By Independent Rob | Black Perspective News
When most people think about Silicon Valley or the tech revolution, they don’t picture faces that look like ours. But across America — and beyond — a new wave of Black innovators is proving that technology is not just a tool of the future, it’s a weapon for empowerment today. These founders aren’t waiting for permission; they’re building their own tables and coding their own futures.
Here are five visionaries leading the charge.
⚙️ 1. Jessica Matthews — Founder of Uncharted Power
Jessica Matthews invented the Soccket Ball — a soccer ball that generates electricity as it’s kicked. That same innovative spirit led her to create Uncharted Power, a sustainable infrastructure company that converts kinetic energy from movement into usable electricity for communities.
Matthews’ company now partners with cities to power streetlights and Wi-Fi systems using smart pavements and renewable grids. Her mission: “To make power as accessible as the air we breathe.”
💻 2. Chris Bennet — CEO of Wonderschool
Chris Bennet is the mind behind Wonderschool, a tech platform that helps educators start and manage home-based childcare programs. Bennet grew up in a working-class Honduran family and understood how childcare gaps hold families back.
Now, his platform empowers everyday people to build thriving early education businesses — especially in underserved communities — by handling everything from enrollment to payments through one easy-to-use app.
🧠3. Abadesi Osunsade — Founder of Hustle Crew
A British-Nigerian trailblazer, Abadesi Osunsade, created Hustle Crew, a career advancement platform focused on diversity in tech. She’s also the co-host of Techish, one of the top Black tech podcasts globally.
Through training, mentorship, and speaking out against bias, Abadesi is helping transform the tech culture from the inside out. Her motto? “Representation isn’t enough — we need participation and ownership.”
🛰️ 4. Frederick Hutson — CEO of Pigeonly
After serving time in prison, Frederick Hutson built Pigeonly, a platform that helps families stay connected to incarcerated loved ones more affordably.
Using data and smart software, Pigeonly slashed the cost of inmate calls and photos by up to 80%. What started as a simple idea to help his community has grown into a multimillion-dollar business serving hundreds of thousands across the country.
His story is proof that tech can turn time served into purpose earned.
🌍 5. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji — Co-founder of Flutterwave & Andela
From Lagos, Nigeria, Iyinoluwa “E” Aboyeji helped launch two of Africa’s biggest tech companies: Andela, which trains world-class software developers, and Flutterwave, one of the continent’s largest online payment platforms.
Together, these companies have brought global attention — and billions in investment — to African innovation. Aboyeji’s vision: “To build a connected Black tech economy, from Harlem to Lagos.”
🚀 The Bigger Picture
These innovators prove that when Black creativity meets technology, barriers fall and industries change. Whether they’re powering cities, reforming prisons, or educating children, these founders show that tech isn’t just about apps and algorithms — it’s about impact.
The next time someone says there aren’t enough Black people in tech, remember this: we’re already here — not just coding the future, but owning it.