ABOUT US

BlackTech Netherlands(BTN) started as a community on Linkedin. BTN brings together talent, professionals, specialists, experts, entrepreneurs, Small Medium Enterprises (SME's), Mid Size Companies and Corporates working in Tech. The purpose is to make Black people, Women and People with disabilities visible, as well as their contributions to tech with their innovative thoughts, inventions, products and services.

Description

The purpose of this group is to create a community of Black Tech Startup Founders, Black Tech SME company holders, International Multinational Black Tech company owners and Black Tech Talents & Specialists and build an ecosystem.

The idea is to share knowlegde, work together, co-create, do business together, hold events, start new Co's, form a Black Owned Venture Capital Group / Investment Firm, set up a NEO Bank (Fintech online Bank), start a black owned coding school and/or High Tech school, inform about jobs and other.

As a group we are going to change the narrative (when it comes to underserved people and markets working in Tech, getting rewarded and Funded) and create more opportunities for the next generation to come. We welcome ideas to make this group grow and inspire.

Why BlackTech Netherlands as an eco-system is important and relevant?

Some International statistics: - less than 1% of venture funding goes to Black- founded companies in the U.S.; In the U.K this is 0.5%. - Despite an increasing focus on representation across industries, only 3% of Silicon Valley’s workforce population is Black, there are 3 Black CEOs in the Fortune 500, and only 0.0006% of tech venture funding goes to Black female founders. - The median household wealth for a white family is $150,000 compared to only $13,000 for a Black family.

Objectives:

- make the Black Community based in the Netherlands and working in Tech more visible and that they feel represented

- grow the Black Tech Netherlands community to 150 individuals by end 2022 as a minimum. The objective for 2025 is to have 1000 people being part of this group.

- Make and support the Dutch Tech scene more Inclusive

- Advocate for more Black Tech professionals and entrepreneurs in Boards and Committees

- Collaborate with other Black Tech communities worldwide

Roadmap 2020:

- Invite connections

- official start and welcoming message in September

- share information and mingle

- research and polls among members

- monthly and/or quarterly webinars / meetings

- else...(open for suggestions)

Our values:

Respect; Being Constructive; Equality, Diversity and Financial Inclusion, Innovate, Inspire, Collaborate, Being Pro active & Having fun!