Press Release

Cooley Joins Effort to Promote Diversity in Venture Capital

British initiative Diversity VC launches in US
January 5, 2018

London – January 5, 2018 – Cooley is supporting Diversity VC to bring the nonprofit initiative to the US in a continued effort to strengthen diversity in the venture capital community. 

The US chapter of Diversity VC, a nonprofit organization headquartered in London, will promote greater diversity in venture capital through several initiatives, including helping underrepresented groups build a VC network, getting minority interns into VC firms and publishing data about diverse representation. 

“We are thrilled to champion Diversity VC,” said Ryan Naftulin, Cooley partner and global vice-chair of the firm’s business department. “Cooley strongly supports Diversity VC’s mission in the UK, and now the States, of promoting diversity in the venture capital and emerging company community. We look forward to partnering together on this important initiative.” Naftulin has been a Cooley partner in Palo Alto and Washington, DC; he is now based in London. 

Cooley’s sponsorship of Diversity VC will help the organization with mission-critical initiatives, such as lectures, dinners and entrepreneurship events.

Diversity VC was created by venture capitalists Check Warner, Farooq Abbasi, Anna Huyghues Despointes, Lillian Li and Travis Winstanley. Through their work with entrepreneurs, investors and universities, Diversity VC seeks to create a more inclusive industry free from bias. 

About Cooley LLP

Clients partner with Cooley on transformative deals, complex IP and regulatory matters, and high-stakes litigation, where innovation meets the law. 

Cooley has 900 lawyers across 12 offices in the United States, China and Europe.



This content is provided for general informational purposes only, and your access or use of the content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you or your organization and Cooley LLP, Cooley (UK) LLP, or any other affiliated practice or entity (collectively referred to as “Cooley”). By accessing this content, you agree that the information provided does not constitute legal or other professional advice. This content is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction and you should not act or refrain from acting based on this content. This content may be changed without notice. It is not guaranteed to be complete, correct or up to date, and it may not reflect the most current legal developments. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Do not send any confidential information to Cooley, as we do not have any duty to keep any information you provide to us confidential. This content may be considered Attorney Advertising and is subject to our legal notices.