CINCINNATI, February 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — 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 to 20. Lightship’s inaugural BTW event highlighted by keynote speaker Serena Williams and attracted nearly 1,500 startup founders, investors, creatives and trend spotters. Cincinnati last summer, over three days of interactive programming and networking.
Black Tech Week combines growth-focused content with strategic amplification and advocacy for tech entrepreneurs of color. The event hosts curated social events and programming focused on startup growth, which includes sessions led by professionals specializing in small business law, marketing, Web3, board selection and more — while promoting the work and businesses of 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 significant 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 very individual and personal, all face similar challenges. So Lightship is working hard to make Black Tech Week a space and time where our community can connect, recharge, and reset.”
Black Tech Week contributed to an estimated economic impact of $7.8 million At Greater Cincinnati region last year, and promises to deliver even more content and connection for 2023 as the BTW team predicts a significant increase in attendance this year.
“Last year’s Black Tech Week was an extraordinary moment for Cincinnatiwith pioneering Black innovators coming together from across the country to create exciting momentum for the future,” said Cincinnati Mayor Aftab Pureval. “This type of programming is exactly what our city needs most to foster a thriving and diverse ecosystem, and I couldn’t be more excited to welcome back Black Tech Week for 2023.”
Tickets for BTW23 are available from February 16with a 50% discount if purchased before March 10. Find information and registration for this event on the website.
About the Lightship Foundation
Lightship Foundation is an impact-driven organization serving remarkable entrepreneurs and ecosystems across the United States. By leveraging corporate partnerships, specialized programs and capital investments, Lightship drives sustainable growth within the minority innovation economy. Since 2017, the organization has guided over 200 women-led businesses, FOC (Founders of Color) and entrepreneurs representing the LGBTIQ and disabled communities to over 200,000 businesses. $120 million in venture financing.
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 through several days of curated content, social events and incredible energy. Tune in to Black Tech Week on Twitter, Facebook And Instagramand visit Black Tech Week website for more information.
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