How Chris Lyons and the Cultural Leadership Fund Are Transforming Diversity in Crypto and AI

Ever wonder why there aren’t more Black founders in crypto or AI?

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Or why most venture capital money still flows to the same old faces?

Let’s talk about Chris Lyons, the Cultural Leadership Fund, and how they’re flipping the script on diversity-driven innovation in crypto and AI.

If you’re tired of hearing the same “diversity matters” speech with zero receipts, you’re in the right place.

Let’s get into it.

From Sound Engineer to VC Powerhouse

Chris Lyons didn’t start in venture capital.

He started in music.

Literally.

He was a sound engineer, working with artists, learning how culture moves people.

He saw how influence and creativity shape industries.

Then he jumped into tech.

He joined the NewME Accelerator—one of the first programs for minority founders.

That’s where he caught the startup bug.

He learned how hard it is for Black founders to get funding.

He saw the gap between culture and capital.

Fast forward: Chris joins Andreessen Horowitz (a16z).

He’s not just another suit.

He’s the guy who gets both culture and code.

He’s now running the Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF) and leading a16z’s crypto Web3 Media division.

He’s building bridges between Silicon Valley and Black cultural leaders.

He’s making sure the next wave of tech isn’t just built by the same old crowd.

Section Summary:

• Chris Lyons started in music, not tech.
• He learned the power of culture early.
• He joined NewME Accelerator, saw the funding gap for minorities.
• Now leads CLF and a16z’s Web3 Media, connecting culture and code.

Want to learn how to break into VC from a non-traditional background?
Check out Insane Startup Stories and How I Scored Investor Meetings Without Customers.

The $18M Bet on Black Excellence

Let’s talk numbers.

CLF raised $18 million for its first fund.

Every single limited partner (LP) is Black.

That’s a first in Silicon Valley.

No one else did it before.

Why does that matter?

Because when you control the money, you control the narrative.

CLF has invested in 65+ startups.

Not just any startups.

We’re talking fintech for underbanked communities.

Healthcare for people who usually get left out.

Consumer tech that actually reflects real culture.

And now, a ton of these companies are pivoting into AI and Web3.

They’re building tools for people who look like them.

That’s how you move the needle.

Section Summary:

• CLF’s first fund: $18M, all-Black LPs.
• 65+ investments in fintech, healthcare, consumer tech.
• Focus on startups solving real problems for minorities.
• Many portfolio companies now building in AI and Web3.

Want to raise capital for your own startup?
Read Raising Capital 101: The Ultimate Guide and 5 Steps to Create an Outstanding Capital Raising Plan.

Crypto Meets Culture

Here’s where it gets spicy.

Chris Lyons isn’t just writing checks.

He’s connecting cultural leaders—athletes, musicians, creators—to blockchain projects.

Think NFTs, but not the hype kind.

Real collaborations.

Artists launching NFT collections with CLF portfolio companies.

Athletes using Web3 to own their brands.

It’s not just about making money.

It’s about ownership.

It’s about representation.

And it’s about building a new kind of tech ecosystem—one where culture and code work together.

He’s making sure Black creators have a seat at the table in the next wave of digital ownership.

He’s helping them build generational wealth, not just cashing out on trends.

Section Summary:

• CLF connects Black cultural leaders to blockchain and Web3.
• Real NFT projects, not just hype.
• Athletes and artists use Web3 to own their brands.
• Focus on ownership, representation, and generational wealth.

Curious about how AI and Web3 are changing fundraising?
See Impact of Generative AI on Raising Capital and The Ultimate Guide to Raise Capital for Your AI Startup.

CLF Portfolio Breakdown by Sector

Let’s get tactical.

Here’s how the CLF portfolio stacks up:

Sector% of PortfolioExample Use CaseConsumer Tech30%Social apps, creator toolsHealthcare25%Telehealth for underserved communitiesCrypto/Web320%NFT platforms, blockchain for creatorsFintech15%Banking for the underbankedAI/ML10%AI tools for minority-owned businesses

This isn’t just a “diversity” fund.

