ilicon Valley, the epicenter of technological innovation, has long been criticized for lacking diversity with the majority of entrepreneurs and those getting funding and attention being typical white males with financial backing. But this is a new day and age and the push for diversity and inclusion has never been stronger and the effects of this have been felt over the last decade in Silicon Valley. A new wave of Black entrepreneurs is challenging the status quo and leaving an indelible mark on the tech landscape. Here are some trailblazers breaking barriers and reshaping Silicon Valley’s future.
Even at a young age as a skilled and intelligent entrepreneur, Kyle Woumn, 25, already has had his share of disappointing experiences that are too typical for Black businessmen and women in “White Silicon Valley.” “When it comes to working at Silicon Valley, and working as a software engineer, and being Black, I feel like you have to overemphasize sometimes the value that you provide,” Woumn tells CNBC Make It.
It is this shift toward a more level playing field for Black entrepreneurs that is changing the way the Black community is leaving its mark on Silicon Valley.
1. Tristan Walker – Founder and CEO, Walker & Company Brands
At the forefront of consumer goods and personal care, Tristan Walker is the brains behind Walker & Company Brands. Frustrated by the lack of representation in the beauty and grooming industry, Walker created products tailored to the unique needs of people of color.
Bevel, the flagship brand under Walker & Company, offers a range of grooming essentials, from razors to skincare products. With a mission to make health and beauty simple for people of color, Tristan Walker is a force to be reckoned with in Silicon Valley.
2. Arlan Hamilton – Founder and Managing Partner, Backstage Capital
Arlan Hamilton is rewriting the venture capital narrative with Backstage Capital. Recognizing the systemic bias in funding, Hamilton founded Backstage Capital to invest in underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Hamilton’s story is one of resilience, having started as a homeless entrepreneur before raising millions of dollars to support marginalized founders. Backstage Capital is not just a venture fund; it’s a catalyst for change in Silicon Valley’s investment landscape.
3. Ime Archibong – Head of New Product Experimentation, Facebook
Ime Archibong, a key player at Facebook, is driving innovation and experimentation in the tech giant’s New Product division. With a passion for connecting people through technology, Archibong has played a pivotal role in developing products like Facebook Live and Oculus.
He has been serving as the Vice President of Product Management and Head of Product at Messenger at Meta Platforms, Inc. since March 2023. Ime Archibong is not just making waves in Silicon Valley; he’s shaping the digital experiences of millions around the globe.
4. Morgan DeBaun – The CEO and co-founder of Blavity Inc.
Morgan DeBaun is disrupting the media landscape with Blavity Inc., a digital media company catering to Black millennials. Recognizing the need for authentic representation in media, DeBaun co-founded Blavity as a platform to tell diverse stories and amplify underrepresented voices.
With a portfolio of brands, including Blavity News, Travel Noire, and AfroTech, DeBaun provides a platform for cultural expression and fosters a community of like-minded individuals. Blavity Inc. proves a demand for diverse narratives in the digital age.
5. Frederick Hutson – Founder and CEO, Pigeonly
Frederick Hutson is revolutionizing communication for incarcerated individuals with Pigeonly. Recognizing the challenges those behind bars face in staying connected with their loved ones, Hutson created a platform that simplifies sending photos, letters, and even money to inmates.
Pigeonly’s impact goes beyond technology; it’s a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Hutson’s journey from serving time in prison to founding a successful tech company exemplifies the resilience and innovation that Black entrepreneurs bring to Silicon Valley.
Shaping the Future of Innovation
Five visionary Black entrepreneurs are causing ripples and reshaping the Silicon Valley narrative. Their innovation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to diversity not only define them as entrepreneurs but also position them as transformative architects of change. In their trailblazing efforts, they are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and representative tech industry.
The future of Silicon Valley is being shaped by the commitment of Black entrepreneurs. This aids in the development of a landscape rich in diversity, and these entrepreneurs are at the forefront, guiding the way for the next generation of Black minds to leave their mark on the world.