We recently connected with Jamal Payne and have shared our conversation below.
Jamal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
BlkSculpt Capital really started as a vision that grew out of years of firsthand experience in the supply chain and logistics industries, combined with my work in government agencies. I had spent a significant amount of time working in global market projects from Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, where I saw both massive opportunities and glaring gaps. There were incredible, untapped markets with immense potential, but too many businesses and founders, particularly from minority and underrepresented communities, weren’t getting the funding or resources they needed to succeed.
As I worked with both large corporations and startups, it became clear to me that the logistical expertise and innovation in global supply chains were often overshadowed by limited access to capital. Meanwhile, there were highly motivated, capable entrepreneurs in these regions, but they didn’t have the support to scale their ideas or break through the barriers that so many others faced. It was heartbreaking to see these missed opportunities, especially in industries like technology, infrastructure, and government development, which are critical to shaping the future of the global economy.
Having worked closely with government agencies, I also realized how crucial public-private partnerships were in driving growth and addressing these gaps. The experience gave me a deeper understanding of the policies and systems that could either help or hinder the progress of these markets. That’s when it hit me: why not create a platform that not only gives underrepresented founders access to capital but also offers operational expertise, strategic partnerships, and hands-on guidance to help them scale effectively?
BlkSculpt Capital isn’t just another venture firm. What excites me most is the approach we’re taking, investing in emerging markets and focusing on entrepreneurs who have been underlook. It’s about providing more than capital; it’s about delivering operational guidance, strategic partnerships, and sustainable solutions. I believe this model works because we’re not just funding businesses, we’re setting them up for long-term success.
I saw that no one was really addressing this specific gap in the market—investing in global supply chains and infrastructure in underrepresented regions while providing the strategic support necessary to scale. BlkSculpt Capital offers a unique blend of venture capital with a hands-on approach, which is what got me excited. We’re solving a fundamental problem that has the potential to reshape entire industries and create lasting change, not just for the founders but for the communities and economies they serve.
Jamal, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Let me take you back to where it all started. For years, I’ve been at the intersection of global supply chains, logistics, and government sectors. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most influential automotive companies, leading banking institutions, and top logistics firms. Along the way, I’ve collaborated with government agencies on projects that tackled some of the most complex challenges facing industries today. All of this shaped the way I view business: it’s about solving problems and breaking down barriers.
What I kept seeing over and over was a huge gap—talented entrepreneurs in emerging markets, especially from minority backgrounds, lacked the capital and strategic support to scale their businesses. Meanwhile, markets in Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas were bursting with untapped potential, yet these regions weren’t getting the attention they deserved from the investment world. That’s where the idea for BlkSculpt Capital was born.
I’ve had the honor of working for Mayors, Governors, State Representatives, and Senators from Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Mississippi. These relationships opened my eyes to the power of public-private partnerships and how much can be accomplished when we break down silos and work together to drive progress.
Starting BlkSculpt Capital was my way of saying, ‘Let’s do something that matters.’ It’s more than just funding—it’s about unlocking potential. We’re not your typical venture capital firm. We invest in minority founders, provide hands-on guidance in supply chains, government infrastructure, and technology, and focus on driving sustainable growth in emerging markets. What excites me the most is the opportunity to help businesses scale not just in the short term, but for the long haul.
What sets BlkSculpt apart is our deep commitment to getting into the weeds with our clients. We don’t just write checks—we roll up our sleeves. We help optimize supply chains, create powerful partnerships, and foster leadership growth that sets our clients up for success. We’re a true partner every step of the way.
What I’m most proud of is the work we’re doing to empower underrepresented founders. There’s a lot of talk about diversity and inclusion, but at BlkSculpt, we’re making it happen. We’re putting our money where our mouth is and investing in the people and ideas that have the power to change the world.
If you’re looking for a partner who’s committed to real, transformative change, not just for businesses, but for communities, then BlkSculpt Capital is where you want to be. We’re here to help entrepreneurs unleash their full potential, reshape industries, and leave a lasting impact on the global economy.
We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.
Randal Gaines, our CIO, and I have been family for as long as I can remember. We’ve always had a natural connection, but it wasn’t until I started building BlkSculpt Capital that I fully grasped just how invaluable his skills were to the vision I had. The moment we decided to partner up professionally, everything clicked. It wasn’t just a partnership—it was a game-changer. We both realized how much we could accomplish together by combining his unmatched investment expertise with my passion for global supply chains and government sectors.
When I first set out to build BlkSculpt, I knew one thing for sure: I needed someone who could bring not just knowledge, but a strategic, forward-thinking approach to the table. Randal was that person. With his vast experience in venture capital and his keen eye for high-potential investments, he’s been instrumental in shaping our success. His ability to navigate the complex, ever-changing financial landscape and provide clear, strategic direction has been one of our firm’s greatest assets.
What truly makes Randal stand out in his role as CIO is his rare combination of vision and precision. He doesn’t just make smart investments—he makes the right investments. He’s a master at seeing the bigger picture while also zeroing in on the crucial details that can make or break a deal. Randal’s deep relationships across industries and his strategic thinking have helped BlkSculpt rise to where it is today—positioned to make a real, lasting impact.
But it’s more than just expertise. Randal brings an unwavering sense of trust, vision, and dedication that elevates everything we do. He’s not just my partner in business; he’s the driving force that keeps pushing us forward, always aligning with our mission to create sustainable change. Working with family on something as impactful as this is a rare privilege, and honestly, BlkSculpt wouldn’t be where it is today without Randal’s leadership and commitment.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing our clientele at BlkSculpt Capital has been rooted in building authentic, long-term relationships and positioning ourselves as true partners, not just investors. From day one, we’ve focused on understanding our clients’ needs at a deep level and then tailoring our approach to provide strategic support that goes beyond just capital. Our clients know that when they work with us, they’re not only getting financial backing but also hands-on guidance to scale their businesses sustainably.
Networking and word-of-mouth have played a huge role in our growth. By attending high-profile industry events, engaging with government leaders, and connecting with other like-minded entrepreneurs, we’ve positioned ourselves as thought leaders in the investment space, especially for underrepresented founders. These relationships have often turned into powerful referrals and partnerships, which have been key to our growth.
Additionally, the strategic partnerships we’ve built, particularly in emerging markets, have opened up new avenues for client acquisition. Our focus on sustainable growth, innovation, and empowering minority entrepreneurs has resonated with a lot of businesses looking for a partner who’s not just focused on profits but on impact. This value-driven approach has helped us attract clients who share our vision for creating lasting change.
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