The First 200 Indexes 200 Black Women Founders Who Raised Over $1 Million
Updated
Updated · Black Enterprise · Jun 25
The First 200 Indexes 200 Black Women Founders Who Raised Over $1 Million
1 articles · Updated · Black Enterprise · Jun 25
Summary
The First 200 launched a public index tracking the first 200 Black women founders in the U.S. to raise more than $1 million in a single VC round since 2022.
More than $3 billion has been raised collectively by the founders on the list, which also breaks out profiles, funding totals, sectors, locations and funding stages.
New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles led founder representation, while health tech, consumer brands and enterprise software ranked among the most represented sectors.
The report found 2021 was the most active year for Black women founders reaching the $1 million milestone, underscoring both recent progress and persistent underrepresentation in venture capital.
The First 200 is extending the project with a podcast, founder dinners, networking events and annual gatherings aimed at connecting entrepreneurs, investors and the broader startup ecosystem.
In a collapsing funding market for Black founders, what makes these 200 women outliers, and can their success be replicated?
With California's VC diversity law suspended, are elite founder networks the only path left to closing the funding gap?
The First 200 Index: Black Women Founders Who Raised $1M+ in Venture Capital and the Path to Equity
Overview
Launched in June 2026 and conceived by Amira Rasool, The First 200 Index is a pioneering archive and media platform dedicated to Black women founders in the venture capital space. Its core mission is to systematically document, celebrate, and provide essential resources for Black women who have successfully raised over $1 million in venture capital funding. This initiative marks a pivotal moment by addressing historical gaps in recognition and support, offering a comprehensive platform that highlights the achievements and impact of these trailblazing entrepreneurs.