Our Story
Our name is not arbitrary—we build on the success of past generations of Black and brown founders.
1821 is a global community of Black and brown founders, investors, operators, and allies. We support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
The first African American to receive a U.S. patent—granted in 1821 for a dry-cleaning process he invented in New York City.
Curated forums in-person and online—not for pitching, but for the kind of honest, high-context conversation that supports founders during their entrepreneurial journey.
Meet and build meaningful relationships in our 1,300+ member community of founders, investors, and allies.
Through the Founder Spotlight, the Dispatches newsletter, and podcast, we bring Black and Brown founder stories to light.
Thomas Jennings built a successful tailoring business in New York City in the early nineteenth century. His patent, granted in 1821, made him the first African American inventor recognized by the U.S. patent system. What distinguished Jennings was not only his inventiveness but his understanding that individual success carries a community obligation—that the resources you build should serve others. That instinct is the instinct 1821 was founded on. Read more about Thomas Jennings →
Black and Brown founders are creating and scaling companies—across industries, markets, and continents. 1821 connects founders, investors, operators, and allies, providing agency and access to critical growth resources.
We are building a global community of Black and Brown founders that spans industries and generations—championing individual empowerment, innovation, and inclusivity.