Black Women Talk Tech Seeks to Inspire and Connect Female Startups with Investors
Black women startup founders CAN create billion dollar companies! That is the belief of three innovators – Regina Gwynn, Esosa Ighodaro, and Lauren Washington – who were inspired to create “Black Women Talk Tech,” a network of support and resources for Black Women tech founders.
With research showing that Black women are the fastest growing group of female entrepreneurs, Black women in tech are no longer hidden figures; but there is a funding gap to support their innovation. However, this funding obstacle did not stop the three founders. They organized a conference in 2017 to provide an empowering experience for black women tech entrepreneurs to learn about business growth strategies and connect with investors and other tech founders.
In February 2018, they hosted, “The Roadmap to Billions” Black Women Talk Tech’s 2nd annual conference, sponsored by Microsoft. The conference focus was on tearing down roadblocks and promoting #blackgirlmagic in the tech industry. The New York City Conference 2-day highlights included 20 expert panels and workshops, 44 speakers, attendees from 22 countries, a $10,000 pitch competition, 14 companies funded, and founder showcases.
The 3rd annual Roadmap to Billions 2019 Conference, scheduled for Feb. 27 – March 1 at Union West 535 W. 28th St in Manhattan, is poised to be a stand out! NEW! Black Women Talk Tech is now collaborating with Essence Ventures CEO and founder of the New Voices Fund, Richelieu Dennis, to host a $100,000 Pitch Competition at the Conference.
“We are thrilled to have this partnership to support black women entrepreneurs,” stated BWTT co- founder Esosa Ighodaro.
In order to qualify for a chance to pitch to win part of the $100,000 in prizes participants must:
- Be a Black female entrepreneur
- Run a tech or scalable company
- Apply by Feb 15, 2019 at 11:59 PM EST (For more information, visit the BWTT FAQ page at www.blackwomentalktech.com/2019-conference/#faq)
Source – blacknews.com
