SEA619 Launches to Support Black Startup Founders in Seattle

A new Seattle nonprofit is working to create more opportunities for Black entrepreneurs by offering a structured path from early-stage business ideas to venture-backed startups.

Called SEA619, the organization officially opened applications this week and will begin its first programs in October. The initiative aims to help founders develop their businesses through mentorship, networking, startup education, and guidance on raising venture capital.

The nonprofit’s name combines Seattle with Juneteenth (June 19), the U.S. holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

A Three-Step Journey for Entrepreneurs

SEA619 has been designed as a three-stage ecosystem that supports founders at different points in their entrepreneurial journey.

The program begins with a business association, followed by an incubator, and eventually an accelerator. Entrepreneurs can apply directly to the stage that best matches the maturity of their startup.

Before officially opening applications, SEA619 accepted pre-applications to better understand community interest and connect with potential participants.

Founded to Bridge the Startup Gap

The nonprofit is led by Arif Gürsel, a longtime technology executive, startup investor, and entrepreneur.

Gürsel said the idea grew from years of mentoring founders with promising ideas who often lacked the experience, network, or resources needed to turn those ideas into successful businesses.

He also noticed that many experienced mentors were receiving more requests for guidance than they could reasonably handle.

Inspired by his upbringing in Brooklyn, Gürsel said the organization’s mission reflects a lifelong belief in helping others succeed.

“We lift as we climb,” he said, describing it as one of SEA619’s guiding principles.

Startup Education Before Venture Capital

One of SEA619’s primary goals is preparing founders before they seek outside investment.

Gürsel previously mentored startups participating in the now-defunct Techstars Seattle accelerator. During that experience, he observed that many Black founders entered accelerator programs before fully developing their businesses.

As a result, some entrepreneurs gave up between 6% and 10% of their company’s equity before establishing a clear business strategy.

SEA619 aims to close that knowledge gap.

The organization provides free support during a founder’s first year in the program. After that, SEA619 takes a 1% equity stake, with its ownership capped at 2%.

The nonprofit is currently self-funded while pursuing grant opportunities to expand its operations.

Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative

Seattle venture capitalist Kirby Winfield, founder of Ascend, praised the program, saying many entrepreneurs need practical startup education before joining well-known accelerators such as Techstars, 500 Startups, or Y Combinator.

According to Winfield, founders often benefit from learning how different funding options work before deciding whether venture capital is the right path.

He also said he plans to offer office hours to SEA619 accelerator participants and help connect the organization with Seattle’s broader startup ecosystem.

Part of a Larger Community Mission

SEA619 operates under the umbrella of the Pan African Center for Empowerment (PACE), an organization Gürsel founded about a decade ago.

PACE includes several community-focused initiatives, including:

• The Union, an innovation hub and event space near the Seattle Art Museum.
• Tribe Called TECH, which hosts networking events focused on technology, entrepreneurship, culture, and heritage.
• Additional programs supporting engineering education, arts, and media initiatives.

Gürsel is also building relationships with venture capital firms across African countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa, creating potential funding opportunities for U.S.-based startups.

Expanding Support for Black Entrepreneurs

SEA619 joins a growing number of organizations focused on supporting Black founders in Seattle.

The city is also home to Venture Black, launched last year and led by Evan Poncelet, CEO of the Washington State Black Angel Network.

The nonprofit launches during a period of ongoing national debate around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

While critics argue that such programs can be discriminatory, Gürsel said SEA619’s mission is centered on serving an underserved entrepreneurial community rather than excluding others.

“I’m not worried about an administration that’s based in hate when the work that we’re doing is based in love and lifting people up,” Gürsel said. “One thing I’m not going to do is stop serving my community.”

With applications now open and its inaugural cohort beginning this October, SEA619 hopes to become a long-term resource that helps Black founders build stronger startups, access mentorship, and better prepare for future investment opportunities.

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