HBCU Founders Accelerator Cohort #3 Spotlight: Meet Kwame Terra from bEHR Health

This Fall, we kicked off the third cohort of the HBCU Founders Accelerator Program, and over the coming weeks, we’ll be highlighting the incredible founders and their inspiring journeys. Next up, meet Kwame Terra from bEHR Health.

Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired your entrepreneurial journey?

My background is in sales, marketing, and public health, which naturally led me to start a healthcare company. Growing up with entrepreneurial parents, I was inspired by their drive and always knew I wanted to create something impactful. My journey in public health deepened my understanding of health disparities, particularly in underserved communities, which became a personal mission. I’ve always been passionate about helping people take control of their well-being, and this passion drove me to found a company that could make a real difference. Through bEHR Health, I aim to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge to improve their health, while also working to reduce health inequities. It's not just about business—it's about leaving a lasting, positive mark on the world.

What problem is your startup solving and what inspired you to tackle this issue?

bEHR Health is solving the problem of health inequities in the Black community by providing a digital platform that offers personalized health insights, education, and community-driven solutions. We use real-time health data to empower users to understand their health status and make informed lifestyle changes. The platform connects individuals to actionable health information and partner brands offering exclusive resources. The inspiration came during the COVID-19 pandemic when it became clear how disproportionately Black communities were affected by preventable diseases. I wanted to create a solution that addressed these disparities by using technology and community-based approaches to improve health outcomes and promote long-term wellness.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced while building your startup, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges in building bEHR Health has been navigating the ebbs and flows of capital. Securing consistent funding while balancing the need for growth and sustainability is tough, especially in a mission-driven startup. To overcome this, I’ve focused on diversifying our funding sources, including grants, pitch competitions, and strategic partnerships with health stakeholders. Another challenge has been ensuring both impact and profitability. It’s essential that we stay true to our mission of improving health outcomes in the Black community while building a scalable, profitable business. I’ve worked closely with my team to create a sustainable business model through B2B partnerships, while also offering a freemium service that keeps the app accessible. Staying adaptable and focused on our long-term vision has helped us overcome these hurdles.

How have your background and previous experiences influenced your approach as a founder?

My sales and marketing background helps me focus on spreading awareness about our work in a way that feels genuine, inspiring people to take meaningful action. Meanwhile, my public health and health equity experience shaped my approach as a founder. I learned about community-based participatory research (CBPR), a method that involves working directly with community members to co-create solutions. This approach centers on those most impacted by the issues we aim to solve, resulting in greater empowerment, engagement, and more effective solutions. CBPR is the foundation of how we build bEHR Health, ensuring our platform addresses real needs and resonates with our users. My education taught me the value of customer discovery and community involvement, and it's been the core practice of how we design solutions and build the business for lasting impact.

Where do you see your company in 5 years and how do you see it impacting your community?

In five years, I envision bEHR Health as a leading digital health platform that has scaled nationally, providing personalized health insights and solutions to Black communities across the country. We aim to empower millions of individuals to take control of their health, driving measurable improvements in health outcomes through technology, education, and community support. Our platform will be a trusted resource, offering real-time health data, tools for disease prevention, and access to exclusive wellness partnerships.

By continuing to partner with local organizations and community leaders, bEHR Health will become a cornerstone in advancing health equity. Our community-based approach will deepen engagement, leading to healthier lifestyles, reduced health disparities, and an overall improvement in quality of life for our users. Ultimately, we aim to integrate health into everyday culture, making it an integral part of how Black communities live, work, and thrive.

What led you to become interested in Nex Cubed? What resources do you believe will be most helpful?

I became interested in Nex Cubed because startup accelerators and incubators have been vital to my growth and development as a founder. After learning about the Nex Cubed team, including Zaria and Terrance, and their advisors, I saw a great opportunity to take bEHR Health to the next level. Their expertise, network, and resources align with our mission, and I believe Nex Cubed's support will be invaluable in helping us scale, secure funding, and expand our impact. The mentorship, strategic guidance, and connections they offer are exactly what we need to launch successfully.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a startup founder so far?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned as a startup founder is that when you're early in the game, you have to compensate for a lack of experience and connections with sheer numbers and effort. For example, if a seasoned founder can secure funding or make sales in nine calls, it might take me 100 calls to achieve the same result. The key is being willing to put in the extra work to produce at the same level. I’ve also learned the importance of consistency—over time, persistence pays off, and people notice. Success comes from continuously showing up and doing the work.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs who are looking to make their mark in the industry?

My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to dream big and build something you truly care about. If you lack motivation, it’s often because your vision isn’t big enough or meaningful enough to you. Dream as clearly and boldly as possible, and make sure it’s something you deeply value. Then, put in the relentless work that matches that vision—your desire will be fueled by the magnitude of your dreams.

Also, remember that no one owes you anything, and you can’t control outcomes, only your actions. Focus on aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals. Finally, don’t overthink it—take action. The gap between having an idea and taking your first step should be as short as possible. Talk to potential users, gather real-world data, and learn by doing. You’ll gain far more insights from taking action than from endless planning.

What advice would you give to other HBCU entrepreneurs around fundraising?

My advice to HBCU entrepreneurs around fundraising is to ignore the discouraging data on lack of funding and keep asking. Don’t let those statistics hold you back—ask more people and broaden your network. Each "no" is just a step closer to the right "yes." You can always follow up with investors as you grow and make progress, so keep those connections alive.

Also, focus on programs and opportunities tailored specifically for HBCU students and alumni. These programs often understand your unique challenges and are more invested in your success. Persistence and tapping into HBCU-focused networks will help you unlock the funding you need. Keep pushing and don’t let the data define your journey.

Where can readers/listeners/viewers learn more about your business? 

Readers, listeners, and viewers can learn more about our business by downloading the bEHR Health app, powered by Dacadoo. Use access code HBCUentrepreneurs to sign up and create your account. You can also follow us on all social media platforms at @bEHRhealth to stay updated on our latest news and initiatives. Thank you for your support!  Download: behrhealth.com.