Meet Clarevonte “clay” Williams | Community Builder: Investor, Policy Expert & Mentor for Underserved Entrepreneurs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clarevonte “clay” Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clarevonte “Clay”, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process was centered around service and making a tangible difference in the lives of others. While working in Venture Capital, I noticed something glaring: this field doesn’t often reflect the diversity that exists in the broader community, and as a result, many promising entrepreneurs weren’t progressing through the VC pipeline. Even those who managed to get past the initial pitch often struggled to make it past the second phase of due diligence, which meant that a lot of potential was left unrealized.

Seeing this, I knew there was an opportunity to help bridge that gap. When a good friend and frat brother received some funding through a program he’d participated in, we both realized that with our combined resources and vision, we could create something impactful. We decided to partner up and create a company that invests in entrepreneurs—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—while also developing an accelerator program. Our focus became not just providing funding but also delivering the skills, mentorship, and strategic guidance necessary for entrepreneurs to scale their businesses to the next level. At its core, our work is about equipping founders with the tools they need to grow, thrive, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business, Venture For Them, is dedicated to empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs by providing them with the resources, mentorship, and funding they need to succeed. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to community and our holistic approach to entrepreneurship. We’re not just investors; we’re mentors and guides who walk alongside our cohort members as they navigate the challenges of building their businesses.

What I’m most proud of is our accelerator program, which combines educational components with practical, hands-on support. We focus on helping entrepreneurs develop their value propositions, refine their pitches, and connect with a network of resources that can facilitate their growth. Witnessing the transformation of our cohort members as they gain confidence and clarity in their businesses is incredibly rewarding.

The journey to where I am today has certainly had its challenges. There were moments of self-doubt, especially when I realized how entrenched systemic barriers can be for aspiring entrepreneurs. It wasn’t easy breaking into the venture capital space, and I faced resistance because I didn’t fit the traditional mold. However, those experiences fueled my determination to create a more inclusive ecosystem. I overcame these challenges by leaning on my network of mentors and peers who provided invaluable guidance, and by continuously educating myself on the intricacies of both venture capital and the specific needs of the communities we serve.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned several important lessons. First and foremost, the power of collaboration cannot be overstated. Building a supportive network and seeking mentorship has been crucial to my success. Additionally, I’ve learned the importance of resilience and adaptability—being able to pivot when faced with unexpected obstacles is vital.

What I want the world to know about Venture For Them is that we’re not just another investment firm; we’re a movement aimed at leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs who have historically been disenfranchised. Our brand is rooted in service, empowerment, and a genuine belief in the potential of every entrepreneur we work with. Our story is about creating opportunities and fostering a community where everyone has a chance to thrive. I’m excited about the future and the impact we can make together!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Day 1: Arrival and Downtown Exploration
Breakfast: Start with brunch at South City Kitchen for delicious Southern comfort food.
Visit: Head to Centennial Olympic Park to stroll through the park and see the iconic Olympic rings and Fountain of Rings.
Lunch: Grab lunch at Ponce City Market, where we can explore a mix of shops and food vendors.
Activity: Rent bikes and ride the Atlanta BeltLine for a scenic tour of the city.
Dinner: Enjoy a lively dinner at The Varsity, an Atlanta classic for hot dogs and burgers.
Nightlife: Check out SkyLounge for a rooftop view of the city skyline.
Day 2: Culture and History
Breakfast: Start with coffee and pastries at Dancing Goats Coffee Bar.
Visit: Spend the morning at the Georgia Aquarium, one of the largest in the world.
Lunch: Have lunch at The Brick Store Pub in Decatur for great craft beer and pub food.
Visit: Explore the High Museum of Art in Midtown for a dose of culture.
Dinner: Dine at Nikolai’s Roof for upscale dining with stunning views.
Nightlife: Catch a live show at The Tabernacle, a historic concert venue.
Day 3: Baseball and Historical Sites
Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Flying Biscuit Cafe.
Visit: Tour Morehouse College and Spelman College, soaking in the rich history of these institutions as a member of Alpha Phi Alpha.
Lunch: Have lunch at Paschal’s, a historic restaurant known for its Southern cuisine.
Activity: Head to Truist Park in the evening to catch a Braves game. Enjoy the atmosphere and cheer on the home team!
Dinner: Grab some ballpark food while enjoying the game.
Day 4: Outdoor Adventures and Sports
Breakfast: Start with breakfast at Home Grown for some local flavor.
Activity: Spend the day at Stone Mountain Park, hiking to the top for amazing views and enjoying the park’s attractions.
Lunch: Picnic at the park or grab lunch at The Commons in Stone Mountain Village.
Dinner: Head to Fox Brothers BBQ for some of the best BBQ in town.
Nightlife: Enjoy a basketball game watching the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena in the evening.
Day 5: Arts, Culture, and Football
Breakfast: Enjoy a cozy breakfast at The Breakfast Boys.
Visit: Explore Krog Street Market for shopping and local eats.
Lunch: Have lunch at H&F Burger, known for their amazing burgers.
Visit: Spend the afternoon at the Atlanta History Center, including the Swan House and gardens.
Dinner: Dine at Kevin Rathbun Steak for a high-end steak experience.
Nightlife: Visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium to catch a Falcons game for an exciting football experience.
Day 6: Relaxation and Reflection
Breakfast: Grab a smoothie and light breakfast at Cafe Sunflower.
Visit: Take a leisurely stroll through Piedmont Park and relax by the lake.
Lunch: Eat at Rathbun’s for some creative American dishes.
Activity: Visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden for a beautiful afternoon surrounded by nature.
Dinner: Have a casual dinner at JCT Kitchen & Bar in West Midtown.
Nightlife: Wind down at The Battery Atlanta for some bar hopping or a night at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
Day 7: Farewell
Breakfast: Treat yourself to a farewell breakfast at Alon’s Bakery & Market.
Visit: Spend the last morning at the World of Coca-Cola for a fun and interactive experience.
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at H&F Burger or The Vortex before heading out.
Departure: Share some laughs and memories before they head home!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible co-founder, Kiante Bush of Venture For Them, whose vision and dedication inspire me every day. A huge thank you to our Communications Director, Jewel Bush, and our CTO, Jeffrey Scruggs; your expertise and hard work are essential to our mission.

I also want to recognize all our cohort members who have allowed us to guide them and invest in their journeys with our knowledge and resources. You all inspire us and remind us of why we do what we do.

A special shoutout goes to Techstars Atlanta, where I got my start mentoring companies through their Mentor Madness program. That experience truly opened my eyes to the power of mentorship.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge a very special person in my life who is now in my heart. I miss her every day, and I hope for the day we can be reunited. She was there for me during those long nights spent reading and rewriting pitch decks and supported me when I made the pivotal decision to go to business school and pivot my career entirely. She means the world to me.

I also want to shout out my family, who have been my rock from day one. Their unwavering support keeps me going, and they are the reason I can’t stop striving for more.

Lastly, I wouldn’t be who I am without my faith. All praise to the Most High, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Your love sustains me during the rough days and celebrates with me on the good ones.

And of course, I want to highlight “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” which sparked my imagination and motivated me to chase my dreams while helping others do the same. Thank you!

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