The U.S. tech industry has a diversity problem. Despite being the engine of global innovation, it remains staggeringly homogeneous. Black professionals make up just 7–9% of the workforce, and less than 5% of leadership roles at giants like Google, Microsoft, and Meta. But beyond the boardrooms and algorithms, a powerful movement is reshaping the narrative—Black tech entrepreneurs who are building billion-dollar companies, transforming industries, and mentoring the next generation.
These ten trailblazers didn’t wait for permission. They built platforms, raised capital, and created space for others. If you’re serious about learning from the best, these are the minds to follow, study, and connect with.
Robert F. Smith — Vista Equity Partners
- Title: Founder, Chairman & CEO
- Company: Vista Equity Partners
- Contact: rsmith@vistaequitypartners.com | admin@robertfredericksmith.com
- Why Learn From Him: Smith has overseen over 600 transactions totaling $330B. His investment philosophy centers on operational excellence and long-term value creation. He’s also a philanthropic force, eliminating student debt for Morehouse grads and launching the Student Freedom Initiative.
- Legacy Lesson: Learn how to scale with precision and give back with purpose.
David Steward — World Wide Technology
- Title: Founder & Chairman
- Company: World Wide Technology
- Contact: d***@wwt.com | (314) 569-7000
- Why Learn From Him: Steward built the largest Black-owned tech company in the U.S., valued at $11.4B. His leadership blends faith, strategy, and community uplift.
- Legacy Lesson: Steward proves that values-driven leadership can scale globally.
Tope Awotona — Calendly
- Title: Founder & CEO
- Company: Calendly
- Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
- Why Learn From Him: Awotona bootstrapped Calendly into a $3B unicorn. His story is one of grit, vision, and refusing to settle for mediocrity.
- Legacy Lesson: Simplicity and user obsession can disrupt entire industries.
Dr. Iman Abuzeid — Incredible Health
- Title: Co-founder & CEO
- Company: Incredible Health
- Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
- Why Learn From Her: A Sudanese-American physician turned tech CEO, Abuzeid built a $1.65B platform that’s revolutionizing healthcare hiring.
- Legacy Lesson: Expertise + empathy = scalable impact.
Freddie Figgers — Figgers Wireless
- Title: Founder & CEO
- Company: Figgers Wireless
- Contact: f***@figgers.com | (800) 223-5435
- Why Learn From Him: Figgers is the youngest American to hold an FCC license and the only Black-owned telecom provider. His inventions are rooted in personal care and community need.
- Legacy Lesson: Innovation starts with solving problems close to home.
Iddris Sandu — Spatial Labs
- Title: Founder & CEO
- Company: Spatial Labs
- Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
- Why Learn From Him: Sandu blends culture, fashion, and blockchain to create “phygital” experiences. Backed by Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners, he’s redefining tech’s cultural interface.
- Legacy Lesson: Tech isn’t just code, it’s culture.
Tristan Walker — Walker & Company Brands
- Title: Founder & CEO
- Company: Walker & Company
- Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
- Why Learn From Him: Walker built Bevel to solve real grooming issues for Black men, then sold it to Procter & Gamble. He’s now a board member at Foot Locker and Shake Shack.
- Legacy Lesson: Build for your community, and the world will follow.
Jessica O. Matthews — Uncharted Power
- Title: Founder & CEO
- Company: Uncharted Power
- Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
- Why Learn From Her: Matthews turned a soccer ball into a power source and now builds smart infrastructure. Her Harlem-based company is redefining energy access.
- Legacy Lesson: Play can power progress.
Chris Bennett — Wonderschool
- Title: Founder & CEO
- Company: Wonderschool
- Contact: chris@wonderschool.com | +1.855.554.7843
- Why Learn From Him: Bennett’s platform helps educators launch childcare programs, solving a national crisis while empowering entrepreneurs.
- Legacy Lesson: Childhood education is a tech frontier.
Kimberly Bryant — Black Girls Code & Black Innovation Lab
- Title: Founder
- Company: Black Innovation Lab
- Contact: Not publicly listed; connect via LinkedIn
- Why Learn From Her: Bryant introduced over 100,000 girls to coding and now builds tech ecosystems in the South. Her upcoming book Ascending will be a must-read.
- Legacy Lesson: Inclusion isn’t optional, it’s revolutionary.
Why These Titans Matter
These leaders aren’t just building companies, they’re building legacies. They’ve faced systemic barriers, yet created platforms that uplift communities, challenge norms, and redefine what’s possible. Whether you’re an aspiring founder, investor, educator, or storyteller, these are the minds to learn from.
- They’ve built billion-dollar companies with limited access to capital.
- They’ve scaled ideas rooted in personal pain and community need.
- They’ve created ecosystems that center Black excellence and innovation.
Final Word
In a world that often overlooks Black brilliance, these tech titans are impossible to ignore. They are the architects of a new future, one where innovation is inclusive, legacy is intentional, and impact is non-negotiable.
Want to build something that lasts? Start by studying those who already have.
