Hadiyah Mujhid is not just an accomplished Founder and CEO; she is a trailblazer with a mission to revolutionize venture capital. Her brainchild, HBCUvc, a nonprofit venture capital firm, is rewriting the rules of startup investment, prioritizing Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. Furthermore, her background as a former software engineer and technical founder sets the stage for an inspiring journey of impact and innovation.
From Tech Luminary to Founding Nonprofits
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was where it all began for Mujhid. Her academic journey led her to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a historically black university (HBCU), where she earned a BS in computer science. She didn’t stop there; she went on to secure an MBA from Drexel University, honing her skills in both technology and business.
After donning the graduation cap, Mujhid embarked on a promising career as a software engineer at Boeing. Her work took her to new heights—quite literally—where she authored software responsible for launching satellites into space. However, her entrepreneurial spirit led her to co-found Black Founders, a nonprofit committed to supporting and uplifting Black entrepreneurs.
The Birth of HBCUvc
In 2017, Hadiyah Mujhid breathed life into HBCUvc. The mission: To foster racially equitable economies by dismantling the barriers that Black and Latinx entrepreneurs face when accessing capital. What sets HBCUvc apart is its investment approach, which spans startups at all stages, from their earliest steps to full-blown growth.
Tech as a Tool for Equality
Mujhid is more than just a business leader; she’s an advocate for using technology and entrepreneurship to combat economic inequality. Her mentorship and teaching have empowered others with her insights. She’s also a sought-after speaker and author, often gracing conferences to address equitable innovation, venture capital, and technology entrepreneurship.
An Impressive Portfolio of Recognition
Hadiyah Mujhid’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has earned recognition from prestigious publications like Forbes, Blavity, TechCrunch, Business Insider, Black Enterprise, and Handelsblatt. Her dedication and impact culminated in her being named a 2018 SOCAP Scholar and one of Essence magazine’s 100 Most Woke Women of 2018.
The Vision for an Equitable Future
Mujhid’s passion is palpable, and her commitment is commendable. She stands as a relentless advocate for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, striving to create a more equitable and inclusive economic landscape where opportunities are abundant for all.
In summary, Hadiyah Mujhid is a beacon of hope for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs and a source of inspiration for anyone devoted to forging a more equitable and inclusive world. Her pioneering work at HBCUvc is rewriting the rules of venture capital, and her accolades serve as a testament to her unwavering commitment to reshaping the future of entrepreneurship.
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“We haven’t seen racial diversity in venture capital and realize how it has a huge impact on the overall tech ecosystem.”
