Kofi Ampadu has always believed that great ideas come from everywhere, not just from the familiar circles of Silicon Valley or New York City. As the founder of 11 Tribes Ventures, Ampadu is on a mission to reshape the venture capital landscape by investing in diverse founders who are often overlooked by traditional investors. With his unique vision, Ampadu is not only providing capital but also actively mentoring and supporting early-stage startups that have the potential to make a lasting impact.
Born to Ghanaian parents, Kofi Ampadu’s upbringing was steeped in a culture that values resilience, hard work, and community. These values shaped his approach to business and venture capital. Growing up, Ampadu witnessed the barriers many entrepreneurs faced—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—in getting their ideas off the ground. After completing his education and spending years working in startups, he realized that the venture capital industry was not built to support diverse founders. This realization led him to create 11 Tribes Ventures, a fund that is committed to providing financial and operational support to founders from all walks of life.
Launched in 2021, 11 Tribes Ventures is built on the belief that innovation doesn’t just happen in the usual places or come from the usual suspects. Ampadu’s venture firm focuses on early-stage companies that are often ignored by traditional venture capitalists, especially those led by people of color, women, and immigrants. With a goal to address systemic inequalities in startup funding, 11 Tribes Ventures is helping to bridge the gap for founders who don’t have access to the same networks and resources as others.
What sets Ampadu apart is not just his focus on diverse founders but also his holistic approach to venture capital. 11 Tribes Ventures operates on the idea that success isn’t just about funding—it’s about mentorship, community, and creating long-term value. Ampadu often emphasizes the importance of providing founders with more than just capital. He offers hands-on guidance, connects founders to valuable networks, and helps them navigate the challenges of scaling a startup.
Since its inception, 11 Tribes Ventures has invested in several promising startups across various sectors, including healthcare, fintech, and consumer products. Under Ampadu’s leadership, the fund has grown rapidly, attracting investors who share his vision for a more inclusive venture capital ecosystem. His efforts have not only empowered diverse founders to succeed but have also highlighted the untapped potential of investing in underrepresented groups.
Ampadu’s journey to becoming a venture capitalist wasn’t a straight line. Before founding 11 Tribes Ventures, he spent years working in product development and strategy roles in the tech industry. This experience gave him firsthand insight into the challenges that founders face, from product development to scaling operations. It was during this time that he realized how many great ideas were being overlooked simply because the founders didn’t fit the traditional mold of what a “successful entrepreneur” should look like.
Despite the challenges of starting a venture firm focused on diversity in an industry that is historically homogeneous, Ampadu remained determined. “Diverse founders are building the future, and they deserve the same opportunities as everyone else,” he often says. His mission is clear: to level the playing field and create a more equitable venture capital environment.
One of Ampadu’s key beliefs is that the success of a startup ecosystem depends on the success of all its participants, not just a select few. He regularly advocates for venture capitalists to look beyond the usual metrics and focus on the potential for long-term impact. At 11 Tribes Ventures, the focus isn’t just on achieving financial returns, but also on creating lasting change in communities through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Beyond his work at 11 Tribes Ventures, Kofi Ampadu is a mentor to many young entrepreneurs, especially those from underserved communities. He is a frequent speaker at startup conferences and workshops, where he shares his insights on fundraising, scaling businesses, and navigating the complexities of the startup world. His passion for entrepreneurship and his dedication to supporting the next generation of founders has made him a well-respected figure in the venture capital community.
Looking ahead, Ampadu has ambitious plans for 11 Tribes Ventures. With an eye on expanding the fund’s portfolio and deepening its impact, he aims to continue investing in underrepresented founders and helping them turn their ideas into successful businesses. Ampadu believes that by supporting diverse entrepreneurs, he is not only building better companies but also creating a more inclusive and innovative future.
As Kofi Ampadu leads 11 Tribes Ventures into the next phase of its journey, one thing is certain—he is not just funding startups, he’s changing the narrative around what it means to be a successful founder in today’s world.
