MLKIII - DNNL
I HAVE A DREAM 2.0
The Opportunity
Sixty years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. received an honorary doctorate at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Today, his son Martin Luther King III is partnering with the Dutch New Narrative Lab and our Founding Partners to turn that legacy into action.
Together, we're building programs to support entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities — closing the funding gap and creating pathways to prosperity.
This is where you come in.
Why Now
The funding gap for diverse entrepreneurs in Europe is estimated at €570 billion. Talented founders are held back — not by lack of ambition, but by lack of access to capital and networks.
The Dutch Parliament recently recognized this challenge with the 'Motion White' on inclusive financing which DNNL supported with community input. Momentum is building. But policy alone won't close the gap.
We need partners who believe in action.
What We're Building
Programs for Inclusive Entrepreneurship Accelerator programs, mentorship, and education for founders from underrepresented communities — such as the VU-DNNL unAcademy developed by DNNL in collaboration with the School of Business and Economics (SBE) of VU Amsterdam .
The New Narrative Fund A fund dedicated to closing the funding gap — providing capital to entrepreneurs who are too often overlooked.
A European Legacy Connecting Dr. King's vision of economic justice to concrete opportunities for the next generation of founders.
Founding Partner Benefits
As a Founding Partner, you join an exclusive group of early supporters who make this initiative possible.
Founding Partner Tiers:
Visionary Partner — Leadership-level commitment with seat on Advisory Circle and named partnership acknowledgment
Champion Partner — Invitation to VIP roundtable with Martin Luther King III
Supporter Partner — Recognition at Lectures and logo on program materials
All Founding Partners receive recognition at the flagship event and on program materials.
In-kind contributions welcome We also welcome in-kind contributions — such as venues, services, media partnerships, or expertise. Every contribution matters.
For details on contribution levels, please contact our Founding Partner team.
Founding Partner status is reserved for commitments made before July 1, 2026.
The Ask
We're seeking Founding Partners to launch this initiative in 2026. Your contribution directly supports:
Martin Luther King III's engagement and keynote
The first cohort of the VU-DNNL accelerator program
Development of the New Narrative Fund
A flagship public event reaching 1,000+ attendees
Every contribution — financial or in-kind — is an investment in justice, opportunity, and the next generation.
Join Us
Ready to become a Founding Partner? Have questions about how you can contribute?
Contact the Founding Partner team:
Partners & Affiliations
Initiators:
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Dutch New Narrative Lab Foundation
In collaboration with:
Martin Luther King III
"The time is always right to do what is right."
— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
"We need partners to make this real. Whether you can invest, open doors, or lend your voice — your support could be the difference."
— Martin Luther King III, January 2026
