About Densil
Densil Porteous is the dynamic and visionary CEO of Pride Fund 1, an LGBTQI+ focused venture fund committed to empowering and supporting queer entrepreneurs and startups. With a background in higher education administration, strategic marketing, and development, Densil brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the venture capital landscape.
Professional Journey
Densil’s career began in the realm of higher education administration, where he excelled in roles encompassing admissions, enrollment management, strategic marketing, communications, and development. He has served in pivotal positions at prestigious institutions such as Kenyon College, Stanford University, Columbus College of Art & Design, UC San Diego Extension, and the Wexner Center for the Arts at The Ohio State University.
Transitioning into the tech and startup spaces, Densil has advised and collaborated with innovative partners like VarsityBooks.com/The Varsity Group, Zinch (acquired by Chegg), Vireo Labs, Ulyngo (acquired by Modo Labs), Acceptd, RaiseMe, Rev1 Ventures, Juggle, TicketFire, and GetAccepted (acquired by The Princeton Review). His entrepreneurial spirit and keen insights have significantly contributed to the growth and success of these ventures.
DePorteous and Pride Fund 1
In 2015, Densil founded DePorteous, a platform that amalgamates his professional experiences and personal passions, showcasing his commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion. His leadership journey ascended to new heights in June 2020 when he became the CEO of Pride Fund 1. Under his leadership, the fund has flourished, championing LGBTQI+ entrepreneurs and providing them with the resources and support needed to thrive in competitive markets.
Community Engagement and Leadership
Densil’s dedication to community service is evident through his involvement with prominent organizations like Advocates for Youth, the Human Rights Campaign, Equitas Health, The Legacy Fund of the Columbus Foundation, and the Create Columbus Commission. His tenure as the Executive Director/CEO of Stonewall Columbus further underscores his commitment to advocating for LGBTQI+ rights and fostering an inclusive community.
Vision for the Future
As the CEO of the Pride Fund, Densil envisions a world where LGBTQI+ entrepreneurs are empowered to lead and innovate without barriers. He is committed to creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures creativity, fosters economic growth, and champions diversity and inclusion in the venture capital sphere.