Startup Catalyst: Ben Stokes and the Diversity-Driven Future

Join me for an enlightening and thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Ben Stokes, a visionary entrepreneur, venture capital expert, and tireless advocate for diversity and inclusion. Hailing from a humble farm in Tasmania, Ben's journey from Sri Lanka to the forefront of the venture capital world is nothing short of inspiring.

In this episode, we delve deep into Ben's upbringing and how his unique background has shaped his mission. As the Founding Partner of Chasing Rainbows, an early-stage investment fund focusing on LGBTQ+ founded companies, Ben's commitment to providing access to capital for underrepresented founders is palpable. He shares heartwarming success stories that highlight the real-world impact of his work.

Ben's accolades, including being named a 40 under 40 Rising Star of Venture and a Pride Leader, only scratch the surface of his accomplishments. Tune in to hear how he leverages his recognition to drive change, mentors startups to global success, and speaks at international platforms like the UN General Assembly.

Discover how Ben's experience at tech giants like Oracle and Salesforce has influenced his approach to venture capital and why he's passionate about fostering startups from inception to exit. From nonprofit boards to co-chairing StartOut's Investor Board, we explore how he's championing transformative projects that push boundaries and ignite change.

As the conversation unfolds, Ben's insights shed light on the challenges and triumphs of scaling startups globally, the pivotal role of mentorship, and his vision for a future defined by radical inclusivity. Join me in this riveting dialogue that showcases the power of one individual's determination to create a world where diversity, knowledge, and experience are celebrated, one investment at a time.

Learn more about Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bpstokes/