Redley Exantus 4/13/25 Redley Exantus 4/13/25

WEB SUMMIT: BEING BLACK IN TECH - PART 2: BUILDING RACIAL EQUALITY

Explore challenges and solutions for diversity in tech, inspired by Web Summit. Learn how to create inclusive workplaces and amplify voices of people of color.

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A woman wearing a camouflage cap and bright orange jacket works on a laptop covered in tech-related stickers. She is seated on a bright yellow chair, with sunlight streaming through nearby windows. — BEING BLACK IN TECH PART 2

Building structures for racial equality is an important conversation across every industry. In tech, the numbers show we still have a long way to go. According to Kim Smouter, Director General at the European Network Against Racism, 75% of people in tech are white, while only 25% are people of color. Tech remains one of the least inclusive industries.

The Need for Diversity in Tech

Fighting racism isn’t a quick fix. It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon requiring deliberate and sustained effort over time. But here’s the thing: technology gives us tools to mobilize, and social media amplifies our voices. There’s a reason to believe change is possible.

One powerful question we need to ask is, Who’s missing from the table?

If people of color aren’t represented during key decisions, we have to ask why. More importantly, we need to figure out how to change that.

A man lies on a white surface surrounded by tech gadgets, books, and personal items, including headphones, a laptop, and a camera. He covers his face with one hand, conveying a mix of focus and exhaustion. — *image: Ola Dapo*

Building Structures for Racial Equality

At Web Summit, Kim Smouter shared practical ways to address the gaps in tech. Here are three actions we can take now.

Hire inclusively by revamping recruitment processes to prioritize diversity at all levels, especially in leadership roles.

Create real accountability by setting and enforcing codes of conduct that address racism and inequality in the workplace.

Educate people about Europe’s colonial past, which shaped much of the systemic racism we see today. Understanding this history is essential for building a better future.

These steps aren’t revolutionary on their own, but they create real progress when implemented consistently.

Young African American woman sitting sitting on the head rest of a couch in a professional environment reading on a tablet. She is dressed in all black with colorful trainers and a large coily afro puff bun. — **How to Eradicate Racism in European Tech**

**The European tech industry has a deep diversity problem, and racism lies at its core. Where do we start?**
1. Fix biased data. Tech relies on data, but when that data reflects bias, the outcomes do too. Companies must question and correct biases in their systems.
2. Amplify the voices of people of color by making space for leadership and decision-making roles where their influence can drive change.
3. Promote social mobility through education. Investing in career development for people of color helps break cycles of inequality.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The fight for racial equality in tech won’t be easy, but it’s necessary. It’s about creating an industry where everyone belongs. From hiring practices to leadership representation, companies need to be intentional. By asking the hard questions, amplifying the right voices, and taking real action, we can start building an inclusive future.

 What’s one action you or your company can take to amplify diversity in tech?
Join the conversation, share in the comments!

Missed the first part check it out here: WEB SUMMIT: BEING BLACK IN TECH - PART 1

Redley Exantus 4/23/23 Redley Exantus 4/23/23

WEB SUMMIT: BEING BLACK IN TECH - PART 1: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Explore the challenges and opportunities for Black professionals in the tech industry. Plus, what it will take to achieve racial equality in the space.

7 min READ

A black woman wearing a white sweater sits on a bed with her laptop, her braided hair cascading over her shoulder. The image reflects the theme of working or studying in a relaxed setting. — BEING BLACK IN TECH Part 1

WEB SUMMIT STATS

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160+ countries

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42% women

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1000+ speakers

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2300 startups

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1000+ investors

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340+ partners

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71000+ attendees

WEB SUMMIT STATS 〰️ 160+ countries 〰️ 42% women 〰️ 1000+ speakers 〰️ 2300 startups 〰️ 1000+ investors 〰️ 340+ partners 〰️ 71000+ attendees

Last year I attended the global tech conference Web summit in Lisbon, Portugal. Summits like this one are great places for companies, presenters, and investors to meet each other and share ideas that are shaping the world around us. Some of the biggest tech companies and media outlets from 160 countries focusing on the future of technology like Web3 and AI were present. I have always been interested in the possibilities of digital and where it will take our society which is why I was so keen on attending.

