AfroTech

What AfroTech does

AfroTech is a media-plus-community platform serving Black professionals, founders, investors, and enterprises in the technology sector. Owned by Blavity Inc. and founded in 2015 (with its first flagship conference in 2017), the company operates a digital news platform (afrotech.com), the AfroTech Connect mobile app (iOS and Android), the AfroTech Daily Briefing podcast, and a portfolio of in-person and virtual events. Its flagship AfroTech Conference — held in Houston in October 2025 — drew 40,000+ attendees and featured 168+ companies, while a broader professional network of 45,000+ is referenced across its properties. The platform positions itself around year-round engagement rather than a single annual event.

The business monetizes through multiple, diversified streams. The AfroTech Insider annual membership ($599/year, 1,000+ active members, 92% annual retention, 4.77/5 member NPS, 3.3x YoY growth) bundles conference access, monthly workshops, office hours, Insider Dinners, nationwide MeetUps, and Connect app access. A higher tier ($2,500/year) bundles Insider with The Gathering Spot co-working access in Atlanta and DC. Additional revenue derives from corporate partnerships and sponsorships across a roster of Fortune 500 brands (Microsoft, UnitedHealth Group, Amazon, Bayer, L'Oréal, and others) via experiential activations, advertising, custom content, and recruiting; conference ticket sales ($500+ general admission); individual paid sessions ($25); and enterprise team bundles (15% discount at 50+ seats). Free monthly livestreams serve as a top-of-funnel conversion mechanism.

Technologically, AfroTech is a consumer-facing media and community operation rather than a developer-facing product: it has no public API, and its "AI" footprint is limited to an AI-voiced daily briefing podcast and probable content recommendation. Go-to-market is community-led and event-driven, leveraging owned media (newsletter, podcast, blog), organic social, a Google Preferred Source designation, and cross-promotion across the Blavity media network. The company holds 51–100 employees and operates primarily in the United States (with MeetUps extending to Toronto).

Name

AfroTech

Legal name

Blavity Inc.

Website

https://afrotech.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

AfroTech is a Blavity-owned media and community platform serving Black technology professionals, founders, investors, and enterprises through a news platform, mobile app, annual flagship conference (40,000+ attendees), paid membership, and Fortune 500 corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tech Media & Professional Community

NAICS

Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Computer Training (611420)

akta.pro primary industry

Virtual/Hybrid Conference Production & Platform Management (THAHACAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

Learning Experience Marketplaces (Workshops, Mentorships, Projects) (EDAFAIAL), Corporate Training Course Marketplaces (B2B Content Libraries) (EDAFAIAH)

Keywords

• Tech media platform
• Professional community events
• Annual tech conferences
• Membership networking services
• Diversity tech news

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. AfroTech Insider Annual Membership: Annual subscription membership at $599/year providing year-round access to programming, community, networking, and included conference ticket. Membership includes monthly workshops, fireside conversations, office hours, Insider Dinners, MeetUps, AfroTech Connect app access, member profiles, speaking considerations, and priority conference ticket access (valued at $625+). The 92% annual retention rate demonstrates strong recurring revenue from this stream.
2. AfroTech Insider + The Gathering Spot Bundle: Joint membership combining full AfroTech Insider benefits with unlimited access to The Gathering Spot co-working facilities in Atlanta and DC, plus TGS member-only events. Priced at $2,500/year.
3. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Revenue from brand partnerships and advertising across AfroTech's media ecosystem. Corporate partners include Microsoft, UnitedHealth Group, Amazon, Adidas, Bank of America, McDonald's, Toyota, Netflix, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Lexus, P&G, and others. Partnership types include experiential conference activations, digital advertising, custom content promotion, newsletter sponsorship, and recruiting.
4. AfroTech Conference Tickets: Revenue from conference ticket sales. General admission tickets typically run $500+. AfroTech Conference 2026 is scheduled for Houston. The conference features priority access for Insider members and general admission tiers.
5. Individual Session Fees: Individual paid sessions (workshops, firesides, office hours) open to non-members at $25 per session, offered twice monthly. Free livestreams available monthly for non-members as a funnel into full membership.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

AfroTech operates a digital media platform and community ecosystem serving Black technology professionals, combining a daily news site, the AfroTech Connect mobile app, and the AfroTech Daily Briefing podcast. It monetizes primarily through an annual paid Insider membership ($599/year) bundled with the flagship AfroTech Conference, plus corporate partnerships, conference ticket sales, and individual paid workshops.

