Melissa Bradley
Biography
Melissa L. Bradley is an American entrepreneur, investor, educator, and community-builder based in Washington, D.C. Her work focuses on entrepreneurship, venture finance, economic mobility, and expanding access to capital for historically marginalized entrepreneurs. She is the founder of New Majority Ventures and a Professor of the Practice at Georgetown University's McDonough School of Business.
Bradley founded 1863 Ventures, a business development organization that accelerated New Majority entrepreneurs from high potential to high growth. She also co-founded Ureeka, a technology platform connecting small businesses with expertise, mentors, and resources, and Sidecar Social Finance, a social impact agency providing impact-investing advisory and capital services.
In 2024, 1863 Ventures became New Majority Ventures, a for-profit business development company focused on helping New Majority founders scale through education, coaching, capital, and networks. Bradley also serves as General Partner of the 1863 Venture Fund and as Managing Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives at the Black Economic Alliance Foundation.
BQW Impact
Bradley has contributed to Black economic empowerment by building organizations and investment platforms focused on capital access, entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and business growth for Black and other historically underserved entrepreneurs.
Through 1863 Ventures, Ureeka, Sidecar Social Finance, New Majority Ventures, and her investment and educational work, Bradley has helped develop resources and networks intended to address barriers to business growth and capital access. Her work connects entrepreneurship, investment, education, and economic inclusion with broader questions of opportunity and wealth creation.
Notable Works
1863 Ventures (2016 - 2024)
Organization founded by Bradley that accelerated New Majority entrepreneurs from high potential to high growth through business development, capital access, and community.
Ureeka
Technology platform co-founded by Bradley that connected small businesses with expertise, mentors, and resources to support business growth. Bradley later sold the company.
Sidecar Social Finance
Social impact agency co-founded by Bradley providing impact-investing advisory and capital services.
New Majority Ventures (2024)
Company that grew from Bradley's work with 1863 Ventures and focuses on helping New Majority founders develop the skills, networks, capital, and resources needed to scale their businesses.
1863 Venture Fund
Investment fund through which Bradley serves as General Partner, supporting New Majority entrepreneurs and businesses.
Georgetown University McDonough School of Business
Bradley's academic work in entrepreneurship, investment, and social impact, including teaching and mentorship of emerging entrepreneurs.
Learn More
Bradley's current business development company focused on helping New Majority founders develop the skills, networks, and resources needed to scale their businesses.
Institutional profile documenting Bradley's academic role, entrepreneurship work, investment activities, and professional background.
Current professional profile documenting Bradley's leadership, investment, entrepreneurship, and economic-inclusion work.
Bradley's Instagram account.
Bradley's professional LinkedIn profile.