Recast Capital Unveils Latest Cohort to Propel Future Venture Leaders

Recast Capital Unveils Latest Cohort for Next Generation Venture Leaders

In a significant move to champion diversity in the investment landscape, Recast Capital has officially unveiled its third cohort for the Accelerate program. This initiative is specifically designed to empower women and nonbinary individuals leading early-stage venture funds in the United States. Launched in early 2023, the Accelerate program aims to equip the next-generation managers with the resources and community connections necessary to build institutional-quality funds.

The 2025-2026 cohort will consist of 18 venture funds, each individually selected because of their innovative and impactful approaches. Remarkably, within this cohort, 28% of the general partners (GPs) identify as Black, 17% as Asian, 11% as LatinX, 6% as LGBTQ, and 28% as first-generation U.S. citizens. Clearly, Recast Capital's commitment to driving inclusivity is not just a talking point; it is reflected in the diverse backgrounds of the program participants.

The focus areas of these funds span a wide array of sectors, including but not limited to artificial intelligence, climate technology, fintech, and health-wellness, signaling a promise for future-forward investment strategies. Importantly, over half of the managers in this cohort are actively in the process of raising their first fund, making this an ideal springboard for burgeoning venture capitalists.

Participants in the Accelerate program benefit from a variety of unique offerings, such as essential firm-building resources and a robust network of service providers. They also gain access to complementary executive coaching aimed at refining their management and operational skills. By providing such layered support, Recast Capital is laying a solid foundation for these future leaders, helping them navigate the venture capital landscape with confidence and agility.

Cohort III is supported by an expert selection committee comprised of seasoned limited partners who recognize the potential among next-gen managers. This committee includes notable figures like Ashlie Tyler from Bank of America and Regina Cho from Crewcial Partners, demonstrating the collaborative effort to uplift this talented group of managers.

The results from previous Accelerate cohorts underline its effectiveness. According to a study conducted in partnership with the Milken Institute, it was discovered that nearly half of the companies funded by Accelerate participants featured at least one female-identifying founder—a figure starkly higher than the industry average. Additionally, a third of these startups included first-generation U.S. citizens amidst their leadership, drawing attention to the program's impact on promoting not only gender diversity but also ethnic and socio-economic diversity in the startup ecosystem.

Recast Capital co-founders Courtney McCrea and Sara Zulkosky express their excitement about the latest cohort, marking it as a continuation of their vital mission to dismantle barriers that have historically limited access for minority managers. Their unwavering belief is that diverse perspectives in investment management will significantly enhance returns and contribute to a more robust investment ecosystem.

As the venture capital community continues to evolve, so too does the imperative to boost underrepresented talent within the sector. Recast Capital’s Accelerate program is a beacon of hope for up-and-coming managers aiming to reshape the venture capital industry. With early support from entities like Pivotal Ventures, Recast aims to broaden its outreach, increase future cohort sizes, and enhance funding opportunities for managers.

To learn more about how to engage with this transformative program, interested parties can explore Recast Capital's website and reach out directly for more information. By investing in diverse management teams, the Accelerate program not only champions equality but also sets a new standard for success in the venture capital arena.

Recast’s efforts are setting in motion a powerful wave of change within investment management that emphasizes not only performance but also equity, making the landscape more inclusive and representative of the diverse world we live in.