Goldman Sachs selects FLAIR for ‘Launch With GS’ UK Black Tech cohort
Goldman Sachs alumnus Nii Cleland, CEO of FLAIR, joins programme along with six other black-owned tech companies
LONDON, UK – 23 March, 2022 – FLAIR, a racial equity technology company, is participating in the Goldman Sachs 2022 Launch with GS inaugural UK Black Tech cohort. Part of a $1 billion investment strategy, the cohort features seven technology companies, all led by UK-based black founders operating across a range of sectors such as fintech, property, legal and enterprise software.
“Having started my career at Goldman Sachs, it’s an honour to return as a participant of its Launch with GS UK Black Tech cohort,” said Nii Cleland, Co-Founder and CEO, FLAIR. “We’re on a mission to build a world where all ethnicities can thrive by giving organisations the tools and metrics to create racially equitable cultures. A big part of that is tackling the issue of representation at a senior and founder level. There are so many amazing black owned businesses, but there is still a lack of minority-led start-ups and investment into those businesses.That’s why initiatives like Launch with GS are so important. We’re looking forward to learning from experts at Goldman Sachs at a key period in our growth journey.”
As part of the programme, FLAIR will have access to resources within the Goldman Sachs network, receiving direct and customised support from its investment banking, research and investing teams. The experience will conclude with an Investor Showcase, where the companies present their visions to the Launch With GS ecosystem of like-minded investors.
Seun Toye-Kayode, EMEA head of Launch With GS, said: “Diverse teams are not only key for solving some of today’s biggest challenges, but also for driving strong returns. By helping organisations measure racial equity, FLAIR is giving business leaders the ability to implement solutions that drive material change and report back on progress in a tangible way – something that is essential for doing business today. Led by one of our alumni, FLAIR’s mission goes hand in hand with our own, and we’re pleased it has joined our talented cohort of Black-owned tech companies.”
FLAIR’s technology helps organisations measure and build racially equitable cultures. It provides leaders with the tools and metrics to regularly track a number of key areas, including racist behaviours; attitudes; levels of racial awareness; inclusion barriers; performance; pay; and recruitment. By taking a data-driven approach, organisations can implement impactful solutions and report on progress towards racial equity – ensuring they are mitigating risk and reaping the rewards.
To learn more about the companies in the 2022 Launch With GS UK Black Tech Cohort, please visit: www.gs.com/LaunchWithGS
