#United States #New York #UrbanGeekz #Kunbi Tinuoye #Black Women Talk Tech

UrbanGeekz's Roadmap to Billions Conference: A Crucial Event for Black Women Founders

On June 18, 2025, at Microsoft's Times Square location, UrbanGeekz CEO Kunbi Tinuoye kicked off the highly anticipated annual Roadmap to Billions Conference. This event made waves as it centered on empowering Black women in technology and entrepreneurship through inspiring programming and networking opportunities. The opening session, titled 'Founders Firsts Masterclass', served as an exemplary platform for discussing significant milestones in the entrepreneurial journey.

Tinuoye, with her extensive background in journalism and digital media, moderated a riveting discussion featuring industry leaders Mita Carriman and Esosa Ighodaro. Carriman is known for founding travel tech startup Adventurely and being a co-founder of the Caribbean Venture Collective. Ighodaro is a co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech, possessing vast experience in investments. Their collective wisdom provided valuable insights into the often-challenging path Black women entrepreneurs face, highlighting everything from their initial funding pitches to navigating boardroom dynamics.

Candid Discussions on Entrepreneurial Milestones

The masterclass actively engaged the audience with personal accounts of triumphs and setbacks—a testimony to the realities of entrepreneurship. Carriman shared her struggles and successes from her initial investor presentations and emphasized the importance of finding a suitable product-market fit early on. Meanwhile, Ighodaro peeled back the curtain on what early investor interactions entail, showcasing both the pressures and the learning moments that come from one's first board meetings. Tinuoye noted, 'Being part of this lineup is a true honor, and I deeply appreciate the efforts made by Black Women Talk Tech to curate such a compelling list of speakers.'

The enthusiasm in the venue was palpable, as Ighodaro asserted, 'This year's energy was electric. We witnessed more founders reaching out, investors intentionally participating, and engaged conversations that have the potential to escalate into significant opportunities.' This sentiment outlines a pivotal shift toward enhanced collaboration and support within the entrepreneurial community.

Expanding Horizons with Future Initiatives

The Roadmap to Billions Conference, now in its ninth iteration, has solidified its place as the largest technology conference designed specifically for Black women founders. The agenda was rich with a diverse array of speakers from various fields, encapsulating expertise across venture capital, finance, and technological innovation. Noteworthy speakers included Antonia Dean from Black Ops VC, Tricia Taitt of FinCore, and Lenore Champagne Beirne from Bright Ventures among many others.

The mission of Black Women Talk Tech is clear and impactful: it seeks to amplify the successes and critical contributions of Black women in technology. Tinuoye's presence at this event illustrates UrbanGeekz's commitment to inclusive innovation, showcasing narratives often sidelined in mainstream media. UrbanGeekz has become a pioneer in reshaping how the accomplishments of Black and brown entrepreneurs are perceived through its expansive multimedia platforms.

By offering robust reporting and engaging storytelling, UrbanGeekz serves as a crucial vehicle not just for amplifying diverse voices, but also for inspiring future generations of tech innovators and entrepreneurs. In a world where technology dictates the future, it's imperative to celebrate and elevate underrepresented figures who are at the forefront of this transformation.

As Black Women Talk Tech gears up for future initiatives, they remain steadfast in their goal to create more pathways to funding and resources that support the burgeoning community of Black women entrepreneurs. The Roadmap to Billions Conference is more than just an event; it represents a movement—a call to action to invest in the diverse talent shaping the future of technology and business.

About UrbanGeekz

UrbanGeekz is a vibrant digital news platform dedicated to covering technology, business, science, and entrepreneurship with a multicultural lens. It aspires to make the tech world accessible while showcasing exciting and rewarding career paths particularly for women and underrepresented groups in STEM.

About Black Women Talk Tech

Founded in 2017, Black Women Talk Tech is committed to nurturing Black women-led tech companies by fostering connections and resources that create real opportunities for funding and support. Co-founders Esosa Ighodaro and Regina Gwynn spearhead efforts to profile and empower Black women in the tech ecosystem.