📝 Zeal Capital Partners raises $82M

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Zeal Capital Partners has closed its second fund at $82 million, with backing from Citi Impact Fund, M&T Bank, Wells Fargo, and Spelman College. The fund will invest in at least 25 early-stage startups in fintech, healthcare, and the future of work, writing checks of $1M to $2.3M and reserving half the capital for follow-ons. Despite a tough fundraising environment, over 80% of Fund I investors returned, a testament to Zeal’s strategy and performance. The fund joins a growing wave of Black-led firms making significant raises, even amid political pushback on diversity-focused investing.

StartEngine’s $30M Surge — Own a Piece Before June 26

Private markets are having a moment, thanks to companies like StartEngine.

The leading alternative investing platform is helping everyday investors like you access deals once reserved for VCs and insiders, including exposure to private market titans like OpenAI, Databricks, and Perplexity.Âą

How’s it going? In Q1 2025, StartEngine pulled off $30M in revenue, its biggest quarter ever (based on unaudited financials).²

But StartEngine isn’t just a middleman. The company earns 20% carried interest on select pre-IPO offerings, unlocking value for shareholders when these deals succeed.³

How can you tap into this diversification play? By investing in StartEngine.

StartEngine has crowdfunded $85M+ to date, and you can join 45K+ shareholders before the company’s current round closes on June 26.

Reg A+ via StartEngine Crowdfunding, Inc. No BD/intermediary involved. Investment is speculative, illiquid & high risk. See OC and Risks on page.

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Are you looking to grow your business? Here is how I can help:

📱Book a Strategy Call to get 1:1 feedback on your pitch, pitch deck and/or fundraising strategy. (If you need general startup advice, then reply to this email, and I’ll let you know if/how I can help.)

Onwards and Upwards,