It’s a blueprint for how to build the future—by betting on people who’ve been overlooked.

CLF is investing in sectors where Black founders and creators can lead, not just participate.

They’re building the infrastructure for the next generation of tech.

Section Summary:

• CLF portfolio: 30% consumer tech, 25% healthcare, 20% crypto/Web3, 15% fintech, 10% AI/ML.
• Focus on sectors where Black founders can lead.
• Building infrastructure for the next generation.

Looking for startup ideas in these sectors?
Check out 35 Hot AI Startup Ideas and 25 Deep Tech Startup Ideas.

Real Talk: Why This Matters

Let’s cut through the noise.

Most VC firms talk about diversity.

Few actually do anything.

Chris Lyons and the Cultural Leadership Fund are different.

They’re putting money where their mouth is.

They’re building bridges between culture and technology.

And they’re making sure the next wave of crypto and AI isn’t just built by the same old crowd.

If you care about where tech is going, you should care about this.

Diversity isn’t just a checkbox.

It’s the foundation for better products, bigger markets, and a fairer ecosystem.

If you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind.

Section Summary:

• Most VCs talk diversity, few act.
• CLF is funding, connecting, and empowering Black founders.
• Diversity is the foundation for better tech and bigger markets.

Want to avoid common fundraising mistakes?
Read 6 Pitch Deck Red Flags and Common Misconceptions About Raising Capital.

FAQs: Chris Lyons, CLF, and Diversity in Crypto & AI

Q: What is the Cultural Leadership Fund (CLF)?
A: It’s a venture fund at a16z, led by Chris Lyons, focused on connecting Black cultural leaders to the best tech startups—especially in crypto, AI, and Web3.

Q: How is CLF different from other VC funds?
A: 100% of its LPs are Black. It invests in startups building for real-world problems in minority communities. It’s not just about money—it’s about access and ownership.

Q: What’s Chris Lyons’ role at a16z crypto?
A: He leads the Web3 Media division, connecting creators and athletes to blockchain projects and helping them own their digital future.

Q: Why does diversity in crypto and AI matter?
A: Because if only one group builds the future, only one group benefits. Diversity means more ideas, better products, and a fairer tech ecosystem.

Q: How can I get involved or learn more?
A: Follow Chris Lyons on social, check out the CLF portfolio, and look for events or partnerships in your city.

Section Summary:

• CLF = a16z fund led by Chris Lyons, focused on Black cultural leaders in tech.
• 100% Black LPs, real-world impact, not just talk.
• Chris leads Web3 Media, connects creators to blockchain.
• Diversity = better tech for everyone.

Want to master investor outreach?
See 15 Best Cold Email Templates and 20 Comprehensive ChatGPT Prompts for VC.

Final Word

Chris Lyons Cultural Leadership Fund Crypto.

That’s the keyword.

But here’s the real takeaway:

If you want to see what the future of tech looks like—where diversity isn’t just a buzzword, but the foundation—watch what Chris Lyons and CLF are building in crypto and AI.

No fluff.

No hype.

Just results.

And if you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind.

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Internal Links Recap:

• Raising Capital 101: The Ultimate Guide
• 5 Steps to Create an Outstanding Capital Raising Plan
• 35 Hot AI Startup Ideas
• 25 Deep Tech Startup Ideas
• 15 Best Cold Email Templates
• 20 Comprehensive ChatGPT Prompts for VC
• 6 Pitch Deck Red Flags
• Common Misconceptions About Raising Capital
• Impact of Generative AI on Raising Capital
• The Ultimate Guide to Raise Capital for Your AI Startup
• Insane Startup Stories
• How I Scored Investor Meetings Without Customers

Ready to raise capital at the speed of AI?
Subscribe to Capitaly.vc now.

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