CSD Social Venture Fund

Innovation thrives when accessibility is at the core. These nine startups are examples of how accessible technology isn’t just about inclusivity; it’s a business strategy. From AI-powered speech recognition to real-time AR subtitles, they’re revolutionizing industries and unlocking new opportunities. 🔗 Discover the game-changers already shaping the future at our blog. https://lnkd.in/ghvWgaGK #Accessibility #Innovation #TechForGood #ImpactInvesting #InclusiveTech Animated Graphic Description: The CSD SVF logo is centered at the top. Text appears in animation word after word: "Nine Startups Disrupting the Tech Scene with Accessibility." Below it are three arrows bundled together in dark green, light green, and gold. The background is white, featuring a transparent photo of people huddled around a laptop. The arrows transition to various logos one by one, which include: Be My Eyes, AccessiBe, XRAI Glass, Dot Inc., ASL Aspire, Voiceitt, Nagish, Envision AI, and Equal Access.

What do closed captions, voice assistants, and text-to-speech have in common? They were all originally designed for people with disabilities. Now, they benefit people with and without disabilities alike. This is the curb-cut effect: when accessibility-first design makes everyone’s life easier. That’s one reason why we invest in tech startups that prioritize accessibility from day one. Read our blog to learn all about accessibility-first design. https://lnkd.in/gsAqiUxu #AccessibleDesign #CurbCutEffect #InnovationForAll #TechForGood Video Description: The quote, "Innovation that starts with accessibility benefits us all today.", is in large centered dark teal text with the last word bold and highlighted in light green. The entire quote appears in an animated way where each line of the centered text slides in from one side to the next alternately. Below the quote is a light red line and a circle in the middle as a divider. The bottom shows the CSD SVF logo centered. The background is white with faded hexogram lines on the top right and bottom left corners. The slide transitions to a light green background with the CSD SVF logo.

Technology should open doors, not create barriers. Yet, too often, accessibility is added later instead of being built into the design from the start. We want to change that. We’re creating resources for startups that integrate accessibility from day one, ensuring that their innovations work for everyone—because inclusion fuels progress. Want to be part of this movement? Read our latest blog today! https://lnkd.in/gsAqiUxu #InclusiveInnovation #TechForGood #AccessibilityInTech #DeafInTech Video Description: Starting with a black background, the text in light green appears “Accessibility first.” A door slowly appears behind the text, opening with a solid white space inside. It slowly moves forward until the video is filled with white as the background as it transitions to the next frame. It now shows a light-faded background image of a person smiling with glasses and holding a tablet. Dark teal text appears: “Innovation is for everyone.” then changes to “Let’s build it that way.” Underneath is the CSD SVF logo. Then, the text disappears and the logo appears larger with “www.csdsvf.com”

1 in 6 people worldwide experience some form of disability. Designing with accessibility in mind from the start can open your product up to more users, improve customer experience, and future-proof your brand. We invest in startups that prioritize accessibility, not as a feature, but as a foundation. We’re here to help bring those ideas to life. Know an entrepreneur who should read our blog? Tag them below. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gsAqiUxu #AccessibilityMatters #SmartBusiness #InnovationForAll #InclusiveTech Video Description: With a white background, dark teal and light green text appears: “1 in 6 people worldwide experience a disability.” The text above shows six people icons in a row – all being dark teal, with one being light green. The text disappears and the six people icons duplicate all over the video frame, each row alternating with moving in opposite directions. The middle section then appears blank and the following text appears in animation: “Accessible design = Smart business.” The video transitions to a blank white background and the CSD SVF logo appears along with “www.csdsvf.com”

Accessibility shouldn’t be an afterthought. It should be a starting point. Tech that is built with accessibility-first in mind benefits everyone, not just Deaf and people with disabilities. Closed captions is one example, originally for Deaf and hard of hearing people, now widely used by millions. We’re investing in startups that prioritize accessibility from day one. Because an inclusive future is a better future. Ready to create impact? Learn about the business of accessible tech today. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gsAqiUxu #AccessibilityFirst #InclusiveInnovation #FutureOfTech #SocialImpact Video Description: The video begins with light pink highlighted text “Question:” with the pulsating question mark above it on top and the CSD SVF logo centered at the bottom. At the center, appearing in animation is the text “What is accessibility first design?” The background is white with a faded image of two people standing, smiling, and shaking hands. Next, the question mark transforms into a pulsating checkmark in light green, followed by light-highlighted text: “Answer:” The center of the video now displays: “When tech is designed for accessibility first, it works for everyone.”

