• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, October 27, 2021

Havas Media Group in the UK is launching Havas Boost, a new program providing investment and support to emerging media and tech start-ups founded by underrepresented groups. The initial focus is on Black, Asian and minority ethnic-owned businesses.

Inside Havas the effort is spearheaded by biddable media specialist Gerald Appau-Bonsu and colleagues within the agency’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. 

Havas Boost has been developed in partnership with investment management specialist CEG Investment Group, which was also co-founded by Appau-Bonsu, and will act as investment manager for the program.

Havas Media Group is committing up to £150,000 ($206,000) worth of resources for Havas Boost’s first investment round, split evenly between cash, marketing budget/media spend and facilities (offering free rent for storage and/or office space).

“I’m looking forward to helping new start-ups reach their next level of success,” said Appau-Bonsu. “I want to thank Havas for giving me and my company CEG the opportunity to lead this process.”