Business leader Ben Stokes is the founding partner of Chasing Rainbows, one of the first venture capital funds to invest only in companies established by LGBTQ+ people. “At its core, my work shifts who gets access to capital and proves that inclusion drives both innovation and returns,” he says.
“Beyond the fund, I speak, mentor, and work with nonprofits to create visibility and opportunities for those within the LGBTQ+ community around the world,” Stokes adds. His work has been honored by organizations including the Milken Institute and ImpactAssets, as well as Fast Company magazine.
“The hardest obstacle has been building credibility in an industry that wasn’t designed for people like me — an LGBTQ+ founder of color without traditional networks or privilege,” says Stokes, a gay/bi man who was adopted from an orphanage in Sri Lanka. “I overcame it by remaining relentlessly focused on results.”
“LGBTQ+ leadership belongs everywhere,” he says. “When we’re given the chance, we don’t just participate; we lead, innovate, and outperform.” With his new fund, Fetch Capital, he can offer that chance to even more LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. @chasingrainbows.vc
