July 2025 DVRGNT Ventures Newsletter
Championing the Untapped Potential of The Great 38™
Dear DVRGNT Ventures Community,
As we close out a vibrant July, we are taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey of building. Our mission to champion the untapped potential of The Great 38™ isn't just about investing; it's about seeing possibility where others see barriers. Our GP, B. Pagels-Minor, has been a living embodiment of this vision, and it is a true privilege to share these moments of connection, leadership, and unwavering commitment with you. It is a hopeful and deeply authentic journey we are on together.
DVRGNT Wiz Quiz
1 ) What is a "unicorn" in venture capital terms?
A startup that has achieved profitability in its first year
A company valued at over $1 billion
A company founded by a solo entrepreneur
A startup with a global presence
2) What is the typical lifespan of a venture capital fund?
3 Years
5 Years
10 Years
Indefinite
Keeping Up With B. This Summer!
B. recently had an insightful conversation with Alicia Castillo Holley on the Wealthing Podcast. Catch the full interview here.
New Investment Opportunities:
We believe the most promising opportunities often emerge from unexpected places. This month, we're honored to highlight a unique chance for growth and partnership.
The Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles: For Black-led Canadian tech founders, this is more than an event—it's an invitation to connect, to be seen, and to thrive in Southern California's tech ecosystem. We urge you to apply by August 18 and step into this transformative opportunity.
Industry Insights/Blog Highlights:
The conversations shaping our industry are evolving, and we are committed to being a part of them. Here are some insights that have resonated with us and align with our hopeful vision for the future.
BUILDERS WANTED: At DVRGNT Ventures, we’re not afraid to say it: we love the wild ones. We’re not just investors—we’re builders. [Link]
Building a More Inclusive Cap Table: It's a hopeful sign of progress: new legislation is making it easier for communities that have historically been overlooked to become allocators, not just applicants. This is a crucial step toward true equity in the venture ecosystem. [Link]
"There has to be a better way for VCs to source deals:" We believe this deeply. As we've seen with Astia Fund's unique, bias-free "Sift" strategy, there is a better, more effective way to find untapped talent. Their impressively low 11% failure rate for startups is not just a statistic; it's a compassionate and compelling roadmap for a more inclusive and successful future for all. [Link]
The numbers don't lie: While the VC landscape presents challenges, divergent-thinking investors are finding exceptional value in female-founded companies, whose share of successful exits is proving they are a worthwhile bet. [Link]
Industry Events/Highlights:
Our journey is about showing up—for our founders, for our partners, and for the communities we serve. These upcoming events are more than just dates on a calendar; they are opportunities to connect and build a more inclusive future together.
2025 Black Women in Venture Capital Martha's Vineyard Retreat, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts (August 14-17, 2025): Join B. as they connect, learn, and collaborate with speakers and special guests from around the globe, building a powerful community of women leaders. To view the agenda, click here.
B. will be in Martha's Vineyard for the retreat; if you are in the area and would like to connect in person, please reach out to team@dvrgntventures.com.
Rocky Mountain Venture Capital Association - Emerging VC Summit, Boulder, Colorado (August 13-14, 2025): This event focuses on the role of independent board members in startup success. To learn more, click here.
DiverseVC 2025, San Francisco, California (September 10, 2025): This event focuses on building a stronger community within the diverse emerging venture capitalist ecosystem. For more details and ticket purchase, click here.
Ohio VC Fest, Cincinnati, Ohio (September 16, 2025): This annual event brings together VCs, angel investors, founders, and industry pioneers for networking, deal-making, and thought leadership. For more information, click here.
Quantum World Congress, Washington, DC (September 16-18, 2025). This event covers quantum technology topics. For more detail visit here.
Seattle 2025 Venture Capital World Summit (September 18, 2025): A Venture Capital World Summit event. To purchase tickets to attend, click here.
Silicon Valley 2025 Venture Capital World Summit (September 23, 2025): A Venture Capital World Summit event. To purchase tickets to attend, click here.
Chicago 2025 Venture Capital World Summit (September 25, 2025): A Venture Capital World Summit event. To purchase tickets to attend, click here.
Washington DC 2025 Venture Capital World Summit (September 29, 2025): A Venture Capital World Summit event. To purchase tickets to attend, click here.
AIF Women Investors' Forum, New York City, New York (September 30, 2025): This event aims to empower and connect women investors. Invite Only If interested in participating, use the form here to contact for more information.
Quiz Answers
Q1) B. A company valued at over $1 billion
Q2) C. 10 years
Thank you for being part of our story and for sharing in our mission. Your trust and support mean the world to us. We are confident and hopeful about the future we are building, and we are grateful to have you on this journey. Please feel free to reach out and connect.
Sincerely,