Raechele Smalls

Director, Launch Blue Ventures

Raechele Smalls is the Director of Launch Blue Ventures, where she leads initiatives to increase startup capital for early-stage Kentucky startups, and to diversify venture capital management by engaging, educating and supporting first-time angels and first-time investors.

In her previous role as Program Manager at Lightship Foundation, Raechele managed entrepreneurial programs, including Lightship Bootcamp and Lightship’s flagship Accelerator, facilitated workshops, and built strong relationships with stakeholders at all levels across the state of Ohio. Her work was instrumental in driving efficiencies and scalability, supporting 200+ alumni companies in fundraising efforts, and recruiting top-tier mentors to foster a supportive community for founders across 16 markets.

As Manager of Entrepreneur Selection & Growth and Regional Access to Capital Lead at Endeavor, she supported high-growth entrepreneurs across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, delivering value creation initiatives and leading the Access to Capital service line for 150+ companies.

Raechele's career also includes shaping entrepreneurial culture as a Vogt Innovator Fellow at 1804 Entrepreneur Center, expanding a behavioral health organization at Creative Spirits Networks, Inc., and founding Greater Works Design Studio. 

Raechele serves on the leadership committee of BLCK VC Midwest Chapter and serves on the boards of Canopy Kentucky, and Impact Capital Committee for The Community Foundation of Louisville.  Raechele received a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and a Master of Business Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. She holds an exec certificate from 500 Startups VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley program in partnership with Stanford University, and an executive education certificate in Scaling Entrepreneurial Ventures from Harvard Business School. 

Raechele currently resides in Jeffersonville, IN with her husband and son.