What struck me was how few black people were in attendance. This peeked my interest and gave me purpose at the summit. Now don’t get me wrong there was diversity in the array of speakers at the summit. What I was keen on finding out however was how minorities especially black and brown people are represented in the tech world. So, I combed through the conference’s 3-day schedule to find speakers and events which tackled just that. What a are the barriers of entry? Here are some of the takeways from this part 1 of a 2 part series.

*Courtesy of TrustRadius,* *The people of color in tech report 2020*

BUILDING INCLUSIVE ECOSYSTEMS

The roundtable discussion hosted by Black Innovation Alliance, Building Inclusive Ecoystems examined how building inclusive ecosystems is crucial for creating a diverse and thriving tech industry that benefits the whole.

Tunji Fadiora, Manager Ecosystem & Experiential at BIA, Kunbi Tinuoye, Founder and CEO at Urbangeekz, Torin Brazzle, Executive Director and Founder at IGNITE!

The panel agreed that one of the main barriers to entry for people of color in tech is economical. Building a successful startup requires a lot of money. Without access to capital, many talented black founders are not able pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. That’s why it is important to identify who the connectors are within the community and create a supportive ecosystem that encourages collaboration and the sharing of resources.

A lack of community is also a major problem. People may be scared of working together or simply lack the resources to connect with other. Making it a huge hurtle to build a thriving ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth.

A black male in professional attire sitting on a couch in a high-rise building, holding a phone to his ear and using a laptop. The cityscape view behind him adds to the corporate atmosphere.

Access to capital is another crucial factor, particularly outside of major cities. In the wake of George Floyd's death, investments from VC firms for black founders has remained low. It is ever more crucial to identify alternative sources of funding, like angel investments and crowdfunding, to provide what is needed for them to truly succeed.

The panel concluded by agreeing that leveraging technology is essential. Without access to the latest tools and technologies, black people in tech risk falling behind. There is a need to ensure that they have access to the latest resources and support networks to help them succeed.

So, what can be done? First and foremost, it is important to close the relationship gap between founders and investors within the community. This requires building trust, transparency, and shared values.

They also said that removing barriers to entry and creating paths and opportunities for allyship is key. This means investing in training, mentorship, and support networks that will help black entrepreneurs succeed.

Finally the panel ended by saying that it is necessary to recognize that building inclusive ecosystems is an ongoing process that requires continuous effort and dedication. By prioritizing diversity and inclusion, we can create a thriving tech industry that benefits everyone.

IS THE ECONOMIC STRUCTURE OF TECH RACIST?

The Web Summit session, Is the Economic Structure of Tech Racist? brought together Kelly Burton, co-founder and CEO of Black Innovation Alliance and Veena Dubal Professor of Law at UC Hastings. Expertly moderated by Raina Kelley who is VP and Editor-in-Chief of Andscape a Black media platform dedicated to creating and highlighting the diverse stories of Black identity. They discussed the issues surrounding the venture capital world and the broader economic structures of technology.

Three POC women seated on stage in conversation during a Web Summit discussion. The panelists include professionals and leaders discussing innovation, lit by soft stage lighting. — *Raina Kelley VP and Editor-in-Chief of Andscape, Kelly Burton, co-founder and CEO of Black Innovation Alliance and Veena Dubal Professor of Law at UC Hastings*

Key takeaways from the conversation include the need to address the systemic inequities that exist within the venture capital space and the ways in which race gets talked about at the very bottom of the tech infrastructure.

Burton pointed out that the venture capital sphere is broken and that the current model prioritizes a very small few. While Dubal highlighted the need to build power elsewhere to push back on the current structures of power within the tech industry. This involves building labor movements, empowering entrepreneurs and innovators of color, and developing a policy agenda that brings these conversations to the streets.

One of the key issues highlighted in the conversation was the fact that less than 1% of venture capital goes to black founders, a number that has actually gone down even since the racial uprising. When asked, it was not necessarily agreed upon by Burton that the venture capital world is inherently racist. Burton noted that venture capitalists are however not anti-racist, as they are slow to respond to systemic inequities within the space. That the lack of diversity in the tech industry is a major issue. The data shows that diverse startups are more successful and that very data has not yet caused the venture capital community to change their behavior.

Web Summit 2022, Centre stage

The conversation led by Dubal looked at the broader economic structures of technology and the ways in which capitalism has changed since the 1970s to benefit primarily shareholders. Since the 2000s, there has been a shift towards data sale and surveillance, which has become the core of the business model of tech. To change these structures of power she said, there needs to be a shift in the current economic structures, involving power and profit sharing.