The tech industry has long been dominated by a few demographics, but Black entrepreneurs are breaking barriers, innovating, and reshaping the landscape. From artificial intelligence to venture capital, these ten Black leaders are making significant contributions to technology and inspiring the next generation. Let’s explore their journeys and impacts.
1. Charles Hudson – The Venture Capitalist Bridging the Gap
Charles Hudson is the founder and managing partner of Precursor Ventures, a firm dedicated to investing in early-stage startups. His firm focuses on diverse entrepreneurs and untapped markets, giving a voice to those often overlooked in the venture capital ecosystem. Hudson’s keen eye for promising startups has helped drive growth in underrepresented communities, proving that diversity in investment leads to greater innovation.
2. Kimberly Bryant – Championing Diversity in STEM
Kimberly Bryant is the founder of Black Girls Code, a nonprofit organization committed to introducing young Black girls to programming and technology. With a background in electrical engineering, Bryant recognized the underrepresentation of Black women in tech and took action. Her organization has provided coding workshops and mentorship opportunities to thousands of young Black girls, fostering the next generation of tech leaders.
3. Angela Benton – A Tech Pioneer and Advocate for Inclusive Innovation
Angela Benton is the founder of NewME, an accelerator that supports early-stage minority entrepreneurs in tech. She launched NewME in 2011, well before diversity and inclusion became mainstream conversations in Silicon Valley. Her work has helped Black and Latinx entrepreneurs secure millions in funding, creating a more equitable startup ecosystem. Benton’s impact extends beyond tech, as she also focuses on digital health and data-driven wellness solutions.
4. Tristan Walker – Redefining Men’s Grooming with Tech
Tristan Walker is the founder of Walker & Company Brands, which specializes in personal care products designed for people of color. His most notable product, Bevel, is a shaving system designed for Black men to prevent razor bumps and irritation. With a background in tech (having worked at Foursquare and Andreessen Horowitz), Walker has successfully merged technology with consumer goods, demonstrating how digital innovation can revolutionize traditional industries.
5. Valerie Thomas – The NASA Visionary Behind 3D Imaging
Though not a traditional entrepreneur, Valerie Thomas’s contributions to tech have been groundbreaking. As a former NASA scientist, she developed the Illusion Transmitter, a technology that laid the foundation for modern 3D imaging and television. Her work has had lasting effects on the fields of medicine, entertainment, and aerospace. Thomas’s innovation continues to inspire Black entrepreneurs venturing into science and technology.
6. Aisha Bowe – From Aerospace Engineer to Tech Entrepreneur
Aisha Bowe is the founder and CEO of STEMBoard, a tech company specializing in data analytics and IT solutions for government and commercial clients. With a background in aerospace engineering, Bowe has been a strong advocate for STEM education, particularly for underrepresented minorities. Her company also created Lingo, a coding kit that teaches students how to build their own technology, making STEM education more accessible.
7. Jewel Burks Solomon – Pioneering AI in Business Operations
Jewel Burks Solomon is the co-founder of Partpic, an AI-powered tool that allows users to identify and order replacement parts simply by taking a picture. Her company was acquired by Amazon, where she later worked as a leader in visual search technology. Currently, she serves as the Head of Google for Startups in the U.S., where she helps Black and minority founders secure resources to grow their businesses.
8. Clarence “Skip” Ellis – The First Black Computer Science PhD
Clarence “Skip” Ellis made history as the first African American to earn a Ph.D. in computer science. He worked on Groupware, a precursor to modern collaborative software like Google Docs and Slack. His pioneering research in computer-supported cooperative work (CSCW) helped shape how teams collaborate digitally. Ellis’s contributions remain foundational in today’s remote and digital workspaces.
9. Mark Dean – The Architect of Modern Computing
Mark Dean is a computer engineer credited with co-inventing the IBM personal computer. He played a key role in developing the ISA bus, which allows multiple devices like printers and keyboards to connect to computers. Dean also helped develop color PC monitors and holds more than 20 patents. His contributions to computing have made modern personal computing possible, and his legacy continues to inspire engineers worldwide.
10. Asmau Ahmed – Innovating in Visual Search and AI
Asmau Ahmed is the founder and CEO of Plum Perfect, an AI-powered visual search and personalization technology for beauty and fashion. Her platform uses machine learning to analyze skin tones and recommend personalized beauty products. Ahmed’s expertise in chemistry and business has positioned her as a leader in AI-driven consumer technology, bridging the gap between beauty and machine learning.
Insights
These ten Black entrepreneurs and innovators are shaping the future of technology. Their contributions span multiple industries, from artificial intelligence to venture capital, aerospace engineering to consumer products. They serve as inspirations for aspiring Black tech leaders, proving that innovation thrives when diversity and inclusion are prioritized. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, these pioneers are paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic industry.
Read more: The David Steward Way: How a Tech Titan Leads with Purpose and Impact
