Groundbreaking Tech Startups You Didn’t Know Were Black-Owned

1. PartPic

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When you think of tech startups, you might not immediately think of someone revolutionizing the way industries buy parts. But that’s exactly what PartPic is doing. Founded by Jewel Burks Solomon, a former engineer and tech advocate, the startup focuses on simplifying the process of ordering industrial parts using computer vision. What makes PartPic stand out is its ability to allow users to take pictures of parts and find an exact match for what they need. By using AI, the company’s system helps identify the correct parts, saving customers both time and money. Burks Solomon’s vision was to create a platform where the process of sourcing industrial parts was much more accessible and efficient, especially for those in the construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries.

The startup caught the attention of major players like Amazon, which acquired PartPic in 2016 says Tech Crunch. Since the acquisition, Burks Solomon has continued to champion diversity and innovation in tech. She has become a trailblazer in the tech world, proving that Black entrepreneurs can make waves in even the most niche industries. Through her work, she has opened doors for many other tech startups, inspiring young Black engineers and developers to pursue their passions in a field that has historically lacked representation. PartPic’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and the kind of groundbreaking thinking that leads to massive impact. It’s proof that tech startups don’t always have to follow the traditional route to find success.

2. Blavity

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Blavity is an incredible media company that was founded in 2014 by Morgan DeBaun, a visionary entrepreneur, to provide content for Black millennials. Since its inception, Blavity has grown into one of the largest and most influential digital platforms for Black audiences, offering everything from lifestyle articles to news and commentary. The company has expanded rapidly, acquiring several smaller brands like Travel Noire and Shadow and Act, further solidifying its position as a dominant voice in Black digital media. What makes Blavity so impactful is that it not only serves as a cultural hub but also provides a space for Black voices that have historically been marginalized or underrepresented in mainstream media.

Under DeBaun’s leadership, Blavity has raised millions in funding and expanded into live events like the AfroTech conference, which connects Black tech professionals and entrepreneurs. This event has become a cornerstone of the startup’s mission to elevate diversity in the tech industry. By providing a platform for networking, learning, and career advancement, Blavity has bridged the gap between the tech world and the Black community. Through Blavity, DeBaun has shown that media startups, when led by people who truly understand the culture they’re serving, can redefine what it means to be both successful and inclusive. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and community-driven business.

3. Mayvenn

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Mayvenn, founded by Diishan Imira in 2013, has redefined the beauty industry by creating an innovative platform for Black hair stylists and salon owners. With a focus on empowering beauty professionals, especially those who specialize in hair extensions, Mayvenn allows stylists to sell hair directly to their clients without having to deal with traditional supply chains. Imira’s story is rooted in personal experience—after seeing how difficult it was for Black hairstylists to access quality hair products, he decided to create a solution. By providing stylists with the tools they need to run their businesses more effectively, Mayvenn has helped hundreds of small beauty entrepreneurs grow their careers.

The platform is unique because it eliminates the middleman, allowing stylists to maintain control over the pricing and quality of the products they offer. Since its launch, Mayvenn has raised millions in funding, and its success has led to partnerships with major beauty brands and influencers. The company has become a leader in the movement to bring more diversity and ownership to the beauty industry. It’s a game-changer that not only benefits hairstylists but also customers, who can now easily find trusted professionals in their community. Mayvenn is proof that Black-owned startups can thrive by tapping into underserved markets and empowering individuals to take charge of their business and success.

4. Partake Foods

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Partake Foods, founded by Denise Woodard, has made a huge impact in the food industry by creating allergen-free snacks that are both delicious and safe for those with dietary restrictions. Woodard, who started the company in 2017, was inspired by her daughter’s food allergies and the lack of safe, healthy snack options on the market. Her goal was to create products that everyone, regardless of their dietary needs, could enjoy. Partake Foods has filled a much-needed gap in the market by offering cookies, baking mixes, and other treats that are free from the top eight allergens, including peanuts, gluten, and dairy.

What’s more, Partake is a Black-owned brand in an industry that has historically lacked diversity, and Woodard’s passion for creating an inclusive and accessible food business has driven her to continuously innovate. Partake Foods has expanded rapidly and gained recognition from major retailers like Whole Foods and Target. Woodard’s commitment to social good has also led her to champion sustainability and community involvement, making her company not only about food but about giving back. Through her journey, Woodard has shown how food startups can create positive change in the world, proving that health-conscious, allergen-free products can be both profitable and transformative for diverse communities.

5. The Lip Bar

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The Lip Bar, founded by Melissa Butler, is changing the beauty industry one bold lip at a time. This innovative brand started as an independent beauty company with a vision to create vegan, cruelty-free cosmetics that cater to women of color. After facing criticism and rejection from traditional beauty retailers, Butler took matters into her own hands, turning her small business into a major success. The Lip Bar initially began with lipstick but quickly expanded its product line to include a full range of beauty essentials that focus on inclusivity and self-expression.

Butler’s dedication to breaking beauty standards and creating products that empower people of all skin tones has set The Lip Bar apart. It’s a brand that celebrates diversity in every form, offering shades and formulas that truly work for all. The company has grown significantly over the years, with a strong following on social media and partnerships with major retailers like Target. Butler’s story is one of resilience and defying the odds, proving that Black-owned businesses can thrive in industries that are often resistant to change. Through The Lip Bar, Butler has carved out a space where beauty is for everyone, and it’s only just beginning to make waves in the larger beauty world.

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