5 Tech Ventures Creating Real Change
Folks, there are some great entrepreneurs in the tech world, and those entrepreneurs have built some great ventures that really help out. I believe that we need to support one another, and help amplify the good things that others are working on.
My team and I have compiled a list of both entrepreneurs and ventures that are the real deal, in no particular order.
BUILDUP mentors, educates and connects underrepresented and non-conventional entrepreneurs in technology. They’re a nonprofit designed to support an inclusive ecosystem of entrepreneurs focused on building new technologies to solve the world’s most critical challenges.
2. Black Founders Follow @blackfounders
Black Founders’ mission is to increase the number of successful black entrepreneurs in technology. They’re creating an ecosystem that stimulates tech entrepreneurship and fosters economic growth. They develop global programs that equip entrepreneurs, inspire innovation, and allow the sharing of resources.
Black Founders operates under two orgs: Black Founders Startup Community, a charitable organization offering educational programs and conferences for black entrepreneurs, and Black Founders Startup Ventures, a for-profit venture providing finance costs for startups.
NewME Accelerator’s mission is to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs in the tech industry through weekly session immersions, preparing minority- and women-led startups. NewME has accelerated over 200 startups that participated in the weekly programs. They’ve got a 12 module curriculum they use to help entrepreneurs grow sustainable businesses and raise nearly $17MM from investors. They want to make programs available outside of Silicon Valley.
4. Hella Rides Follow @HeLLaRIDES
Founder Krys Freeman, equal parts hacker, strategist, and activist, is one of today’s rising entrepreneurs, technologists and visionaries — and a firm believer in technology as a vehicle for radical change. Krys founded Hella Rides, a carpool ride share app. It’s a peer to peer ridematching service for East San Francisco Bay residents who want to reduce their commute stress, save money, and save even more time. Riders contribute no more to the carpool than what it would cost to take the same trip by public transit.
Duolingo, a free language learning service, believes that everyone should have access to education of the highest quality — for free. According to an independent study conducted by the City University of New York and the University of South Carolina, an average of 34 hours of Duolingo are equivalent to a full university semester of language education.
Please note: this list is just a sampling of folks/orgs who are the real deal. Who’s missing from this list? And what platforms have made a difference in your life? Thanks!
