Angels accelerator programs.
• Joanna Shu, co-founder of FreezeNit, was interviewed on the HAYVN HUBCAST.
• Adaptive Reader, founded by Ethan Pierce, closed an oversubscribed Pre-seed round and is a semifinalist in the SXSW EDU 2025 Launch Startup Competition.
• RT MicroDX, founded by Nathalya Mamane, has been awarded a Phase 1 SBIR grant.
• NeuroBionics, co-founded by Nicolette Driscoll, closed an oversubscribed Seed round.

• Vessl Prosthetics, co-founded by Sydney Robinson, closed an oversubscribed Pre-seed round.

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