How to Prepare for Investor Meetings When You Don’t Fit the Pattern
Strategies for pitching your story, building credibility, and turning a nontraditional background into a competitive advantage.
Nitin Rai
April 1, 2026
For some populations, there is a noticeable gap in gaining access to investment capital. These aspiring entrepreneurs are both underserved and overlooked, yet they have the courage and vision it takes to start and scale a business.
At Elevate Capital, we believe there is a tremendous opportunity to invest early and offer mentorship to these entrepreneurs. We provide the venture capital and guidance they need to turn their startups into great companies.
Funds for women, minorities, veterans
$25k to $100k / Investment
The Elevate Capital Fund II invests nationally in scalable start-ups primarily founded by underrepresented minority founders, including Women, People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+, and Veterans in technology and health care. See Portfolio companies.
Local, regional and global startups
$100k up to $2 Million
$50k to $250k / Investment
Whether we’re raising venture capital or investing time and energy, we know the effort is worth it. Because their growth and success brings financial reward and benefits to their communities. At Elevate Capital, we are proud to help make such a positive impact.
Raised by Portfolio
Minorities, Women & Veterans
We support visionaries from all walks of life and help them reach entrepreneurial success.
We serve a range of industries to bring disruptive ideas and products to market.
Raised by Portfolio
Minorities, Women & Veterans
We support visionaries from all walks of life and help them reach entrepreneurial success.
We serve a range of industries to bring disruptive ideas and products to market.
Strategies for pitching your story, building credibility, and turning a nontraditional background into a competitive advantage.
A decade later, the results speak for themselves: thriving companies, meaningful exits, and a ripple effect that is reshaping who gets funded and why.
Ben’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship, collaborative mentorship, and driving meaningful change has left an indelible mark on Elevate Capital and the startup ecosystem.
We respect your privacy and we will not share or sell your information.
We are a team of investors who help underserved entrepreneurs reach their highest potential by providing the venture capital and mentorship needed to build a successful company.
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