Russ Curry, Ministry of New Media
Havas Media Group has announced Havas Boost, a new programme providing investment and support to emerging media and tech start-ups founded by underrepresented groups. It also has an initial focus on Black, Asian and minority ethnic-owned businesses.
It will be spearheaded by Gerald Appau-Bonsu alongside his colleagues within Havas Media Group’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.
Gerald Appau-Bonsu told us “Havas Boost is a pledge from Havas Media Group to be the positive change we want to see in the world. I have been committing my own resources to helping others on a much smaller scale for a while now, so I know that this programme is going to have such a meaningful impact on the businesses chosen and in turn the community and industry as a whole. I’m looking forward to helping new start-ups reach their next level of success. I want to thank Havas for giving me and my company CEG the opportunity to lead this process.”
Havas Boost has been developed in partnership with investment management specialist CEG Investment Group, which was also co-founded by Appau-Bonsu, and who will act as investment managers for the programme.
In recognition of the challenges faced by minority-owned start-ups in securing investment, the first round of funding in the programme’s first year will be dedicated exclusively to businesses with owners from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Havas Media Group is committing up to £150,000 worth of resources for Havas Boost’s first investment round, split evenly between cash, marketing budget/media spend and facilities (offering free rent for storage and/or office space).
The application process for Havas Boost will open in January 2022. Those who would like to find out more about applying can register their interest by emailing register@havasboost.com.
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