New York – June 8, 2023 – Cooley advised 2045, an exclusive membership network for influential professionals of color, on its launch and $4.2 million pre-seed financing. Partner Jason Kent led the Cooley team advising 2045.
Benchstrength led the funding round, with AAF Management and Connecticut Innovations also participating. NBA New Orleans Pelicans player CJ McCollum also participated as an angel investor.
Porter Braswell, a former Goldman Sachs alumnus, founded 2045 to provide a platform and community to empower influential professionals of color to feel seen, heard and valued. The company fills the current market void while addressing the less than 1% of the $50 billion pledged by American companies to support Black communities – and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts – following the death of George Floyd in 2020 . 2045 will provide the necessary tools and programs to help corporations better support, retain and promote a diverse workforce.
