Cooley's program aimed to support black entrepreneurs

Cooley's program aimed to support black entrepreneurs

The first-of-its-kind scheme offers guidance to early-stage UK technology startups

One of the top 20 US law firms, Cooley, has signed on to support technology entrepreneurs from under-represented backgrounds. It has partnered with Tech Nation's Libra, a growth program designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the UK technology sector.

Chris Coulter, the London-based Cooley partner and member of the firm's diversity committee said, "With under-represented founders facing a historic lack of access and a significant lack of diversity within the venture capital, we are excited to partner with Libra as they drive change around how the capital is allocated and accessed."

Libra was launched recently to provide access to the capital and commercial opportunities and professional networks to UK technology startups with at least one black or multi-racial with black heritage founder.

By partnering with Libra, which claims to be the first program of its kind in the UK, Cooley lawyers will offer practical guidance on securing institutional investments to the 30 seed or pre-seed companies that make up Libra's first cohort.

Libra's inaugural cohort included startups operating across education technology, data analytics, business intelligence, health technology and smart cities sectors.

The startups will receive more than 60-hours of support from Tech Nation alumni and Cooley professionals over a six-month period covering topics including fundraising, selling into corporates, scaling operations and expanding internationally.

Abi Mohamed, Tech Nation's Libra program lead, stated "I am confident Cooley's contribution will provide vital support for these companies to take with them long after they complete the program."

"As an international law firm, Cooley's experience in promoting equality and diversity in a range of contexts strongly aligns with the aims and values of Libra's programs," she added.