Core Insights - Jumpstart Health Investors, the first Black healthcare venture capital firm in America, continues to thrive despite pressures to abandon its focus on Black-owned businesses [1][3] Group 1: Company Background - Founded in 2020 by Marcus Whitney and Kathryne Cooper, the firm was established to support Black-led health companies following America's racial reckoning [2] - The initial investment initiative, Jumpstart Nova Fund I, surpassed its $30 million target, creating a portfolio of 11 companies and a database of approximately 400 Black founder-led projects [2] Group 2: Challenges Faced - The company encountered significant political and legal pressure from conservative groups against DEI-focused programs, prompting a strategic shift away from explicit DEI initiatives [3] - Marcus Whitney emphasized the need to build an institution rather than constantly defending against lawsuits [3] Group 3: New Initiatives - In November 2024, Jumpstart Health Investors launched Jumpstart Nova Fund II, which no longer considers DEI outcomes in its investment decisions [4] - The new fund aims to expand investment opportunities to all founders while building on the foundation of the previous fund [4] Group 4: Continued Support for Black-led Organizations - Despite the shift in focus, the company continues to support several Black-led organizations, including Therify, Teamwork, Time Study, Alerje, and Mae, which address various health and community needs [5][6]