Dr. Chris Brooks was in the thick of his dissertation when he co-founded Brown Venture Group, a venture capital firm exclusively for Black, Latinx, and Indigenous technology startups. On top of that, he worked a full-time job and took his commitments as a spouse and father of four seriously. 

But what sounds like extreme sacrifice to us was “being obedient to my calling” to Chris. And that calling? Creating a new case for human flourishing in communities of color. 

Chris believes venture capital can move marginalized groups out of poverty and into living wage jobs, making that human flourishing possible. 

Christian theology — particularly Eastern-rooted theology — and economics are, to Chris, intertwined and inextricable. His doctorate and lifelong study of theology are indispensable to his entrepreneurship and devotion to economic justice. 

Books & other resources mentioned

Unsettling Truthsby Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah

The Mystery of Capitalby Hernando de Soto

Black History for White People podcast

Where to find Dr. Brooks and Brown Venture Group

Dr. Brooks on LinkedIn

Brown Venture Group website, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook

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