UFSC National organization is hosting the COVID-19 Relief Series to keep members and Communities of Color informed of the economic impact of both COVID-19 and programs created to support individuals, businesses and communities during this time of uncertainty.

This session is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, 2020, 6:30 pm EDT and is entitled “Why Diversity is Needed in the Venture Capital Space”. Featured speaker is Johnathan Mayo, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Team Excel.

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to unfold and companies look to be more socially responsible to the African American community, there is a space that appears to be overlooked – the venture capital space.  Studies show of all venture capital funding in normal economic times, less than one percent goes to black founders. If that number isn’t staggering enough, according to Forbes only three percent of venture capital funds employ black or other minority professionals.  Our speaker is a black founder and will share his experience in the venture capital space; the challenges he has overcome and what can be done to increase the amount of money going to black businesses.

Speaker Bio:

Johnathan Mayo
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Team Excel

Johnathan Mayo is a former mechanical engineer, and now serial entrepreneur who serves as the Founder and CEO of Team Excel. The online platform helps organizations increase motivation and improve outcomes by allowing teams to compete based on metrics such as academics, attendance and community service hours. Considered a tech startup, the concept of Team Excel program was born out of the Excel to Excellence nonprofit. At this nonprofit Mayo developed, launched, and managed the Team Excel program.

In 2019, with approval from the board, Mayo transitioned Team Excel into a separate for-profit entity structured as a Virginia Benefit Corporation. As a digital platform, the vision for Team Excel is to create a global league where students compete and motivate each other to excel in the classroom and life.

In addition to Team Excel, Mayo has been involved in numerous business ventures to include Avail, Serving Up Change, Crow Cookies, and Mama J’s. With experience as an entrepreneur across multiple industries, he has been involved in all aspects of starting, managing, and marketing businesses. While he started several businesses as a kid to include John’s Grass Cutting Service and Top Score Tutoring, his first business as an adult was Avail. This agency specialized in cause marketing, special events and foundation management. Avail still operates today.

As a former All-Academic and All-Metro football player, Mr. Mayo has been involved in sports since an early age.  With a passion for sports and a strong academic background, he has developed a well-rounded resume that includes experience in sports, technology, and entrepreneurship. To refine his skills, Mr. Mayo obtained master’s degrees in Business Administration and Sport Leadership through the School of Business and Center for Sport Leadership at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Mr. Mayo is passionate about making a difference in the world and strongly believes that social enterprises are the key to solving some of the world’s biggest social issues.

In addition to his business endeavors, Mr. Mayo is married and had two young daughters.

Date:  Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Time:  6:30 pm, EDT.
Location:  Virtual and hosted on ZOOM
Recorded:  Yes, this call will be recorded.

Register here at https://UFSCCOVID-19VentureCapital.eventbrite.com

To learn more about UFSC and its upcoming events visit www.ufscnet.org