Google for Startups recognises 10 Black-led UK businesses
Summary
A South West business has been recognised by Google for Startups.Fair and transparent renters insurance firm Husmus is one-of-10 UK-based start-ups selected for this years \xa33.3m Black Founders Fund.Now in its third year the fund aims to help tackle systemic racial inequality in venture capital funding by providing equity-free grants and mentoring to early stage Black-led high-growth businesses across Europe and Africa. "Each successful start-up will be given up to \xa3119,000 in non-dilutive cash awards, up to \xa3158,000 in cloud credits, ad support, 1:1 mentoring by industry experts, and connections within Googles network.Dorset-based Husmus, is a new kind of fair and transparent renters insurance for how we rent in the modern world.Co-founder and chief executive, Sarah Werner, told BusinessLive: "The equity-free funding is fantastic and will enable us to hire the staff needed to provide better experiences for our users. "The business, which has its headquarters in Poole said its biggest challenges since launching in 2021 has been convincing insurance companies to try something new and financing the venture.Ms Werner explained: "It requires a village of people who believe in your vision of the future and are prepared to put their time, energy and capital into seeing you succeed. "With funding from Google Ms Werner commented: "In the immediate term we are focused on releasing our new product lines that will provide cover for pet owners to rent homes more easily, and scaling our platform to deal with millions of monthly users. "Ms Werner is one of only a few Black women in senior leadership in the fintech industry.She told BusinessLive: "I was at an insurance conference recently and I stood out as one of the few female faces let alone minority ones.