Product overview

AfroTech is a comprehensive media ecosystem focused on Black technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The platform operates as a media-plus-events model with a unified news platform (AfroTech News Platform) as the core product, complemented by the AfroTech Conference as its flagship annual event. Additional products include the AfroTech Connect mobile app for community networking, the AfroTech Insider annual membership ($599/year) providing year-round access to programming and conference tickets, the AI Edge Virtual Summit for AI-focused education, and the AfroTech Daily Briefing podcast delivering daily news summaries. Supporting programs include Future 50 (recognition for Black innovators), AfroTech U (education), AfroTech Labs (startup incubation), and a daily newsletter subscription service. The ecosystem collectively serves over 45,000 professionals in its network and attracts 40,000+ attendees to its annual conference.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AfroTech Insider: Annual membership program offering year-round access to programming, community, and conference tickets for $599/year.
• Future 50
• AfroTech Connect
• AI Edge Virtual Summit

Products and services

• AfroTech Insider Annual Membership Year-round subscription membership for individual tech professionals providing access to AfroTech programming, networking, content, and conference priority. Targets senior operators, founders, investors, and industry professionals in the Black tech community.
• AfroTech Insider + The Gathering Spot Bundle Combined annual membership at $2,500/year bundling full AfroTech Insider benefits with unlimited access to The Gathering Spot co-working facilities and events in Atlanta and Washington DC. Targets professionals seeking both community access and physical workspace.
• AfroTech Conference Tickets Individual ticket sales for the annual flagship AfroTech Conference, with general admission typically running $500+. Includes access to multi-day programming, panels, networking, and exhibits. Available to non-Insider members as a standalone alternative.
• Individual Paid Workshops and Sessions Pay-as-you-go individual sessions at $25 each covering career, entrepreneur, and founder tracks. Open to non-members as an entry point into the AfroTech community before committing to full annual membership.
• Corporate Team Membership Bundle Enterprise volume pricing package offering team-based access to AfroTech membership and ecosystem for organizations purchasing 50+ seats at a 15% discount, with custom pricing for larger deployments. Targets enterprises seeking group access.
• Corporate Partnership and Sponsorship Packages Sponsored partnership packages sold to enterprise brands including Microsoft, Amazon, UnitedHealth Group, Toyota, and others, covering experiential conference activations, digital advertising, recruiting, and custom content across the AfroTech media ecosystem.

