Europe's Prominent Black Entrepreneurs Running Successful Startups You Need to Meet
In the ever-evolving world of business, it's inspiring to see the success stories of diverse founders making waves across various industries. Let's take a closer look at some of the trailblazers who are transforming tech, fashion, and more.
Marshmallow, a tech-driven car insurance company, reached unicorn status in September 2021, valued at $1bn (£727m). Co-founder Oliver Kent-Braham and his team are helping hundreds of thousands of UK newcomers get a fairer deal on their car insurance every year.
In the realm of legal tech, Definely is making strides. Nnamdi Emelifeonwu, the CEO, and co-founder, raised $30 million in 2021 to transform legal workflows, with a mission to be fully operational by 2025. Definely provides a one-click tool to help lawyers draft, review, and understand legal documents, making the legal process more accessible.
Kave Bulambo, founder of BlackInTech Berlin, is building a community for Black technology professionals and entrepreneurs in Berlin and Europe. The social impact organisation offers a platform for networking, sharing expertise, and addressing the underrepresentation of Black talent in the tech industry.
The tech sector isn't the only industry seeing diversity-led success. In fashion, Josephine Philips, CEO of SOJO, heads a UK-based B-Corp certified repairs and alterations platform. Since partnering with GANNI in 2021, SOJO has expanded its collaborations to include over 20 fashion brands and retailers, offering an integrated and scalable service for e-commerce and retail fashion brands, including alterations and repairs as part of their after-sales experience.
Kike Oniwinde Agoro, the founder and CEO of BYP Network, is dedicating her efforts to advancing the careers of Black professionals worldwide. With more than 20 chapters worldwide, BYP Network reaches over 150,000 people. Oniwinde Agoro's AI-powered platform 'Javelin' connects Black professionals to personalized career opportunities.
In the education sector, Wendy Oke, PhD, founded TeachKloud, Ireland's leading cloud-based pre-school management system. The platform allows staff to create learning journals, manage staff and child attendance, send instant messages to parents, and view compliance documentation.
Abi Wickham, a researcher-turned-founder, launched SciFree AB, a software company dedicated to reducing the workload of researchers, university libraries, and publishers during the transition to open access. SciFree currently serves 48 University Library customers in Sweden, Denmark, the UK, and the USA.
Lastly, in the skincare industry, Yaw Okyere founded Ava Estell, an all-natural skincare brand designed with melanin-rich skin in mind. The brand has become a go-to for treating skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and eczema.
These founders' achievements serve as a testament to the power of diversity and the potential for innovation when underrepresented voices are given a platform to thrive. Each of these trailblazers is making a significant impact in their respective industries, and their stories are worth celebrating.
