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For a long time, the tech industry has been shaped by a predominantly white and male demographic, with a noticeable lack of representation from minority communities. According to reports, Black professionals comprise only 7.4% of the tech workforce and only 4% in executive positions. Black entrepreneurs often face systemic barriers in the tech industry, such as access to capital, mentorship, and networks, making it difficult to thrive in this space.
But guess what! All that is changing, as a community of Black entrepreneurs is shaking things up, shattering stereotypes, and paving the way for a more inclusive future. From launching startups to holding key positions in established companies, Black entrepreneurs are leaving their digital fingerprints all over the tech world.
As more Black entrepreneurs continue to shake up the tech industry, the future of innovation is bound to be more inclusive, equitable, and exciting than ever before.
Black entrepreneurs are not just breaking barriers, they are making significant contributions to innovation, technology, and business, while changing the world one invention at a time.
Here are notable Black entrepreneurs making significant strides in the tech industry.
Tope Awotona – Founder and CEO of Calendly
Tope Awotona, a former salesman for tech firms including EMC (now Dell EMC), founded Calendly, a scheduling software company. The simple and beautiful scheduling tool helps you schedule meetings without all the back-and-forth emails. The Nigerian native was recognized as one of Forbe’s Black tech billionaires in the United States. According to Forbes, he initiated Calendly in response to his frustration with the back-and-forth emails needed to schedule meetings.
Under his strategic direction, Calendly has created scheduling convenience for over 20 million users worldwide, per its website. Awotona, the recipient of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle Most Admired CEO Award, has also been called one of the most successful African-American tech entrepreneurs of his generation. He holds a degree in management information systems from the University of Georgia.
Photo credit: Tope Awotona (Facebook)
Jasmine Crowe-Houston – Founder of Goodr
Goodr, a tech company that uses its app to connect food industry businesses with non-profits was launched in 2017. This Atlanta-based food waste startup thrives on creating tech innovations that disrupt the traditional way of solving hunger. Goodr uses a variety of technologies that help Businesses track and reduce their food waste while simultaneously providing nutritious meals to local communities in need.
In 2023, Goodr and its founder were awarded the goBeyondProfit Champion award for developing innovative business solutions that bring countless companies into the fight against hunger and food waste.
Photo credit: jasminecrowe (Instagram)
Chazz Sims – CEO and Co-Founder, Wise Systems
A college student in 2014, Sims recognized the inefficiencies in delivery scheduling. He co-founded Wise Systems, a platform that leverages data and AI to navigate the maze of routes and optimize deliveries like never before, saving businesses time and money. This innovative solution improves delivery efficiency, decreases carbon emissions, and ultimately enhances the experience for drivers, dispatchers, and customers. A win-win for all. Sims was chosen as an honoree in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for 2021, within the Enterprise Technology category. Since its launch, Wise Systems has received over $24 million in venture funding, and its software has been added to 750 Anheuser-Busch beer delivery trucks and adopted by Lyft to schedule car repairs.
Photo credit: MIT Startup Exchange
Arlan Hamilton – Founder of Backstage Capital
Arlan Hamilton has been shaking things up in the venture capital space with Backstage Capital, a venture capital firm that invests in underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Hamilton is devoted to funding underrepresented startups in the IT industry. Backstage Capital defied the odds, growing from a humble start to a powerhouse that has raised nearly $20 million in funding and nearly 200 investments. Collab Capital, Lightship Capital, and January Ventures are among the VC firms that have received checks from Hamilton, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
Hamilton made the renowned business publication, Insider‘s list of 100 People Transforming Business in 2021.
Photo credit: arlanwashere (Instagram)
Iddris Sandu – Founder of Spatial Labs (sLABS)
This tech prodigy shaking up music and fashion with digital experience! Having worked with companies like Google and Uber at a young age, Sandu is now leading sLABS, a multifaceted tech company focused on developing hardware, software, and experiences that merge merges culture, fashion, and technology to create innovative digital solutions. He founded the company in 2019.
One of sLABS’ standout innovations is LNQ, a blockchain-powered platform that enhances product authentication. LNQ integrates technology directly into apparel, allowing users to scan their clothing with a smartphone to access exclusive content, product details, and even resale value.
The young Ghanaian tech whiz believes Africa will produce the next tech leaders.
“The next tech leaders are going to come from Africa. Why? Because they are exposed to problems which they have the solutions to,” he said.
Photo credit: iddrissandu (Instagram)
Angela Benton – Founder of Streamlytics
Angela Benton is a leader in the technology industry. She began her entrepreneurial career by creating BlackWeb 2.0 in 2007, a technology news website focused on Black game changers in the tech industry while discussing topics regarding Black culture, and the tech industry as a whole. In 2011, NewME, the first tech accelerator focused on serving minoritized people to help them fund their projects was founded.
This data queen is transforming the tech world with Streamlytics, a data ecosystem that democratizes data collection by providing ethical, human-powered data. Founded in 2018, Streamlytics provides insights into consumer data from diverse communities. Her influence on tech is undeniable. She’s a driving force for diversity and a pioneer in tech and innovation.
Photo credit: abenton (Instagram)
Brian Brackeen – Founder of Kairos
Kairos, a facial recognition software company was founded in 2012 by Brian Brackeen. His groundbreaking technology is revolutionizing sectors such as security, retail, and healthcare, helping companies change the way they interact with their employees, patients, and customers. Through his innovation, he is not only making waves in the tech industry but also paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.
These are just a few of the many talented Black entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the tech industry. As the industry continues to evolve, Blacks will continue to play a vital role in shaping its future. One thing is clear, they are not just participants in the tech industry, they are shaping it, and their success is inspiring a new generation of innovators.
The future of tech and innovation is bound to be more inclusive, equitable, and exciting than ever before, and we’re all here for it.
Image Source: Facebook | Morgan Stanley
