Andre Swanston

<p>He had <a href= "https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/10/01/2102121/0/en/TransUnion-Accelerates-Strategic-Focus-on-Identity-Enabled-Marketing-Solutions-with-Agreement-to-Acquire-Tru-Optik.html">a successful exit</a> when his start-up Tru Optik was sold to data giant Transunion last year.   But it was  tough sledding, building an advanced media data business five years ago.  Now a super-hot sector, Andre was ahead of his time.</p> <p>While he made early progress with product development and industry partnerships, funded from a few early stage angel investors, access to venture capital was nearly impossible.  While he says the adtech industry was open to him, he was shut out by VC’s — unable to even to get preliminary pitch meetings.  He blames racial bias.</p> <p>With VC’s investing <a href= "https://hbr.org/2020/06/a-vcs-guide-to-investing-in-black-founders">less than 1 % in Black-founded start-ups</a>, Andre is committed to changing the equation both by his example, advocacy and now personal investing in promising companies.</p> <p>This is one of the topics covered in a wide ranging podcast session moderated by guest host <a href= "https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjswartz/">Ashley Swartz</a>, CEO of Furious Corp.  They cover a number topics including the transformation of TV, the background and promise of the acquisition by Transunion.</p> <p>Editor’s Note: This episode was published in January of the year.   It is as compelling and important as ever, so we are republishing it this week.</p>