Black Tech Week, the iconic inclusion-focused tech conference acquired in early 2022 by economic impact organization Lightship Foundation, will return to Cincinnati from July 18–20. Lightship’s inaugural BTW event was highlighted by keynote speaker Serena Williams and drew nearly 1,500 startup founders, investors, creatives and trendspotters to Cincinnati last summer over three days of interactive programming and network building.
Black Tech Week combines growth-focused content with strategic amplification and advocacy for tech entrepreneurs of color. The event hosts curated social events and startup growth-focused programming, which includes sessions led by professionals specializing in small-business law, marketing, Web3, board selection and more – while promoting the work and businesses of highly successful entrepreneurs and innovators of color who operate largely unrecognized outside of Black tech ecosystems.
“Black Tech Week is a celebration of the Black excellence we see every day in our work with startup founders of color, while also serving as a meaningful catalyst for their enrichment and growth,” said Candice Matthews Brackeen, founder and CEO of Lightship Foundation. “Our journeys as entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and creatives within the innovation economy, while highly individual and personal, are all confronted with similar challenges — so Lightship works hard to make Black Tech Week a space and time for our community to connect, recharge and reset.”
Black Tech Week contributed an estimated economic impact of $7.8 million to the Greater Cincinnati region last year, and promises to deliver even more content and connection for 2023 as the BTW team plans for a significant increase in attendance this year.
“Last year’s Black Tech Week was an extraordinary moment for Cincinnati, with pioneering Black innovators coming together from around the country to build exciting momentum for the future,” reflected Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. “This kind of programming is exactly what our city needs more of to foster a thriving, diverse ecosystem, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome Black Tech Week back for 2023.”
Tickets for BTW23 are available as of Feb. 16, with a 50% discount if purchased before March 10. Find information and registration for this event on the website.
About Lightship Foundation
Lightship Foundation is an impact-driven organization serving remarkable entrepreneurs and ecosystems across the U.S. By leveraging corporate partnerships, specialized programming and capital investments, Lightship drives sustainable growth within the minority innovation economy. Since 2017, the organization has guided over 200 companies led by women, FOC (Founders of Color), and those entrepreneurs representing the LGBTIQ and disabled communities to more than $120 million in venture funding.
About Black Tech Week
Black Tech Week is an inclusive ecosystem-building experience driven by community and corporate collaboration. BTW connects investors, entrepreneurs, tech professionals and creatives across several days of curated content, social events and incredible energy. Connect with Black Tech Week on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and visit the Black Tech Week website for more information.
SOURCE: Lightship Foundation
