Marlon Evans
Founder, HBCUFI
Social Impact Investor • Nonprofit Founder • Stanford University Alumnus • Entrepreneurship Advocate
About
About Marlon Evans
Marlon Evans is the founder of HBCUFI, an organization that has grown from a single virtual accelerator program into a nonprofit and a for-profit fund helping HBCU students and alumni build and fund their own companies. A Stanford University graduate, Marlon began his career in college admissions before moving into education and social impact work with the KIPP Foundation, All-Stars Helping Kids, and HP.
In 2020, during COVID, Marlon opened his accelerator's curriculum at no cost to HBCU students and alumni who typically lacked access to this kind of support. The first cohort reached more than 350 students from over 50 HBCUs, and in 2021 he spun the program out into its own nonprofit, HBCUFI, backed by partners including AT&T, Franklin Templeton, and UNCF.
In 2023, Marlon launched a for-profit fund investing exclusively in HBCU founders, backed by investors including Bank of America, Costco, and the State of North Carolina. HBCUFI has since served more than 1,600 students and alumni and made over 30 investments, often writing a founder's very first institutional check.
2020
Year HBCUFI Was Founded
50+
HBCUs Represented in the Program
1,600+
Students and Alumni Served
30+
Investments Made Through the HBCUFI Fund
Continue the Journey
Episode Companion Resources
Continue learning beyond the podcast with practical tools inspired by Marlon Evans's conversation on building HBCUFI, raising funding, and creating opportunity for HBCU founders.
Companion Workbook
Work through the same approach discussed in this episode, including how to go directly to your customers first, build a network that lasts, and structure partnerships that create value on both sides as you plan your next move.
FREE
Companion E-Book
Discover the story and strategy behind HBCUFI, from a free virtual accelerator during COVID to a nonprofit and investment fund backing HBCU founders. Learn how Marlon built partnerships, funding, and a pipeline of opportunity from scratch.
FREE
Available free for the first 99 downloads. Pricing may increase based on demand.
Connect with Marlon Evans
HBCUFI Social Links
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