Empowering the Next Generation of Black Founders
“If there’s one thing I’ve learned over my 25 years as an entrepreneur, it’s that success isn’t just about hard work — it’s about working smart, leveraging technology, and getting the right resources behind your vision. That’s where CoFounder.AI steps in.”
– Clarence Wooten
CoFounder.AI’s HBCU Access Initiative is a groundbreaking philanthropic campaign to support aspiring entrepreneurs at the Nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
The hallmark of the initiative led by serial tech entrepreneur Clarence Wooten is a gift upwards of 15,000 free copies of his new book, CoFounder.AI, to students enrolled in entrepreneurship, innovation and computer science courses at HBCUs, in partnership with leaders and faculty at participating schools.
The initiative underscores Wooten’s commitment to fostering equitable growth in Black founder-led startups by leveraging the power of AI to overcome barriers that traditionally hinder access to resources and mentorship for underfunded entrepreneurs of color.
A gift of 15,000+ free copies of his book, CoFounder.AI, to students enrolled in entrepreneurship, innovation, and computer science courses at HBCUs.
AI Integration in HBCU Curricula
Partnerships with HBCU faculty and leaders to integrate AI-powered startup knowledge into curricula.
Closing the Equity Gap with AI
A commitment to closing equity gaps for Black founders by using AI to overcome barriers that hinder access to mentorship, capital, and resources.
Harness AI: Build Smarter, Scale Faster
Levelling the Playing Field
AI removes traditional barriers, giving underfunded founders access to game-changing technology and automation—allowing them to compete at the highest level.
Do More with Less
Traditionally, startups needed large teams. With AI, you can automate workflows, optimize operations, and launch leaner, faster, and smarter.
AI-Driven Growth
From customer acquisition to predictive analytics, AI helps founders iterate, pivot, and grow at an accelerated pace—without massive funding.
The Power of AI
Why AI Matters Now More Than Ever
AI is the ultimate bootstrapping tool. It helps entrepreneurs do more with less. Traditionally, you’d have to hire multiple people to handle product development, sales, marketing, and customer service. With AI, you can automate many of these tasks, allowing you to focus on what truly matters — building a great product and securing funding.
It’s no longer a question of if AI will change the startup game — it’s a question of how quickly you can harness its power. With AI, the playing field is more level than ever. It’s not about how many people you have or how much money you’ve raised — it’s about how smartly you leverage technology.
HBCUs are ideal environments to guide budding startup founders on how to harness AI as an equalizer for wealth creation and innovation – as the era’s accessible catalyst for economic mobility.
CoFounder.AI & You
For Students
AI is Powering Equitable Startup Success for Underfunded Emerging Founders
The CoFounder.AI HBCU Access Initiative is designed to empower budding entrepreneurs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the tools and resources you need to succeed.
Through our book and innovative platform, we provide AI-powered strategy, tools and a community of founders to help you overcome the barriers traditionally facing underfunded startups, giving you the resources and connections to succeed, scale, and grow your business without giving up equity.
Share this link with your professor to get the free book!
Free Books & AI Curriculum
For Faculty
The CoFounder.AI HBCU Access Initiative provides faculty with the resources to equip students with AI-powered entrepreneurship skills.
Through our book, curriculum, and platform, faculty members can enhance their courses with real-world startup insights, helping students navigate the evolving AI landscape and launch successful ventures.
Up to 500 free copies of CoFounder.AI for your students
Access to our 10-week AI startup curriculum
Invite Clarence Wooten for a guest lecture at your school
For Partners
Are you an HBCU alum startup founder, corporate foundation or organization looking to partner with CoFounder.AI? Together, we can bring the transformative power of AI and entrepreneurship to the next generation of leaders attending HBCUs.
The CoFounder.AI HBCU Access Initiative is creating pathways for underrepresented founders by providing AI-powered startup education and mentorship opportunities at HBCUs. With the right partners, we can expand this impact and bring essential tools, knowledge, and resources to the next generation of Black entrepreneurs.
Open to Collaboration? Let’s Talk.
Have other ideas on how we can work together? We’d love to explore ways to create lasting impact.
Partnership Opportunities: Get Involved
Align your brand with a transformative initiative that provides AI-driven startup education to underfunded entrepreneurs of color.
Host a conversation with Clarence Wooten about the HBCU Access Initiative and AI’s impact on Black entrepreneurship.
Support campus visits as Clarence Wooten engages with students and faculty about AI and startup success.
Help HBCU students access our AI-powered startup tools and a network of founders and mentors.
