Minority Entrepreneurship Institute - aVenture Asset Manager Research
Location
Dallas, TX, US
Founded
2018
The Minority Entrepreneurship Institute (MEI) is a seed-stage impact investing fund focused on fostering minority entrepreneurship. MEI primarily invests in Black, LatinX, and female founders through strategic investments and annual pitch competitions. The firm aims to close the economic and educational gap in minority communities by providing access, education, capital, and community support.
Notable portfolio companies include Cuemby and ShearShare, which have raised $50,000 and $2.1 million respectively. Founded by Jaylon Smith, MEI emphasizes a mission-driven investment philosophy. The firm offers unique value-add services such as the MEI Fellowship, which provides selected founders with mentorship and resources to scale their businesses.
Portfolio Snapshot
Portfolio activity breakdown across disclosed investments and stages
Portfolio Companies2
Current Portfolio Count2
Top Investment Stages
Pre-Seed1 (50.0%)
Seed1 (50.0%)
Stage Mix
Pre-Seed 50%Seed 50%
Concentration shown as share of disclosed investments by stage.
