Silicon Valley has always been considered one of the most prominent tech hubs in the world. The Bay Area is still the most significant tech epicenter globally and the only ecosystem to reach above $4 billion deal value in 2023 Q4.
However, as LinkedIn’s founder Reid Hoffman once said, “Silicon Valley is a mindset, not a location.” Outside the disruptive ecosystem in the Valley, there are thriving technology sectors all across the U.S. Other hubs like Miami, New York, Seattle, Chicago, and Atlanta are rapidly growing.
So, for example, New York-based AI data security startup Cyera raised one of the biggest rounds in 2024, securing a $300M raise at a $1.4B valuation. Seattle-based ExtraHop, a network detection and response startup, closed $100 million in growth capital from undisclosed existing investors. Finally, Atlanta-based Calendly raised $350 million from various investors, including OpenView Venture Partners. So, there are a ton of startups based outside Silicon Valley that are making waves.
In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the remote working culture and showed entrepreneurs that they can operate from anywhere in the world and still have access to top tech talents.
In this article, UrbanGeekz spotlights 10 Black-owned, non-Silicon Valley-based startups that have caught the eye of investors. These companies span diverse industries and showcase the thriving tech landscape and its potential for further growth. From innovative FinTech solutions to groundbreaking health innovations, these startups are poised to significantly impact their respective industries.
We asked VCs from MaC Venture Capital, Symphonic Capital, Zeal Capital Partners, and Techstars Washington DC to find out.
Marlon Nichols, Managing General Partner at MaC Venture Capital
MaC Venture Capital is a seed-stage venture capital firm.
Mansa
Mansa is a free ad-supported streaming service and content aggregator that curates Black cultural content. The Los Angeles-based platform offers a wide variety of content, from on-demand titles and digital linear (FAST) channels to short-form videos and user-generated content. The Black-owned streaming service was founded by actors David Oyelowo, Chiké Okonkwo, Nate Parker, and tech entrepreneur Zak Tanjeloff.
Mahmee
Mahmee is a maternal healthcare company on a mission to make the US the best place in the world to give birth. The platform offers an all-inclusive care experience to expecting and new parents, health systems, and payers. Mahmee’s Membership gives each patient their own care team of nurses, lactation consultants, doulas, mental health coaches, nutritionists, and care coordinators—available seven days a week, virtually, and in Mahmee clinics. Melissa Hana founded the Black-owned Los Angeles platform in 2014.
Sydney Paige Thomas, Founding General Partner at Symphonic Capital
Symphonic Capital is a Pre-Seed Venture Capital fund
Bump
Bump is an AI-powered analytics-driven platform enabling the fast-growing creator community to take charge of their business success. The startup enables creators across YouTube, Instagram, Spotify, and TikTok to discover and track all income sources and manage their market value to grow their digital assets, businesses, and wealth. Bump’s vision is to be the neobank for 1.2 billion creators worldwide. The Los Angeles-based startup was founded by James Jones in 2021.
Scout
Scout helps student-athletes leverage financial decision-making and planning for long-term prosperity during and beyond their playing careers. The startup uses educational sessions and an app designed for athletes by athletes to keep players motivated to make the right choices. The Techstars-backed startup was founded by Michael Haddix Jr. in 2021. Scout is currently based in New York.
Marti Health
Marti Health is a healthcare company that focuses on comprehensive care management and advocates for health equity, particularly for underserved communities. The company offers personalized care plans and clinical care services specifically tailored to manage and alleviate symptoms of sickle cell disease. Marti Health was founded by Michael Smith in 2022 and is based in Atlanta, Georgia.
Richard Odior, Principal Partner at Zeal Capital Partners
Zeal Capital Partners is a leading venture capital firm partnering with founders building high-growth, early-stage businesses across the financial technology, employment pathways, and health equity verticals.
Muse
Muse enables financial platforms to offer financial analytics and tax insights through an AI-based, easy-to-implement API. Founded in February 2022 by CPAs Colin Horsford and Busayo Ogunsanya, Muse uses artificial intelligence (AI) to navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of tax codes. The platform is based in New York.
GigEasy
GigEasy is an insurance platform designed to offer flexible coverage options for individuals and businesses in the gig economy. The company’s platform features health, dental, and vision plans, including on-demand coverage activation, affordable pricing, and an API for businesses to integrate insurance directly into their platforms. The insurtech startup was founded by Ridwan Lawal in 2022 and is based in Houston, Texas.
Adam H. Phillips, Managing Director – Techstars Washington DC
As a Managing Director at Techstars, Adam leads the Equitech Accelerator and the Washington DC Accelerator, powered by JP Morgan.
TechRow
TechRow is an educational media platform that delivers a premium portfolio of VR and cinematic content in the education and training sectors. Known as the Enterprise Netflix for learning, the company delivers award-winning movies, series, documentaries, and VR experiences that engage learners in world-class learning. TechRow, based in New York, was founded by Travis Feldler in 2020.
LunchTable
LunchTable, powered by Inphlu, is the first fan activation and engagement platform designed to mobilize your fans into digital brand ambassadors that boost your brand, marketing, and sales efforts. With LunchTable, brands can connect, engage, and mobilize fans from a centralized technology hub. Joshua Reid founded the Ohio-based platform in 2020.
Lokum
Lokum is a cutting-edge platform revolutionizing how healthcare providers and patients connect and interact. As an innovative healthcare startup, Lokum offers a range of services and features designed to streamline the healthcare experience for anesthetists. The App is a matchmaking platform linking Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs/nurse anesthesiologists) with healthcare facilities and anesthesia groups nationwide. Based in Houston, Texas, the platform was founded by Joy Ademuyewo in 2020.