Dontae Rayford

Dontae Rayford has helped to invest in seven companies since the firm's founding in 2021. These include WhoseYourLandlord, Inc., founded by Ofo Ezeugwu, and Mayvenn, founded by Diishan Imira. Black Operator Ventures provides capital, business expertise, and access to vast networks to support the founders it invests in. Rayford's work at Indeed is focused on helping more people get jobs. He is incredibly passionate about this mission and believes his work can significantly impact people's lives. Rayford started advising startups while studying at Stanford University in Palo Alto, where he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in sociology. In 2014, he completed an MBA in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial studies at the NYU Stern School of Business in New York City. Rayford is frequently invited to speak on technology topics and has published several articles. Raised in the working-class community of Lynwood in Los Angeles County, Rayford finds solace in his hobbies when he isn't working.