Diversi昀椀cation within teams allows for greater capacity to adapt. However to sustain and build upon this trajectory, continued targeted efforts must be made to further dismantle systemic biases and promote inclusivity. Karl Lokko Chairman, Black Seed Increased accessibility to information has inspired many over the last decade to embark on ‘starting up’. Empowered by a culture of experience sharing, entrepreneurial awakenings are happening all over. This information evolution has contributed to a burgeoning diversity in seed-stage excellence. The trans- formative impact of COVID-19 has underscored a need for adapt- ability. Combined with a post George Floyd era, a paradigm shift has begun to take place. Under representation was collectively challenged, allowing for a greater endorsement of black talent in entrepreneurship, an increased focus on female representa- tion within founding teams and a wider acknowledgment that diverse teams out perform their non diverse counterparts. Di- versi昀椀cation within teams allows for greater capacity to adapt. However to sustain and build upon this trajectory, continued targeted efforts must be made to further dismantle systemic biases and promote inclusivity. The entrepreneurial ecosystem’s commitment to widening the funnel isn’t just an ethical impera- tive but a strategic advantage for the entire startup landscape. 73 | Companies