The digital space has become a hotbed for groundbreaking ideas, disruptive technologies, and transformative businesses. Within this dynamic realm, Black entrepreneurs have been making their mark.
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They have been challenging norms and shattering barriers to achieve remarkable success. So it’s crucial to highlight and celebrate the achievements of Black entrepreneurs in the digital space.
Here are the 7 inspiring success stories of black entrepreneurs in the digital space
1. Jewel Burks Solomon
Jewel Burks Solomon is an inspiring entrepreneur who has significantly contributed to the digital space. She co-founded Partpic in 2013. Partpic is a visual recognition technology company that changed how businesses identify replacement parts.
Partpic allows users to take a photo of a part with their smartphone, and the software analyzes the image to identify the part. Then, provide accurate ordering information. This eliminated the need for manual part identification and streamlined the procurement process for businesses.
Burks Solomon’s vision and dedication to solving this problem quickly gained attention and support. Partpic gained traction, and the company raised over $1.5 million in seed funding from investors, including notable figures like Steve Case and Y Combinator.
The success of Partpic led to significant recognition for Burks Solomon. She was named on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2016 and received the Champion of Change honor from the White House in 2015 for her contributions to entrepreneurship and innovation.
In 2016, Partpic caught the attention of Amazon, which saw the potential of the visual recognition technology and its applications in e-commerce. Amazon acquired Partpic, and Burks Solomon joined the company as the Head of the Startups and Venture Capital Business Development team.
Beyond her success with Partpic, Burks Solomon continues to make an impact in the tech industry. She co-founded Google for Startups Black Founders Fund, an initiative aimed at providing funding and support to Black-led startups.
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2. Brian Brackeen
The number two person on our list is Brian Brackeen. He’s the founder and former CEO of Kairos, a company that developed advanced facial recognition software.
He founded Kairos in 2012 with the goal of creating a more accurate and inclusive facial recognition system. Under Brackeen’s leadership, Kairos quickly gained recognition and raised millions in funding.
The company’s facial recognition technology offered improved accuracy and performance, addressing the limitations of existing solutions. Brackeen’s innovative approach and commitment to ethical and unbiased facial recognition algorithms set Kairos apart in the industry.
Brackeen’s work and facial recognition expertise made him a prominent figure in the tech community. He frequently shared his knowledge through speaking engagements. He advocated for ethical considerations, transparency, and responsible use of facial recognition technology.
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3. Freddie Figgers
Born on 26 September 1989, Freddie Figgers is the founder and CEO of Figgers Communication. It’s a telecommunications company that offers mobile devices, wireless services, and other related products.
Figgers’ journey began at a young age when he developed a passion for technology and electronics. He faced adversity growing up, but he turned his challenges into opportunities.
At the age of 16, Figgers founded Figgers Communication. He started by offering wireless internet services and later expanded into developing his line of mobile devices. His company’s products and services focus on affordability, reliability, and advanced features.
Figgers Communication stands out in the industry for its innovative approach and commitment to quality. The company’s smartphones come equipped with unique features such as built-in wireless charging and advanced security measures.
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Figgers’ entrepreneurial success extends beyond the telecommunications industry. He has developed groundbreaking technology in other areas as well. For example, he created a blood glucose monitoring system that eliminates the need for finger pricking.
4. Angela Benton
Founder and CEO of NewME Accelerator, Angela Benton, is an inspiring black entrepreneur and tech inventor. In 2011, Benton founded NewME Accelerator, aiming to address the diversity gap in the tech industry.
NewME Accelerator offers a unique program that provides coaching and funding for underrepresented founders. This includes people of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Benton’s work and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech industry have earned her widespread recognition. She has been featured in prominent media outlets, including Forbes and CNN, and has received several awards for her contributions.
Beyond NewME Accelerator, Benton has been involved in other initiatives focused on empowering underrepresented entrepreneurs. She co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus’ TECH 2020 initiative.
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5. Rodney Williams
The co-founder and CEO of LISNR, Rodney Williams, has contributed a lot to the digital space.Williams’ journey in the digital space began with his fascination for sound and audio technology. He recognized the potential for leveraging sound to transmit data wirelessly. This led him to co-found LISNR in 2012.
LISNR’s innovative technology uses ultrasonic audio waves to enable seamless communication between devices. It has applications across various industries, including mobile payments and proximity marketing.
Under Williams’ leadership, LISNR gained recognition and experienced rapid growth. The company secured partnerships with major brands and organizations, including the NBA and Ticketmaster.
6. Kathryn Finney
Finney’s journey in the digital space began with her own experiences as a Black woman in the tech industry. She recognized the lack of representation and support for minority entrepreneurs, particularly women of color.
So she decided to take action. In 2012, she founded digitalundivided as a social enterprise to address the diversity gap. DID offers various programs and initiatives to empower Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs.
Under Finney’s leadership, digitalundivided has become a leading force in promoting diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship. The organization has supported and uplifted numerous founders, providing them with the resources and networks necessary for success.
7. Morgan DeBaun
Born in 1990, Morgan DeBaun is an inspiring entrepreneur who has achieved remarkable success in the digital space. She is the co-founder and CEO of Blavity, a media and technology company that focuses on creating content and experiences for Black millennials and Gen Z.
DeBaun’s journey in the digital space began with her passion for storytelling and the desire to create a platform that amplified the voices and experiences of Black millennials. In 2014, she co-founded Blavity to address mainstream media’s lack of representation and diversity.
Blavity started as a blog but quickly grew into a full-fledged media company, offering many content, including articles and videos. The platform covers a wide array of topics, including culture and technology. Their focus is on providing a unique and authentic perspective.
DeBaun has led Blavity to become one of the leading voices for Black millennials and Gen Z. Furthermore, Belavity has amassed a large and engaged audience. They have collaborated with major brands and organizations to create impactful campaigns and initiatives.
These 7 inspiring success stories of black entrepreneurs in the digital space exemplify resilience, innovation, and unwavering belief. Let their stories empower you to chase your entrepreneurial dreams.
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