20 Black-Owned Tech Companies You Should Know in 2026

Technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, creating opportunities in artificial intelligence, fintech, software, media, education, cybersecurity, and e-commerce.

Black entrepreneurs are increasingly building companies in these spaces, creating products that solve real problems while opening doors for the next generation of innovators.

From billion-dollar software companies to startups serving underserved communities, here are 20 Black-founded, Black-led, or Black-owned tech companies and platforms worth knowing in 2026.

Note: Ownership structures can change as companies raise funding or are acquired. The list therefore includes Black-owned companies alongside Black-founded and Black-led technology businesses.

1. Calendly

Founded by Tope Awotona, Calendly is a scheduling software company that has become one of the most recognizable Black-founded technology companies in the world.

Its platform allows individuals and businesses to automate meeting scheduling and reduce the back-and-forth involved in organizing appointments.

2. Blavity

Founded by Morgan DeBaun, Blavity is a media and technology company built around Black millennials and Gen Z.

Its portfolio includes media, lifestyle, learning, and technology-focused brands, while AfroTech has become a major platform connecting Black professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders.

3. Fanbase

Founded by Isaac Hayes III, Fanbase is a social media platform designed around creator ownership and monetization.

The platform gives creators tools to build communities and generate revenue directly from their audiences.

4. LISNR

Founded by Rodney Williams, LISNR developed technology that uses inaudible audio to transmit data between devices.

The company’s technology has applications across payments, authentication, connectivity, and other digital experiences.

5. Esusu

Co-founded by Abbey Wemimo and Samir Goel, Esusu is a fintech company focused on financial inclusion and economic mobility.

The company has developed technology around areas such as rent reporting, credit building, and financial services.

6. Andela

Andela built its reputation by connecting companies around the world with highly skilled software developers.

The company was co-founded by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji and Jeremy Johnson and helped put African technology talent on the global stage.

7. PlayVS

Founded by Delane Parnell, PlayVS built a platform for competitive gaming and esports in schools.

The company helped bring organized esports into educational institutions and created new opportunities for students interested in gaming and technology.

8. Ureeka

Ureeka was created to help small-business owners access resources, expertise, and networks needed to grow their companies.

Its technology-driven approach demonstrates how digital platforms can be used to expand access to business support and entrepreneurship.

9. Official Black Wall Street

Founded by Mandy Bowman, Official Black Wall Street is a digital platform designed to help consumers discover and support Black-owned businesses.

The platform connects entrepreneurship, technology, commerce, and community in one digital ecosystem.

10. Cinchapi

Cinchapi is a technology company founded by Jeff Nelson that develops database and software technology.

Its work demonstrates the range of Black entrepreneurship within the technology sector, extending beyond consumer-facing apps into enterprise technology.

11. STEMBoard

Founded by aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, STEMBoard is a technology and engineering company focused on STEM innovation and education.

Bowe’s work also demonstrates the growing role of Black women in engineering and technology leadership.

12. Black Girls CODE

Founded by Kimberly Bryant, Black Girls CODE has worked to introduce Black girls to programming, computer science, and technology.

Its impact extends beyond education because it is helping create the pipeline of young people who could become tomorrow’s engineers, founders, and AI researchers.

13. Black Women in Artificial Intelligence

Founded by Angle Bush, Black Women in Artificial Intelligence focuses on increasing the visibility and participation of Black women in the AI ecosystem.

The organization highlights an important part of the technology conversation: ensuring that the people building the future of AI represent diverse communities.

14. Journey Foods

Founded by Riana Lynn, Journey Foods combines technology, data, and food science.

The company uses technology to address challenges across the food industry, demonstrating how Black entrepreneurs are applying emerging technologies to traditional sectors.

15. NewME

Founded by Angela Benton, NewME became known for supporting underrepresented technology entrepreneurs and helping them access mentorship, investment, and startup resources.

Its work contributed to the broader movement to diversify Silicon Valley and the startup ecosystem.

16. Streamlytics

Founded by Angela Benton, Streamlytics focuses on data, privacy, and the economics surrounding personal information.

The company reflects a growing conversation around who owns data and how individuals and communities can benefit from the digital economy.

17. Opportunity Hub

Founded by Rodney Sampson, Opportunity Hub focuses on entrepreneurship, technology, investment, and inclusive innovation.

Its work centers on creating pathways for communities that have historically had less access to technology capital and entrepreneurial opportunities.

18. Center for Black Innovation

The Center for Black Innovation works to develop technology and entrepreneurship ecosystems that support Black innovators.

Rather than simply building one product, its broader mission is to help create the infrastructure, networks, and opportunities needed for Black innovation to thrive.

19. Black Tech Unplugged

Founded by Deena McKay, Black Tech Unplugged is a platform focused on helping Black professionals navigate careers and opportunities in technology.

It represents another important part of the ecosystem: education, visibility, community, and access.

20. Black in AI

Black in AI is a global organization working to increase the representation and participation of Black people in artificial intelligence research and development.

Its network connects researchers, technologists, founders, and professionals working across the AI ecosystem.

Why Black Tech Companies Matter

The growth of Black technology businesses is about more than entrepreneurship.

Technology increasingly determines who has access to financial services, education, information, employment, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

When Black founders build companies in these industries, they create new products while also contributing to a more diverse technology ecosystem.

Yet funding remains a major challenge. Blavity notes that Black startups have historically received only a small share of venture capital, highlighting the barriers many Black founders face when trying to scale technology businesses.

The Future of Black Innovation

The Black technology ecosystem is much larger than the companies on this list.

Across the United States and around the world, Black founders are building solutions in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, healthcare, software, education, media, and other emerging industries.

Their success matters because technology is increasingly connected to economic power.

The future of technology needs more than Black people using technology. It needs Black people building it, owning it, funding it, and shaping where it goes next.