AFROTECH

Ebony Bogui-Akinyi is reshaping startup growth across Africa with Think Forward VC. She invests in and builds companies in healthcare, fintech, and agriculture. From her time consulting at Ernst & Young and Techstars, she noticed a consistent challenge: African founders often lacked both capital and mentorship. Think Forward VC focuses on direct investments in early-stage startups ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, along with strategic support and AI-driven tools to help companies build and scale. Her goal is to create visibility for African entrepreneurs and mentor the next generation. Read more about Think Forward VC at the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gDbUsRk4 #AFROTECH

IBM Field CTO Mike Arbrouet carved a path to success by defying conventional wisdom and not waiting until he was an "expert" to contribute. A cybersecurity master with 20 years in tech, Arbrouet credits his leadership style to his upbringing, which instilled in him the values of fairness and shared effort. By proactively taking on challenges and sharing ideas, he created his own opportunities for growth and mentorship. With 23 certifications to his name, Arbrouet's career showcases how a different approach can lead to significant success. He will be speaking at the 2025 AFROTECH™ Conference held on Oct. 27-31 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. Read more about Mike Arbrouet’s Path to Success, at the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g48pFGXd #AFROTECH

Longtime friends DeShawn King and Isaiah Jones have opened Louisville, Kentucky's first Black-owned pharmacy, Good Brothers Pharmacy, to address the community's need for accessible healthcare. Located in the Russell neighborhood, the pharmacy opened after a nearby CVS closed, leaving a significant gap in service. King and Jones are committed to providing culturally competent, personalized care, offering services like medication management, health screenings, and free delivery to build "trusted relationships with patients" and make a lasting impact on the community. Read more about Kentucky's first Black-owned pharmacy, at the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g2_EfEie #AFROTECH

Representative Ayanna Pressley is calling on Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to address the rising unemployment rate among Black women, which reached 6.7% in August, far above the national average of 4.3%. In her letter, Pressley highlights the critical role Black women play in the economy as key drivers of economic health. She warns that their disproportionate job loss is a sign of danger for the entire country. She attributes this trend to federal workforce layoffs and a political climate that has harmed diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Read more about Ayanna Pressley’s Statement, at the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gJnjJRgG #AFROTECH

Julius “Dr. J” Erving turned his athletic career into an impressive business portfolio. Before retiring in 1987 with more than 30,000 career points, he made history by acquiring a majority stake in the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company, the first Black-owned bottling franchise of its kind, valued at $100 million at the time. His other businesses include The Erving Group, founded in 1990, which offers consultations to startups and companies. His portfolio extends to residential real estate and MobileCoin, a cryptocurrency company. Read more about Erving’s portfolio at the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gDsNwByG #AFROTECH

HBCU Early College Prep, New York City’s first high school dedicated to preparing students for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, opened in Queens on Sept. 4, 2025. Dr. Asya Johnson, a Delaware State University alumna who led the creation of the school, welcomed 100 students chosen from more than 1,000 applicants. Each student can earn up to 64 college credits for an associate degree from DSU at no cost. The school provides academics rooted in HBCU legacy and culture, including traditions like Greek life and Homecoming. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, NYC Councilmember Kevin C. Riley called it “an investment in the next generation of leaders who will shape our city and beyond.” Read more about HBCU Early College Prep at the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gwM8Brzr #AFROTECH

The #AfroTech25 FinTech Track is built around one goal: giving founders, creators, and communities the tools to unlock new opportunities financially. 💡 Erik Moore (Base Venture Partners) and Brad Smith (CNN) dive into Seed Stage Funding Trends — from the green lights VCs look for to the critical moves that make early-stage ideas investable. 💡 Tiffany Aliche will show how to master money and build wealth in ways that last. 💡 Jackson Aimiuwu explores how AI is reshaping payments and accelerating the industry. 💡 Boluwatife Aiki-Raji & Benjamen Oladokun spotlight bold innovations from Africa’s fintech ecosystem, from credit to mobility, driving entrepreneurship and economic transformation. 📅 October 27–31 | Houston, TX Tap the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/dEuqndTD to get our lineup. #AFROTECH

Olandria Carthen, a fan favorite from Love Island USA, is using her newfound fame to give back to her alma mater, Tuskegee University, through a unique partnership with Microsoft. She is using Microsoft's Copilot, an AI-powered assistant, to explore and share the university's significant history, from its connection to the trailblazing Tuskegee Airmen to producing notable figures like George Washington Carver and Lionel Richie. This unique collaboration showcases a creative way to use modern technology to celebrate the enduring legacy of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Read more about Olandria’s New Partnership, at the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gkdi-svF #AFROTECH

NBA star Russell Westbrook has invested in N4XT Experiences, a global event experience company that caters to fashion, beauty, culture, and gaming. Known for his distinctive style and entrepreneurial spirit, Westbrook will also serve as the company's resident curator, with a focus on shaping programming for events like New York and LA Fashion Weeks. This move aligns with his long-standing passion for fashion, which he sees as a way to build community and inspire others. Westbrook's involvement will help N4XT create new, innovative platforms for designers and artists. Read more about Russell Westbrook’s New Venture, at the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gRERgrjK #AFROTECH

HarbourView Equity Partners has invested $30 million in Lion Forge Entertainment, the award-winning studio founded by David Steward II, to expand its IP portfolio and fuel its premium franchise pipeline. Founded by Sherrese Clarke, HarbourView manages approximately $2.67 billion in assets. The company has also built a diverse portfolio of over 70 music catalogs spanning 35,000 songs, including works from Nelly, Wiz Khalifa, and T-Pain, underscoring its focus on elevating voices and stories that reflect the evolving global culture. Read more about this game changing investment at the 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g98yAVzE #AFROTECH