Nasir Qadree, the founder of Zeal Capital Partners, a venture capital firm based in Washington, DC, joins Shoppe Black co-founder, Tony O. Lawson, for an insightful conversation on inclusive investing and the unique approach of Zeal Capital Partners.

During the interview, Qadree discusses his journey into venture capital and underscores the significance of supporting diverse management teams and mission-driven entrepreneurs. He outlines Zeal Capital Partners’ dedication to redefining the foundations of wealth through strategic investments in education, employment pathways, financial technology, and health equity.

Zeal Capital Partners operates under an inclusive investing mandate, ensuring both financial returns and social impact. Qadree’s background, which diverges from the traditional VC path, allowed him to create a differentiated strategy that resonated with limited partners. This approach helped Zeal raise significant capital, even amidst challenging market conditions.

The conversation delves into Zeal’s focus areas:

Future of Work: Investing in technologies that reskill and upskill workers to address the skills gap.

Financial Technology: Supporting ventures that expand credit access and combat biases in credit systems.

Health Equity: Investing in companies that improve access to affordable healthcare and address social determinants of health.

Qadree discusses the challenges of raising capital for a mission-driven firm and shares his strategies for convincing limited partners to back Zeal. He emphasizes the importance of having a strong conviction in one’s vision and being disciplined with the cap table. Additionally, he advises founders on navigating the VC market, focusing on market understanding, product differentiation, and investor alignment.

As Zeal Capital Partners continues to grow, Qadree remains dedicated to inclusive investing, supporting diverse entrepreneurs, and driving meaningful social change. The firm’s comprehensive post-investment support ensures that portfolio companies receive the necessary tools and guidance to scale and succeed.

Watch the full interview below to learn more about Nasir Qadree’s inspiring journey and Zeal Capital Partners’ innovative approach to venture capital.

https://youtu.be/UiHfUfPfUZY