Leveraging Technology to Drive Impact: Chasing Rainbows VC Funds LGBTQ+-Led AI Companies
On June 29, 2023, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas led an opinion that effectively overturned Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978)—the landmark ruling that established the legality of affirmative action in the United States. This reversal of over four decades of precedent has brought into question the continued viability of diversity-based admissions policies in American higher education. Although the case hinged on whether assistance to historically underrepresented racial groups constitutes discrimination, the broader implications for educational access are sobering.
For example, if this ruling remains unchanged, it’s estimated that among the nearly 11,000 African Americans born between 2024 and 2060, many could find it significantly more difficult—even impossible—to have their personal stories adequately considered by colleges and universities.
Thankfully, technology may help fill the gap.
ESAI offers AI-powered tools designed to support students throughout the college admissions process. By providing accessible and ethical AI solutions, ESAI helps applicants craft compelling personal statements, identify their best-fit schools, and navigate scholarships. With over 350,000 student users so far, ESAI has saved families more than $115 million in admissions-related costs, providing a vital service at a time when the legal and logistical landscape of college admissions grows ever more complex.
Julia Dixon, ESAI’s Co-Founder and CEO, was a college admissions advisor before transitioning into AI entrepreneurship. In 2023, she leveraged that experience to create an AI-driven tutorial tool that evolved into a personalized coaching platform offering real-time essay feedback and guidance on scholarships and testing requirements.
ESAI users are students. One writes:
“I got accepted to Purdue University! I was not aware of how I could include cultural aspects of the society into the college essays. ESAI assisted me in doing that with the values of my dream school in mind. ESAI also assisted me in relating my interests outside the classroom with my career endeavors within a natural and targeted manner that respected the application program I was interested in, Computer Engineering! On this journey, I gained awareness and got new experiences also, I discovered myself differently in terms of relating what I really want to do in future to what I cherish.”
To date, ESAI has raised $1.25 million in funding—and we at Chasing Rainbows VC are proud to be part of their journey. Supporting ESAI underscores our commitment to LGBTQ+ founders who use cutting-edge technology to make the world more equitable for all.
Learn more about ESAI and Julia, and schedule a call with us below to learn more about how you can support the next generation of LGBTQ+ founders.
