Leadership
About the founders
In response to anti-LGBTQ attacks, Jackson Block and Tiana Tukes founded LGBT+ VC, the first 501(C)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing the LGBTQ venture capital ™ community. The founders began their careers in the tech industry and they converged over a shared passion for early-stage investing. They have been tireless advocates for LGBTQIA+ venture capital and have supported charitable causes within the LGBTQ community, including refugee rights and youth employment.
The nonprofit addresses a supply crisis of LGBTQ investors in financial markets. A thriving economy depends on investors of all kinds, including members of the LGBTQ community.
JACKSON BLOCK
Co-founder, Board Director
"LGBT+ VC was founded by venture capitalists, and built for good."
TIANA TUKES
Co-founder, Board Director
"VC is one of the few remaining paths to build generational wealth & to close the LGBTQ wealth gap."
EVELYSSE VARGAS, Zeal Capital Partners
Board Director
Evelysse Vargas is a Senior Associate at Zeal Capital Partners, an inclusive investment vehicle partnering with entrepreneurs to bridge America’s Wealth, Skill, and Opportunity gaps. In her role, Evelysse is directly involved in the end-to-end deal process from sourcing and evaluation to deal structuring and post-investment value creation.
She received her B.A. from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. Evelysse was born and raised in New York City and is actively involved with various charitable organizations focused on reducing barriers for overlooked and underrepresented people in NYC.
INVESTOR COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
MAGNUS KORSÆTH, Goldman Sachs Growth
San Francisco Bay Area, Community Lead
JOSHUA PULMAN, Truist Ventures
New York City, Community Lead
Chase Seklar, Advaita Capital
San Francisco Bay Area, Community Lead