Quantifiable outcome

• 92% annual member retention rate
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TikTokcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 July 2026TikTok launched its first Custom Creator Network with Starbucks, with AfroTech covering the partnership. The collaboration enables employee-driven storytelling and brand content amplification. AfroTech provides coverage and editorial context for the partnership announcement.
• DELEÓN TequilacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 November 2025Event sponsor hosting Bold Spirits, Rise sky-high helipad performance featuring global DJ duo Major League DJz and emerging DJs during AfroTech Conference 2025 in Houston. Three nights of celebrations across Houston venues. Expansion planned for Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Chicago after Houston.
• Black AmbitionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Incubator supporting Black entrepreneurs mentioned alongside AfroTech as fostering inclusive innovation. Both organizations play roles in supporting Black founders in Silicon Valley and addressing systemic barriers.
• MicrosoftcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2025Key conference partner at AfroTech Conference 2025. Microsoft participated in sessions and activations during the five-day event in Houston, contributing to programming focused on AI and technology innovation.
• UnitedHealth GroupcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2025Conference partner at AfroTech Conference 2025, participating in sessions focused on equitable medtech and healthcare technology. Active in key sessions and brand activations during the event.
• AmazoncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2025Conference partner at AfroTech Conference 2025, involved in key sessions and activations. Amazon's participation supports the event's focus on technology innovation and entrepreneurship.
• BayercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Conference partner collaborating with Howard University to engage AfroTech Conference 2025 attendees. Provided real-time resume feedback at The Yard space during the conference, supporting job seekers and career development.
• L'Oréal GroupecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2025Conference partner at AfroTech Conference 2025 with panel discussion highlighting diverse STEM talent driving innovation in beauty technology. Featured technology advancements including AI and lab-developed molecules.
• Howard UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Partnering with Bayer to engage AfroTech Conference 2025 attendees. Represents ongoing HBCU partnerships supporting representation and career opportunities for Black students at the conference.
• USBC Innovation CampusminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025US Black Chambers, Inc. led by Ron Busby Sr. acquired former BET campus in Washington D.C. for $38 million to support Black entrepreneurs through the USBC Innovation Campus. AfroTech covered the announcement as part of Black tech and innovation news.
• AdidasminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• Bank of AmericaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• McDonald'sminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• NetflixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• FordminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• General MotorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• HyundaiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• LexusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• ToyotaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• P&G (Procter & Gamble)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partner with logo displayed on AfroTech partnership page, indicating ongoing marketing partnership relationship.
• The Gathering SpotcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint membership bundle available combining AfroTech Insider with The Gathering Spot co-working facilities in Atlanta and DC. $2,500/year combined membership provides full access to both ecosystems.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• ESSENCE Communications: Established Black-lifestyle media brand (print, digital, events including the ESSENCE Festival). Overlaps with AfroTech in audience and sponsor relationships but operates at significantly broader lifestyle scope.
• Web Summit: Global tech conference operator running multi-city flagship events with comparable attendee scale and Fortune 500 sponsor roster. Comparable as a conference-and-content operator, though oriented to a broader, non-mission-specific audience.
• SXSW: Iconic multi-track tech, music, and culture conference. Comparable in operating a large flagship event with corporate sponsorships and digital content extensions, though at a much broader cultural scope than AfroTech.
• TechCrunch Disrupt: Major US tech conference and media brand with overlapping tech-professional audience and corporate sponsor set (Microsoft, Amazon, Google). Comparable as a large-scale conference + media business, though without AfroTech's community-membership layer.

Others

• Blavity: Parent media network and sister brand within Blavity Inc. Both serve Black audiences with culturally resonant content and share distribution rails, making Blavity the most directly comparable operating peer for AfroTech.

Regional players

• HBCU Career Center: Career-focused platform serving HBCU students and alumni with recruiting events and employer partnerships. Comparable in pairing corporate recruiting with Black-professional audiences, but operates at a smaller scale and different buyer (campus recruiting).

Direct peers

• Black Enterprise: Long-standing media brand covering Black business, entrepreneurship, and professionals. Operates events (Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, TechConnext) and a digital media business analogous to AfroTech's media-plus-events model.

Emerging players

• All Raise: Organization supporting women and underrepresented founders and funders in tech. Overlaps with AfroTech's investors-and-capital-allocators and founders-and-CEOs segments via events and programming, though narrower in scope.
• HBCU Buzz: Digital media platform focused on HBCU students, alumni, and culture. Overlaps with AfroTech's audience segments and partners with HBCUs (e.g., Howard University) at the AfroTech Conference, though narrower in tech-and-career programming.
• CODE2040: Non-profit focused on Black and Latinx representation in tech. Comparable in mission and target audience but operates programs and fellowships rather than media, conferences, and paid memberships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/afrotech
• Facebookfacebook.com/BlavityAfrotech
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/afrotechbrand
• Instagraminstagram.com/afrotech
• TikToktiktok.com/@afrotech

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AfroTech