Braze Launches Fifth Cohort of Tech for an Equitable Future Grant Program in Partnership with BET+

Braze Launches Fifth Cohort of Tech for an Equitable Future Grant Program in Partnership with BET+

Braze, the leading customer engagement platform empowering brands to Be Absolutely Engaging™, is now accepting applications for the fifth cohort of its Tech for an Equitable Future product grant program. This year, Braze has partnered with BET+, a premium streaming entertainment service, to enhance the support offered to underrepresented founders. Applications will be open until January 17, 2025.

1. Empowering Underrepresented Founders

  • The Tech for an Equitable Future program aims to assist 20 companies led by underrepresented founders, including Black and women entrepreneurs, by providing 12 months of free access to Braze technology and resources essential for business growth and scalability.

2. BET+ Partnership Enhances Support

  • In a first-of-its-kind partnership, BET+ will mentor select participants, offering guidance on customer engagement strategies and access to a branding masterclass. As a Braze customer, BET+ will mentor five program participants and provide free email advertising features in its subscriber campaigns. Jason Harvey, EVP and General Manager of BET+, emphasized the alignment of this partnership with their brand values, aiming to empower under-resourced founders.

3. Addressing Funding Disparities

  • The program addresses significant disparities in venture funding, highlighting that in 2023, Black-founded startups received less than 0.5% of the total VC funding available, while women-founded companies garnered only 2.2%. Braze's initiative aims to provide foundational support to these marginalized groups, offering over $900,000 in annualized product value to startups this fiscal year.

4. Program Eligibility and Benefits

  • To qualify for the grant, applicants must be located in APAC, EMEA, or North America, have underrepresented founders, be bootstrapped or have less than $30M in VC funding, employ fewer than 100 staff, and possess compatible SDK and resources. Selected businesses will receive:
    • Free access to Braze’s Core package, including platform access, SDKs, APIs, and a comprehensive messaging package.
    • Onboarding services and over 25 hours of educational content.
    • A dedicated Customer Success Manager and access to digital community spaces for networking.

5. Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

  • Rod McLeod, VP of Social Impact at Braze, expressed pride in the evolution of the program, highlighting its role in leveling the playing field for marginalized founders and fostering a more inclusive business environment.

The Tech for an Equitable Future program represents a significant step towards addressing the inequalities faced by underrepresented entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Through the collaboration with BET+ and the provision of resources, Braze is committed to empowering diverse founders to thrive in a competitive landscape.