Organization · Venture Capital
Fifth Star Funds
Fifth Star Funds is a nonprofit venture philanthropy fund based in Chicago that invests in early-stage Black tech founders facing barriers to capital access. It aims to foster a more equitable startup ecosystem by providing early-stage funding and support services.
Overview
What Fifth Star Funds does
What Fifth Star Funds is
Fifth Star Funds is a nonprofit venture philanthropy fund based in Chicago that invests in early-stage Black tech founders facing barriers to capital access. It aims to foster a more equitable startup ecosystem by providing early-stage funding and support services.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Venture Capital
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- March 18, 2026
Official channels
Find Fifth Star Funds elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Fifth Star Funds as a funder
Investment thesis
Fifth Star Funds is dedicated to providing early-stage capital to overlooked founders, particularly those who have faced barriers due to racial discrimination, fostering a more equitable startup ecosystem.
Focus narrative
Fifth Star Funds invests in early-stage companies led by founders who have experienced material barriers to accessing capital, particularly due to racial discrimination. The fund's model is designed to foster an inclusive tech ecosystem by providing not only capital but also network access and support services.
Value beyond capital
Fifth Star Funds adds value to its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also access to a supportive network and essential resources that help founders navigate the challenges of building their businesses.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $25,000
- Sweet spot
- $25,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Friends and Family · Angel · Accelerator · Pre-seed · Seed · Seed+ · Series A
- Sectors
- HealthcareConsumerFintechArtificial IntelligenceEnergyMobility & TransportationEducationCreator EconomyClimate & SustainabilityCommerce & Retail
- Regions
- North AmericaUnited States
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 12
Portfolio context
Fifth Star Funds has a diverse portfolio of 12 companies, including: Aegis: A personal safety mobile application that enhances communication with emergency authorities. Approachable: An event ticketing marketplace connecting solo event-goers with companions. Arke: Offers a conversion kit to transform standard bikes into eBikes. Banyon Power Co.: Provides technologies to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. Barter-E: A platform for early-stage founders to barter skills and services. Centinel: Offers claims-free coverage for hard-to-insure risks. City Health Tech: Focuses on disease prevention through innovative products. CRTSIDE: A marketplace for basketball athletes to monetize content. CulturePilot: An AI-powered app curating content for museums. Cyber Pop-up: An on-demand cybersecurity platform for small businesses. E3 Radio: A media platform showcasing queer music and news. Eventnoire: Provides software solutions for event management.
Common questions
What to know about Fifth Star Funds
Upseed classifies Fifth Star Funds under the Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
March 18, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.