Plug In South LA helps build diverse startups in a traditionally underserved area
Derek Smith, the founder of Plug In South LA, grew up in southern Los Angeles and saw first-hand the frustration that stems from lack of economic development. That’s why he decided to come home in 2015, after spending the first part of his career in NYC, to start a startup incubator in his old neighborhood.
He wanted to help aspiring entrepreneurs learn the ropes of growing a startup, and hoped that in the process, building these businesses could help bring higher-paying jobs to the area.
Smith already knew that…