WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–High Street Equity Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Washington D.C. and Little Rock, Arkansas, announces an investment by Bank of America for Fund I, serving as the firm’s first institutional investor. Bank of America’s investment furthers High Street’s mission to support revenue-generating companies across the United States with an emphasis on diverse entrepreneurs who historically face disadvantages securing capital.
“The difficulties minority founders face to secure funding are widespread and staggering,” High Street General Partner Mitch Brooks said. “Bank of America’s commitment to minority-focused funds is a significant contribution that aligns with our shared goal to create a marketplace where economic opportunity exists for everyone. We are thankful and excited to have Bank of America as an investment partner.”
Overall, Bank of America has committed $1.25 billion to advance racial equality and create economic opportunity, of which over $400 million is allocated to investments in minority-focused funds like High Street Equity Partners.
“It is not enough to want change,” Bank of America Global Corporate Strategy Director, Renee Nalbandyan said. “We must take action to create opportunities to support those with a passion and a vision to grow. We are thrilled to partner with High Street as we work together for a better and more equitable world.”
Founded in 2021, High Street Equity Partners is led by General Partners Mitch Brooks and Tristan Wilkerson. The firm focuses on investments in diverse startup teams whose companies are composed of one or more historically underrepresented founders. In 2022, the firm announced a $15 million inaugural fund to invest in industry-agnostic technology companies in the seed stage. Previous High Street Equity Partners investments include companies such as Happied, ChargerHelp and Campus Ink.
ABOUT HIGH STREET EQUITY PARTNERS
High Street Equity Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in technology-enabled companies with an emphasis on diverse entrepreneurs and diverse geographies. High Street leverages operational, financial, and policy expertise ensuring its portfolio companies reach their full potential – aiming to create value with more than capital. High Street has been featured in Business Insider, Washington Business Journal and The Grio. Learn more at www.highstreetequity.com.