Meet Bryan Edwards, new Fund Manager! With a strong background in venture capital, investment management, and credit analysis, Bryan is ready to drive inclusive innovation forward. His expertise, paired with a passion for diversity and accessibility in tech, makes him the perfect leader to invest in game-changing, impact-driven startups. Now based in Austin, Bryan is deeply connected to the growing tech ecosystem and is committed to making the industry more inclusive. Join us in welcoming Bryan to the team! #InclusiveTech #VentureCapital #ImpactInvesting Image Description: Centered is a headshot cutout of a smiling man with short hair and beard wearing a suit and tie. Behind his headshot is a light green circle and the CSD SVF logo centered on top. The background is white. Above the headshot, the text reads: "I’m dedicated to generating strong financial returns while supporting communities that are often overlooked, generating a meaningful, lasting social impact." On the left side of the text, there is a faded quote icon behind it. On the bottom right, the text reads: "Bryan Edwards, CSD SVF Fund Manager."

New Direction, Bigger Impact! CSD SVF is shifting its focus to support entrepreneurs who believe in the power of accessibility-first innovation. Our mission is clear: investing in businesses that create scalable, sustainable impact. With our new focus, we’re championing founders and investors who are reshaping industries with accessibility in mind and are still supporting our current portfolio of founders. Expect more insights, investment opportunities, and success stories that showcase why inclusive innovation is the future of smart investing. This space is for YOU. Whether you’re an investor, founder, or advocate. Let’s drive meaningful change together. Be sure to subscribe for our latest updates at the link in our bio. #ImpactInvesting #InclusiveInnovation #FutureOfBusiness Video Description: Animated text appears in dark shades of teal and green that read: "New direction. Bigger impact." The background is white with a faded CSD SVF logo and a photo of three people sitting and laughing. Then a dark green circle transitions in and becomes the background. CSD SVF logo in white appears in the center with a light green "csdsvf.com" underneath.

Bryan Edwards, Fund Manager of the Techclusion Fund, will be at SXSW 2025 from March 7-12 in Austin, TX. As someone passionate about making tech more inclusive, Bryan is focused on funding an inclusive future and supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs in tech. Techclusion’s mission is simple: give diverse founders the tools and resources they need to succeed in the fast-moving tech world. Bryan’s looking forward to meeting others who are working toward a more equitable future. If you’re in Austin, don’t miss the chance to catch up with him at the event. Let’s create a future where tech works for everyone!

SVF is deeply saddened to share Mozzeria’s difficult news. Their DC location is closing on December 31, 2024. We know this was a hard decision to make, and we want to acknowledge and support those who may be immediately impacted by this news. This difficult decision reflects Mozzeria’s unwavering commitment to Deaf excellence and creating opportunities for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. We will be supporting Mozzeria during this time. #Mozzeria #CSD #DeafExcellence #DeafCommunity #InclusiveEconomy [Video Description: A tall, white, non-binary person with chin-length brown and silver hair with pearl stud earrings, wearing a blue sweater with a white collar. Behind them are white vertical blinds and a couch with a white/tan blanket. There is a standing plant behind the couch, and a framed artwork on the wall.] Transcript: “We share some important and difficult news about Mozzeria D.C., a place that has been a beloved gathering spot for our community and a proud representation of our mission. On December 31st, 2024, Mozzeria will close its DC location. This decision was not made lightly, and it comes with deep gratitude and love for the community that has supported us along the way. In recent months, there has been a significant shift in the D.C. business landscape, which has made it unsustainable to remain open at this location. As a result, Mozzeria is pivoting, while remaining loyal to its values of being more than a pizzeria. It is committed to be a place where Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals find meaningful job opportunities, a space to grow in the culinary arts, and a welcoming environment where people can connect, learn about Deaf culture and excellence, and experience the richness of our community for generations to come. Your support has allowed us to create something truly special, and for that, we are beyond grateful. As this chapter at D.C. comes to an end on December 31, 2024, our Mozzeria journey is far from over. Mozzeria is actively exploring other opportunities to preserve and expand the experience that you have all grown to love and celebrate. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of our story. Stay tuned for what’s next – we’re devoted to continuing new ways to bring our experience to you.

[NEW JOB POST] Are you a detail-oriented finance enthusiast with experience in venture capital or private equity? Join us at CSD Social Venture Fund as our new Fund Manager! If you excel in financial analysis and investor relations, apply now to help drive innovative ventures forward. Apply Now! https://lnkd.in/eXZmnbgu Visual Description: The graphic features a modern, architectural background with tall glass buildings reflecting the sky. Overlaid on the image is the logo for CSD SVF at the top. In the center, large bold text reads “NOW HIRING,” with the job title “Fund Manager” in a highlighted box below it. At the bottom, the text “APPLY NOW! CSD.ORG/CAREERS” is displayed