LONDON – March 14, 2022 – The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. today announced that seven companies have been selected to participate in the first UK Black Tech cohort of Launch with GS, a $1 billion investment strategy built on our data-driven belief that diverse teams drive strong returns. The personalized immersive program will provide highly tactile access and resources to a select group of UK-based black founders, to accelerate the growth of their businesses and build relationships with investors and industry experts.

The UK Black Tech 2022 cohort includes:

“The UK is a global hub for tech talent, but despite overwhelming evidence that diverse teams perform better across the board, underrepresented founders face disproportionate barriers to entering the VC ecosystem and benefiting its network,” said Nishi Somaiya, global co-head of Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Asset Management. “We believe that combining the vision of these talented founders, with guidance from Goldman Sachs executives and access to company resources, will help accelerate their growth trajectories and access to capital.”

Seun Toye-Kayode, EMEA Manager Launch with GS, said, “The program has been specifically designed to meet the needs of each participant and their business. We have seen the effect of our work in the US and are delighted to provide a platform for some of the UK’s most promising start-ups and their founders.

Each entrepreneur will receive personalized feedback from across the company, with Goldman Sachs investment teams providing direct support to each founder. They will participate in workshops with Goldman Sachs leaders across the investment banking, research and investment teams and have the opportunity to engage with the broader Goldman Sachs network. The two-week experience will include personalized programming and culminate in an invitation-only Investor Showcase, where companies will pitch their visions to the Launch with GS ecosystem of like-minded investors.

To learn more, visit: www.gs.com/LaunchWithGS

About Goldman Sachs, Inc.
The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. is a leading global financial institution that provides a broad range of financial services in the areas of investment banking, securities, investment management and retail banking services at a large and diverse customer base including corporations, financial institutions, governments and individuals. Founded in 1869, the company is headquartered in New York and has offices in all major financial centers around the world.

On Launch with GS
Launch with GS is Goldman Sachs’ $1 billion investment strategy built on our data-driven belief that diverse teams drive strong returns. By Launch with GSGoldman Sachs aims to increase access to capital and facilitate connections for women, black people, Latinx and other diverse entrepreneurs and investors.

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