In Seattle’s bustling tech scene, a new nonprofit is carving out a dedicated space for Black entrepreneurs, addressing long-standing gaps in funding and support. SEA619, founded by Arif Gursel, launched earlier this year with a mission encapsulated in its motto: “We lift as we climb.” The organization aims to provide Black startup founders with tailored resources, from mentorship to capital access, in a city where diverse voices have often struggled to break through.

Gursel, a veteran in the tech industry with experience at major firms, identified a critical need after observing the underrepresentation of Black-led ventures in the Pacific Northwest. SEA619 operates as both an incubator and accelerator, offering programs that include workshops on pitch development, networking events, and connections to investors who prioritize diversity. Early participants report gaining not just skills but a sense of community, which Gursel emphasizes as key to sustainable success.

Bridging the Funding Gap for Underrepresented Founders

Data from industry reports highlights the disparity: Black founders receive less than 1% of venture capital in the U.S., a statistic that SEA619 is actively working to change. Through partnerships with local venture firms, the nonprofit facilitates introductions and demo days, helping founders like those in its inaugural cohort secure seed funding. One such founder, who developed a health tech app, credited SEA619 with refining her business model and connecting her to angels who invested $200,000.

Beyond financial support, the program incorporates cultural competence training for mentors, ensuring advice resonates with the unique challenges Black entrepreneurs face, such as navigating implicit biases in pitching sessions. According to a recent article in People of Color in Tech, Gursel’s initiative draws inspiration from similar efforts nationwide, adapting them to Seattle’s ecosystem where tech giants like Amazon dominate but smaller, diverse startups often languish.

Building a Supportive Ecosystem Amid Broader Trends

SEA619’s approach stands out by rethinking traditional accelerator models, as noted in coverage from GeekWire, which detailed how the nonprofit emphasizes peer-to-peer lifting rather than cutthroat competition. This aligns with a growing wave of community-driven efforts in Seattle, including groups like Dreamward Ventures, which also target Black founders and investors.

Participants benefit from holistic programming, including mental health resources and legal guidance on equity structures—elements often overlooked in mainstream accelerators. Gursel plans to expand SEA619’s reach, potentially partnering with universities to scout talent from historically Black colleges, fostering a pipeline that could transform the region’s startup demographics over time.

Challenges and Future Prospects in Seattle’s Tech Hub

Despite its promise, SEA619 faces hurdles, such as limited initial funding and the need to scale amid economic uncertainties. Insiders point to Seattle’s AI boom, as explored in GeekWire, as an opportunity for Black founders to innovate in emerging fields, yet access remains uneven.

Looking ahead, Gursel envisions SEA619 as a model for other cities, with metrics showing early cohorts achieving higher retention rates in entrepreneurship. By lifting as they climb, these founders aren’t just building businesses—they’re reshaping an industry that has long needed more inclusive pathways. As one mentor put it, the real win is creating a ripple effect where success begets more opportunity for those following behind.