Founder Friday: Jelani Memory, Founder & CEO of A Kids Company About 📚
Issue #11
Founder Friday is a content series from SuperAngel.Fund highlighting companies in our portfolio and the inspiring founders behind them.
In our 11th edition, we are featuring Jelani Memory, Founder & CEO of A Kids Company About, a book, podcast, & media company built to empower a generation of kids through diverse storytelling to spark important conversations.
Every so often, we come across a company that not only has the potential of being massively successful, but also is on a mission to bring about meaningful, impactful, and positive change in the world. A Kids Company About (“AKCA”) is exactly one of those companies.
Launched by founder Jelani Memory in 2019, AKCA debuted with its first title, authored by Jelani himself: A Kids Book About Racism. Kids are ready to talk about the important stuff in life and the company has given parents the tools to broach some of these difficult and complex subjects, through the magic of books.
Today, more than 75 books exist in the company’s catalog, ranging from topics like racism, empathy, bullying, depression, cancer, loneliness, Covid-19, disabilities, divorce, equality, failure, money, friendship, gender, creativity, forgiveness, gratitude, Autism, God, school, feminism, and belonging, just to name a few. While most kids media is designed to entertain or pacify children, it’s the grownups (e.g. parents, teachers, etc.) who often struggle to talk about the most important topics.
To date, hundreds of thousands of book copies have already been sold and the company has spread the delivery of their message beyond books (to include a podcast, video content, and learning app), as a way of disrupting the antiquated publishing industry and create new forms of content for kids. The content has been so popular in fact, that AKCA has been listed on Oprah’s Favorite Things list, was rated one of iTunes ‘Best of 2021’ Podcasts, and has been featured in dozens of publications, including: Good Morning America, Forbes, and The New York Times.
Kids are curious, creative, and most of all, deserve better options for media that matters. AKCA is providing exactly that.
Describe your company in 5 words or less.
Jelani: Empowering stories for kids.
What was your primary motivation for starting your business?
Jelani: Leaving a legacy for my kids.
What piece of advice would you give an entrepreneur starting a business today?
Jelani: Solve your own problem.
What do you love to do in your free time?
Jelani: Read, walk, and listen to podcasts.
What is the most interesting place you’ve visited recently and why?
Jelani: The TEDx Portland offices. Every inch of the place was curated and thought through.
What is your favorite app or tool in your work life and in your personal life?
Jelani: Feedly. I swear by it and use it every day to keep up with what’s going on.
What do you believe is the most important skill or attribute of a successful founder?
Jelani: Grit.
SuperAngel.Fund is an early stage fund that invests in Consumer, PropTech & Future of Work. The fund is led by Ben Zises who was the first investor and founding advisor to quip, Caraway & Arber. You can learn more and apply at SuperAngel.Fund.
