The award-winning digital media brand UrbanGeekz has published its inaugural 2023 UrbanGeekz 50 List.
Drawing from their editorial work, it spotlights the most innovative, imaginative, and inspirational Black Disruptors in venture, technology, and entrepreneurship. Standout changemakers such as Kelly Burton, Marlon Nichols, Tope Awotona, and Izzy Obeng are just some of the honorees featured.
This first-ever list of UrbanGeekz presented by MHR International, highlights the most innovative, imaginative, and inspirational leaders from across the U.S., Africa, and Europe. Standout changemakers such as Kelly Burton, Marlon Nichols, Tope Awotona, and Izzy Obeng are just some of the honorees featured.
UrbanGeekz 50 used a unique set of data points validating each honoree’s reach, influence, and significance of their work. The selection process was greatly supported by UrbanGeekz larger network. Rockstar Ollen Douglass was just one of the leaders who gave valuable suggestions.
The list’s 10 distinct verticals highlight mainly, although not exclusively tech-enabled ventures. The categories are:
- Venture
- Software
- FinTech
- AI and Machine Learning
- Digital Media
- Food, Climate & Health
- Business-to-Consumer
- Community Builders & Ecosystem Warriors
- Africa
- Europe
The Black Disruptors 2023 selection features eight outstanding individuals leading unicorn companies.
''Black-led unicorns are rare. We showcase these leaders to inspire and influence the next generation of ambitious innovators.
By far, the largest list category is Community Builders & Ecosystem Warriors. We recognize that these operators often lay the foundation for success. They work tirelessly behind the scenes, providing much-needed support for Black founders to thrive.
We also highlight visionaries from Africa and Europe. We are well aware that these regions, especially countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, are fast-growing tech hubs. As our global footprint continues to grow, these markets will continue to be key regions for our brand.’’
Kunbi Tinuoye, founder and CEO of UrbanGeekz
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''UrbanGeekz 50: Gamechangers in Tech, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship'' is not a definitive list but a snapshot of talent that will be updated annually.
About MHR International
UrbanGeekz presenting sponsor MHR International is an Atlanta-based management consulting firm. With over 25 years of service, the company has a track record of success, managing and providing strategic guidance to multimillion-dollar and multi-billion initiatives. Major projects under its belt include the Centennial Olympic Games, Georgia World Congress Center Expansion IV, and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport expansion.
Among the rest of the people who helped with compiling the list are Albert Lewis and Erica Billups Johnson from Archetype, a top-notch global agency that partners with creators and industry leaders to build compelling brands. Billups Johnson is also the co-creator and co-lead of Archetype Ascend, a division with Archetype focused on providing branding, communications strategy, and support for Black and Brown founders, executives, and VCs.
See the full ''UrbanGeekz 50: Gamechangers in Tech, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship'' List here
Our partner UrbanGeekz is a groundbreaking African-American, Latinx, and multicultural digital news platform focused on technology, business, science, and startups.
