Lauren Washington
About Lauren Washington
Lauren Washington is the Co-Founder and CEO of Fundr, and she actively participates in various initiatives to promote economic empowerment and diversity. She holds advisory roles at multiple organizations and has a strong background in entrepreneurship, marketing, and investment strategies.
Work at Fundr
Lauren Washington serves as the Co-Founder and CEO of Fundr, a platform established in 2019 that automates seed investing by creating portfolios of vetted startups for angel investors. Under her leadership, Fundr has focused on simplifying the investment process for individuals looking to support emerging businesses. The platform aims to connect investors with promising startups, fostering a more accessible investment landscape.
Current Roles and Involvement
In addition to her role at Fundr, Lauren Washington is actively involved in several organizations. She has been a member of the Mayor’s Task Force for Austin Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) since 2023, contributing to initiatives that support female entrepreneurs in the Austin, Texas area. She also serves as an Entrepreneur in Residence at the University at Buffalo, where she shares her expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs. Furthermore, she is a co-founder of Black Future House, which focuses on empowering the Black community in Austin.
Education and Expertise
Lauren Washington holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, where she studied Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. She also earned a BA in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additionally, she participated in the Black Venture Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. Her educational background equips her with a strong foundation in business and communication, enhancing her effectiveness as an entrepreneur and advisor.
Previous Experience and Contributions
Lauren Washington has a diverse professional background, having held various roles in notable organizations. She worked as a Research Fellow at Impact Capital Managers and served as an Advisor for the Inclusive Future Fund at New Profit. Her experience also includes co-founding Black Women Talk Tech and serving as a Director of Brand Planning and Strategy at Attention. Throughout her career, she has developed marketing and data strategies for over 100 global companies, showcasing her expertise in business development.
Recognition and Impact
Lauren Washington has been recognized as a top female entrepreneur by CIO Magazine, Essence Magazine, and Entrepreneur Magazine. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as The New York Times, Elle, Inc., and Black Enterprise. She is also noted for her contributions to discussions on economic empowerment and collaborative capitalism, particularly regarding investment opportunities in Africa. Her companies have received accolades, including the Advanced Imaging Society’s Distinguished Leadership Award.