Announcing DVRSTY #2 - building a more diverse Metaverse

It is no secret that accessing the resources and support needed to succeed in Web3 and the Metaverse can be challenging for diverse* founders. We also think that it’s especially important to focus on diversity as we build out the next evolution of the Internet so that it better reflects our society as a whole. That's why we are excited to announce the next round of the DVRSTY initiative - DVRSTY #2 Office Hours.

Our first DVRSTY Office Hours were organized in August 2022. We attracted 40+ applicants from all around Europe. Based on the positive feedback we got from both founders and investors, we knew this type of support is needed and we wanted to organize it again, but with some additional substance and resources beyond just the Office Hours.

We’re hugely thankful to our partners WiiT (Women In Immersive Tech), XRDI, and AWE who are making this initiative possible. We’re also committed to continuing for future editions and will work to iterate and improve as we go! And last but not least, as FOV Ventures, we’re committed to deploying capital alongside this initiative.

Get feedback and advice from investors and industry experts

DVRSTY is a community initiative to help accelerate diverse founders in creating ambitious new companies within the Metaverse and Web3. This is primarily by connecting founders with capital, network and talent.

Office Hours is open to founders in Europe currently starting their company and/or raising their first capital. We’ll connect those founders to investors actively investing in Metaverse and web3 including NP-Hard Ventures, Sure Valley Ventures, GFR Fund, Atomico Angel Programme and ourselves, FOV Ventures. Alongside our VC/angel partners taking part in the office hours, we’ll be working to open source as many of the applications we receive to get them in front of as many investors as possible. Not just ourselves.

Unlike traditional pitching opportunities, the DVRSTY Office Hours is an opportunity to gain valuable feedback, advice, and guidance from experienced professionals and investors who have successfully navigated the complexities of the Metaverse.

"We know that building a business in this space can be challenging, and we want to ensure that all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender or background, have the opportunity to thrive," said Dave Haynes, founding partner of FOV Ventures.

Applications are open until April 4th, 2023

The next round of DVRSTY Office Hours will take place on April 26, 2023. Applications are open until April 4th. Please see more info and apply here.

"We're excited to continue our work supporting underrepresented founders in the Metaverse. We believe that the future of business is in the virtual world, and we want to make sure that everyone has a seat at the table," said Leen Segers, Investment manager, and co-founder of WIIT Europe.

Why should you apply?

This second round of Office Hours is quite special. We wanted to extend support to everyone who applies and even after Office Hours. This is what we’ve planned for you:

• April 18th - Virtual networking event for all applicants, announcing the top 10 founders selected to the Office Hours.

• April 26th - Office Hours with 20-minute private sessions with investors and experts.

• During May - 10 selected founders are offered a private (virtual) investor readiness workshop.

• Free pass to AWE USA - 10 founders will get a free pass to AWE USA, Santa Clara. 20% off for ALL applicants (May 31 - June 2, 2023). And we will offer a small travel stipend for up to five selected teams.

• Investor Dinner - The three best teams will be invited to a dinner with investors (TBD).

Spread the word and help us offer support to even more founders - building towards a more diverse Metaverse! And just in case you missed it, we celebrated some of the rising female founders building the Metaverse in our last blog post. Dive in, get inspired, and let’s grow the list together!

Supporters Behind DVRSTY

DVRSTY is a community-driven initiative, led by FOV Ventures, with the support of a growing number of partners including WiiT (Women In Immersive Tech) and XRDI. Virtual networking and investment readiness workshop is part of the WIIT Meta grant 2023. We have also partnered with AWE to provide 15 founders with a free ticket for the upcoming AWE USA conference in Santa Clara, California.

If you’re an investor, operator or potential partner that would like to get involved then don’t hesitate to contact us.

*To be as inclusive as possible, when we say female founders we could also expand this to being any founder identifying as female and including trans or non-binary.