March 13, 2024 – StartOut, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, is thrilled to announce the election of Mohit Jolly (he/him) as Board Chair. A longtime executive at Google and a marketing expert, Mohit brings not only a wealth of experience but also a passion for fostering inclusivity in the entrepreneurial ecosystem to this role. Immediately prior to his election as Chair, Mohit served as Board Co-Chair for one year. 

Mohit serves as Senior Director of Global Ads Marketing at Google and is the Executive Sponsor of PRIDE at Google, Google’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group. He is also on the advisory board of CapitalG, Alphabet Inc’s growth fund that invests in growth-stage tech companies. 

“StartOut stands at the intersections of innovation, business and the queer community, ensuring opportunity for more people to launch and scale their businesses,” said Mohit Jolly. ” I am excited to build on StartOut’s incredible track record to ensure more opportunities for future LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs.”

Prior to his role at Google, Mohit worked in management consulting at the Boston Consulting Group. Mohit currently lives in San Francisco and holds an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

“Mohit has been a leader in the tech and entrepreneur worlds for more than a decade,” said Brian Richardson, StartOut CEO. “Our community is lucky to have such a committed and talented voice guiding StartOut toward a future of even greater impact and success.”

In addition, the Board of Directors also elected Rick Kleczkowski (he/him) to a two-year term on the board, making him the newest member. Rick is an accomplished entrepreneur and respected senior executive with experience from the agency world to adtech and fintech. Rick has led multiple start-ups through funding, scaling and successful exits. As a board advisor, Rick has stayed at the center of tech innovation across sectors and at companies including IRIS.TV, OhWaiter and ABXR Engine.

“Rick brings his experience as a successful entrepreneur to our board, helping ensure our strategy and vision continues to hew to our mission of empowering and championing the next generation of LGBTQ+ founders,” says Genesis Garcia (she/her), Board Vice Chair and Chair of the Nominating Committee.

“I know how hard it is to turn an idea into a success, but I know that with access to skills, capital and community, success is attainable,” Rick said. “That is why I am privileged to serve on the Board of StartOut, to ensure everyone in our community has that access and chance to succeed.” 

Rick started his career in investment banking, spending nearly a decade at Lehman Brothers and Credit Lyonnais. He currently lives in New York City.

“With leadership and vision from Mohit, Rick and our entire Board, StartOut will be able to expand our impact, strengthen our partnerships and create more opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs everywhere,” Brian continued.