“I’ve been able to be equal parts missionary and mercenary,” says Karl Lokko. In this episode of What I Wish I’d Known, the venture capitalist and former gang leader talks of how his extraordinary youth has led to a clear purpose in the work he now does. At the age of just 12, Karl witnessed his first shooting. He went on to be shot at, stabbed, cut in the face and he saw his close friend get murdered. But with the help of certain influential women in his life, Karl turned his life around before founding Black Seed, which finances black entrepreneurs. 

Karl’s experiences have shaped his mission; “I went uptown to get resources to bring downtown”.

WARNING: contains discussion of sensitive topics.

Series producer: Anya Pearce

Producer: Calum McCrae

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