January 22, 2025 – StartOut, the national nonprofit championing LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, announced the election of four new Board members: Riana Lynn, Serena Poon, Jason Scott and Lorenzo Thione. Elected unanimously, this historic cohort represents the largest and most diverse group of new board members.

“StartOut will be stronger thanks to Riana, Serena, Jason, and Lorenzo,” said Mohit Jolly, StartOut Board Chair. “Their knowledge, networks, and leadership will enable us to propel even more LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs forward, creating new economic opportunities for us all.”

Each incoming director brings significant experience and connections in the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Riana Lynn, a serial entrepreneur and innovator, has been recognized as a thought leader in food technology and venture capital. Serena Poon has built a career in startup banking, advising pre-series to Series B founders in the clean tech sector. Jason Scott, a seasoned venture capitalist and startup ecosystem builder, has led initiatives to support diverse founders and foster innovation through early-stage investments. Lorenzo Thione helped found StartOut as an entrepreneur, and continues to advocate for inclusion in both business and the arts, and is a leader in investment, AI, and storytelling to champion underrepresented voices.

“This is a transformative moment for StartOut,” said CEO Brian Richardson. “Welcoming the largest cohort of new board members in our history underscores the richness of talent within the LGBTQ+ community. Their diverse geographies, lived experiences, and professional expertise reflect the strength of the StartOut ecosystem and will guide us as we continue to create more opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.”

As StartOut continues to expand its programs and initiatives, the organization remains committed to building a more inclusive economy by elevating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across industries and regions. The new directors join at an integral time, as the Board of Directors is working on a new strategic vision for the organization, having recently surveyed members nationwide on their needs and opportunities. 

Riana Lynn

Riana Lynn, a former StartOut mentor based in Atlanta, is a trailblazing entrepreneur and AI consultant dedicated to revolutionizing the global food system. As the founder and CEO of Journey Foods, Riana leads innovative, data-driven solutions to tackle critical nutrition and supply chain challenges, with a focus on sustainability and accessibility. Her pioneering work in AI data patents for generative recipes and her role as a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer underscore her commitment to shaping a fairer, more efficient food industry. 

Serena Poon

Serena Poon serves as Senior Vice President at Silicon Valley Bank in San Francisco, where she works with early-stage to Series B companies in the clean tech sector. Beyond her banking career, Serena co-founded Prism, a network supporting queer founders in tech and life sciences. Her dedication to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and her leadership roles in community organizations like Progressive Asian American Christians (PAAC) highlight her commitment to fostering inclusive environments.

Jason Scott

Jason Scott, Founding General Partner at Five Two Five, brings a global perspective to early-stage venture investing. His previous roles include leading startup developer ecosystems at Google and founding initiatives like the Black Angel Group and Net Zero Angels. Jason’s extensive experience in supporting diverse startup communities is a testament to his passion for nurturing innovation across different sectors. Jason is currently based in New York City.

Lorenzo Thione

Lorenzo Thione, a StartOut co-founder and Managing Director at Gaingels, returns to the board after a one-year hiatus. Lorenzo’s multifaceted career spans entrepreneurship, investment, AI advocacy, and Broadway production. Currently residing in Chicago, his work with Gaingels and his dedication to underrepresented founders and inclusive storytelling reflect his unwavering support for diversity in both business and the arts.