LAUNCH OF the 1000 Black Voices
Black Tech Accelerator 2020
partnering with microsoft and cyber-duck

London, UK — October 28, 2020 — Today 1000 Black Voices, one of the world’s organisations focused on advancing equitable inclusion around the globe, announced that 5 tech start-ups will be joining the 1000 Black Voices Black Tech Accelerator 2020 this October. The 1000 Black Tech Accelerator, known as the 1000BVAccelerator,is a results-focused accelerator program designed exclusively for Black-led tech start-ups. It aims to enable a better future for Black tech founders and the Black community.

In its first year, the 12-month accelerator programme consists of a series of workshops, collaborative forums, mentoring, leadership shadowing and hackathon opportunities to collaborate on innovation initiatives, culminating in a final pitch in order to scaleup to the next stage of the start-ups’ projected growth.

With applicants from the UK and Africa, the 5 start-ups joining the 2020 programme hail from 3 different countries; the UK, Nigeria and Cameroon. Their businesses also represent a diverse mix of models and solutions, including products that leverage technology to facilitate community communications at scale, as well as platforms that empower communities to thrive through their inclusive approach to health.

“We are excited to be able to offer support to Black Tech Founders through our Black tech accelerator. We are looking forward to welcoming participating organisations and helping them accelerate their journey of growth.” said Dr Elizabeth Shaw, Founder of 1000 Black Voices. “The diversity of perspectives that are represented with this year’s Black tech accelerator finalists and the creative ways they are leveraging technology to grow and maximise their impact taking the community into account is truly inspiring. I’m very much looking forward to getting to know these changemakers better and learning more about their inventive plans to transform the communities where they operate.”

1000 Black Voices is being supported by Microsoft and Cyber-Duck. With this programme, Microsoft and Cyber-Duck will provide scaleups with technical insight, mentoring and technology to enable innovation and more efficient operations. 

“1000 Black Voices are delighted that Cyber-Duck and Microsoft chose to support our organisation and what we are striving to accomplish in our support of Black tech founders. The 1000BVAccelerator is supporting the growth of Black talent and business to enable Black diversity in tech”,said Dr Elizabeth Shaw, Founder 1000 Black Voices.

Cyber-Duck are proud to be involved with 1000 Black Voices and support these founders in achieving their goals over the next 12 months. The pitches were outstanding and there is some really great tech on the horizon, we can’t wait to get started and watch these businesses thrive”, said Danny Bluestone, CEO Cyber-Duck.

Raymond Hounon, Microsoft BAME UK LT said, “Microsoft’s corporate mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. This mission statement shows that the business is all about empowerment of people and organisations. In light of recent events (COVID 19, ongoing Police brutality against Black people around the world, societal and economical inequalities fuelled by racial injustices) the world suddenly rediscover some hidden truths and ugliness affecting BAME people in the UK and particularly the Black communities; Microsoft has teamed up with 1000 Black Voices to help young Black entrepreneurs to believe and help transform the way that people in Black communities live, work, play, and connect through great technology. The goal is to create an environment where Black entrepreneurs and innovators will thrive and develop new ideas and solution to help elevate the social, educational and economical status of Black people by creating Black Tech that will strongly abide by ESG criteria.”

“1000 Black Voices are looking forward to an ongoing collaboration with Cyber-Duck, Microsoftand other tech companies in supporting the Black tech community.”

In helping Black tech founders scale up their business, this initiative further expands 1000 Black Voices commitment to make a positive impact on the economic resilience of the Black community and equity within society. For more information about activities, events, upcoming programmes and opportunities, please visit the www.1000BlackVoices.comwebsite.

For more information, visit www.1000BlackVoices.com.

About 1000 Black Voices

1000 Black Voices advances equitable inclusion around the world. 1000 Black Voices amplifies Black voices to facilitate positive change for whole and authentic equity and a celebration of difference. Theyshare stories from around the world on the experience of being Black.

1000 Black Voices aim to facilitate accountable action and positive change for the eradication of racism. They do this through educating and improving understanding of Black culture, racism and what it means to be Black. Theyhelp organisations, institutions and communities that want to develop their inclusion-building and anti-racism experiences. Their determination to make a difference is reflected in the work they do to drive resilience, empowerment and business scale-up for the Black Community.

To learn more, please visit: http://www.1000blackvoices.com/

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If you would like to get in touch email: contact@1000BlackVoices.com

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