Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamal Payne.
Hi Jamal, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Dallas, Texas, but raised between New Orleans and Atlanta. Two cities that shaped everything about me. New Orleans gave me soul, resilience, and creativity. Atlanta gave me ambition, strategic thinking, and the confidence to lead. That combination—roots and reach—became the foundation of how I operate.
I later attended Rust College, an HBCU that took my foundation and turned it into purpose. It taught me how to create opportunities when none exist and how to lead with integrity, even under pressure. That mindset drove me into politics, where I began engaging with local and state leaders across Georgia, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Early in my career, I advised government officials on infrastructure development, transportation access, and community impact. I learned quickly that policy shapes economies, and if you understand how government operates, you can directly influence how resources flow, how cities evolve, and how industries are built.
Working alongside elected leaders taught me that real change happens when business, government, and infrastructure move in alignment. And that realization ultimately reshaped my career focus.
That mindset then drove me into the supply chain and logistics industry, where I’ve worked for some of the largest companies across healthcare, automotive, and global transport. I began leading cross-border operations, developing carrier strategies, and partnering with international logistics providers. As I expanded globally, working with executives, trade officials, and logistics carriers, I began to see supply chain as more than the movement of goods. It’s national security, healthcare efficiency, economic growth, and political positioning wrapped into one.
Those experiences led me to create BlkSculpt Capital, a venture capital and strategic advisory firm focused on strengthening global supply chains, advancing government infrastructure, and investing in emerging technology ecosystems across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Today, we partner with government leaders, advise founders, build cross-border strategies, and structure investment platforms that drive long-term regional development.
Through it all, I stay grounded. I still cook to unwind. I still operate with that same belief I had as that kid raised between New Orleans and Atlanta: if you inspire people and give them tools, they can build something that outlasts them.
I’m not at the finish line yet, but every step—from politics to boardrooms to global investment—has been intentional. And now, my focus is scaling that impact worldwide while staying rooted in purpose.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think anyone who builds something from the ground up—especially without generational access to capital—understands that entrepreneurship is not linear. It’s layered, and in venture capital, those layers are even more complex because you’re not just building a business, you’re building belief.
When I started BlkSculpt Capital, one of the biggest challenges was capital acquisition—not because the thesis lacked strength, but because there are systemic barriers for emerging managers who don’t fit the traditional mold of VC. You quickly learn that in this industry, you need to understand the business behind the money, not just the money itself. Fund mechanics, LP structuring, regulatory compliance, incentive alignment, global investment positioning—those aren’t concepts you casually learn, they’re frameworks you have to master.
And while I’ve worked with high-level executives and government officials in logistics and infrastructure, entering venture meant shifting from being a subject matter expert to becoming a capital strategist. It required a different type of thinking—moving from operational excellence to scalable financial impact.
Another struggle was access—access to rooms, networks, and high-level investors. I was coming in without a Silicon Valley pedigree or a traditional finance background. My background was supply chain, government, and strategy. What changed the narrative was leaning into that difference, not away from it. That became my competitive advantage.
Building a thesis that was rooted in global supply chain innovation, government infrastructure, and emerging markets, while still being financially viable for LPs, took time and intentionality. It wasn’t just about raising capital—it was about educating investors, redefining their expectations, and showing them that investing in underrepresented founders and untapped regions is not just socially responsible—it’s strategically profitable.
There were also personal sacrifices—long nights, missed opportunities, moments of self-doubt. But every challenge refined the business model. Every “no” forced clarity on the vision. And every closed door ultimately rerouted us to a stronger one.
Today, we’re building Fund I, securing knowledge partnerships with major global conferences, and pushing forward international investment platforms. And while the journey still requires resilience, what keeps me moving is remembering where I started—and knowing that the struggles weren’t roadblocks, they were training.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about BlkSculpt Capital ?
BlkSculpt Capital is a global venture capital and strategic advisory firm focused on supply chain innovation, government infrastructure, and emerging technology. We operate at the intersection of business, policy, and international development—investing in companies while also helping them scale operationally and strategically.
We’re currently preparing to launch Fund I, targeting early-stage and growth businesses across Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. What makes us different is that we don’t just provide capital—we deploy executive-level management services, build cross-border strategies, and advise leaders at both the corporate and government levels. Our ability to connect startups, policymakers, and industry operators in one ecosystem is what people know us for.
I’m most proud that our brand stands for elevation, excellence, and access. We’re not just funding innovation—we’re engineering it through strategic partnerships, policy alignment, and hands-on execution. Very few firms can say they’ve shaped international trade conversations in the morning and coached founders in the afternoon.
For readers: BlkSculpt Capital is built on the belief that the future of logistics, infrastructure, and sustainability will come from unexpected regions and underrepresented leaders. We’re not waiting for change—we’re building it.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely. I’m intentional about what I read because the right books don’t just inform you—they refine how you lead.
“Power Forward” by Reggie Love gave me perspective on proximity to leadership and what it looks like to operate with integrity while supporting major decision-makers. It reminded me that excellence behind the scenes builds credibility in the spotlight.
“The Color of Money: Black Banks and the Racial Wealth Gap” opened my eyes to the structural challenges around financial access and economic development. It shaped how I think about building systems that create equity—not just opportunity—and reinforced why capital needs to be deployed with intention.
“We Were Eight Years in Power” offers a powerful reflection on resilience, intellect, and the importance of narrative in shaping history. It pushed me to think deeper about legacy—how leaders influence more than just their sectors but the way people see themselves.
“Think Again” by Adam Grant helped me strengthen one of my biggest leadership traits: the ability to stay flexible. It reminded me that challenging your own assumptions is a competitive advantage, and that relearning is just as important as learning.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blksculpt.capital/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blksculpt-capital/
