Photos:Black Innovation Alliance\YouTube Screenshots
(New York, NY) – February 24, 2025 – On Friday, February 21, the Black Innovation Alliance (BIA), a coalition dedicated to creating an inclusive tech economy, celebrated a historic milestone in its “Decade of Black Innovation” (DoBI) initiative with the DoBI Impact Salon at Craft restaurant in New York City. The event featured Super Bowl quarterback and CEO of Lumi, Colin Kaepernick as the keynote speaker, engaging in a thought-provoking fireside chat moderated by acclaimed journalist Tiffany Cross.
The exclusive gathering brought together private and public sector leaders, innovators, and changemakers to explore the intersection of innovation and social justice and to share BIA’s $300 million capital campaign toward a more accessible entrepreneurial ecosystem. Colin Kaepernick shared insights from his groundbreaking activism and advocacy work, emphasizing the importance of empowering rising and under-supported entrepreneurs through innovation.
“BIA is leading the charge in building an inclusive economy by expanding access to capital, networks, and opportunities for Black and under-resourced entrepreneurs,” said Colin Kaepernick, Super Bowl quarterback and CEO of Lumi. “When we combine courage with creativity, we can dismantle barriers and build something transformative. I’m honored to be a part of this event and to participate in this critical work of shaping a future where Black innovation is not only recognized but celebrated as essential.”
“Friends of BIA is a movement dedicated to ensuring Black and under-resourced entrepreneurs have the access, capital, and community they need to thrive,” said Dr. Kelly Burton, founder and CEO of BIA. “By mobilizing a coalition of funders, partners, and allies, we are not just addressing gaps—we are creating new pathways for economic power to be built where it has historically been denied. Colin Kaepernick, Tiffany Cross, and so many of our guests represent the boldness and vision that drive Black innovation. The stories shared in this space remind us that progress requires both resilience and imagination. Together, we are building a future where innovation is the foundation of economic justice.”
“At this time especially, events like this punctuate our collective power to disrupt systems and create change,” added the event’s moderator, esteemed journalist Tiffany D. Cross. “It was an honor to be among the likeminded with Colin Kaepernick’s historic leadership, the dynamic community of BIA and their diverse group of partners.”
Entrepreneurship is one of the most powerful vehicles for wealth creation, yet Black and under-resourced founders continue to face systemic barriers. 95% of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. operate paycheck-to-paycheck, with entrepreneurs starting with significantly less capital than their counterparts. Black founders receive only 1% of venture and growth equity capital, and research shows that startups lacking access to generational wealth are nearly twice as likely to fail within their first 18 months. While 20% of Black Americans start businesses, only 4% survive beyond the start-up phase—a stark contrast to broader national trends. With the median net worth of Black households nearly seven times lower than that of white households, economic disparities persist.
The Decade of Black Innovation is a bold, multi-year effort to build sustainable pathways for Black and under-resourced entrepreneurs. By 2030, BIA aims to mobilize $1 billion in capital and empower one million founders and innovators with the resources, mentorship, and strategic support needed to scale their businesses and drive generational wealth.
Since its inception, BIA has provided millions in direct funding, mentorship, and strategic resources to Black and under-resourced founders, ensuring they have the capital, connections, and community needed to thrive in today’s economy. From scaling small businesses to securing global investment, BIA equips innovators with the tools to drive lasting impact.
Change the future of innovation today. Join Friends of BIA to invest in the next generation of Black and under-resourced entrepreneurs. Visit Friends of BIA to be part of the movement that’s redefining economic power and access.
About Black Innovation Alliance
The Black Innovation Alliance (BIA) is a coalition of 175 member organizations accelerating wealth creation by pioneering bold solutions that center on entrepreneurship and innovation.
