Hannah Bronfman, once celebrated as a DJ and content creator, has emerged as a dynamic angel investor with stakes in over 70 companies and a mission to establish her own fund.
Speaking at the AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference, Bronfman shared insights into her journey from spinning records to advising, investing in, and amplifying minority-led startups, particularly those spearheaded by Black women.
The Pivot to Angel Investing
Bronfman’s transition into investing began with Beautified, a beauty app she co-founded in 2013.
The platform, which allowed users to book beauty services, ignited her passion for startups and underscored the critical need for funding in underserved communities.
In 2017, she formally stepped into angel investing, writing her first checks and leveraging her marketing expertise to gain company equity.
Her portfolio now includes brands like Monte’s Fine Foods, Golde, and Topicals.
Bronfman credits her background as a DJ for helping her forge the connections that paved the way for her investing career.
“Every DJ gig was a door into a marketing department,” she said, explaining how these relationships evolved into opportunities to connect brands and expand her network.
Investing with Purpose
At the heart of Bronfman’s investment philosophy is a commitment to minority-owned businesses.
“I continue to prioritize Black women-led businesses in my financial support,” she said, emphasizing the importance of being informed about the industries one invests in.
She encourages prospective investors to educate themselves about sectors they’re unfamiliar with, noting that a strong understanding of the market is essential for success.
Building a Network and a Legacy
Bronfman highlighted the significance of networking and collaboration in scaling businesses, urging investors to engage with their communities and leverage their contacts.
“It’s essential to have these conversations with your community,” she said. “That’s how you get intros and build your network. That’s how you get on cap tables.”
Her future vision includes creating a fund to provide $1 million to $3 million checks for businesses in wellness, beauty, and healthcare.
She dreams of fostering Black-owned conglomerates capable of acquiring and scaling Black brands, envisioning a future where the culture has its own “Black LVMH.”
Shaping the Future of Black-Owned Enterprises
Bronfman’s career trajectory from DJ to angel investor is a testament to her adaptability and vision.
At AFROTECH™ 2024, she left attendees inspired with her goal of transforming the landscape for minority-owned businesses, signaling that her next act — launching her own fund — could redefine success for Black entrepreneurs across industries.
