Founder, Chief Executive
Plug In Ventures
Smith, a southern Los Angeles native, decided to create a startup incubator in his childhood neighborhood after spending years witnessing financial neglect and a lack of economic development in the area. The nonprofit, Plug In Ventures, acts as a 12-week-long accelerator program for early-stage companies founded by Black and other underrepresented founders. Plug In Ventures was started in 2015 and, along with its accelerator program, also runs workshops and networking sessions that connect founders to mentors, entrepreneurs and potential investors. The company runs primarily on grants and sponsorships from the likes of companies like Verizon and Nike. Plug In Ventures has had a hand in around 50 companies that have passed through its accelerator program.
YEARS ON LA500: 1
