Tech is the New Black - Mike Brown + Kemar Newell

TL;DR

Two black entrepreneurs discuss their journey in Silicon Valley, sharing insights on balancing sports, academics, family, and starting a successful business.

Transcript

how's everybody doing we say that whoo first I want to thank Mike for fixing the photo but yeah so I think this is going to be pretty pretty chill conversation between two friends that happen to be black and in Silicon Valley and trying to make waves I think we'll just kind of talk about the story and really I like to have it interactive so we will... Read More

Key Insights

• 💗 Growing up in challenging environments shaped the speakers' entrepreneurial journey.
• 👟 Balancing academics and athletics was key to their success in sports and later in entrepreneurship.
• 🧑‍💻 Transitioning from sports to tech required mentorship, resilience, and seizing opportunities.
• 🪭 The creation of Win-Win was inspired by the desire to bring more value to athletes, fans, and charities.
• 🧑‍💻 Addressing structural issues in the tech industry requires accessing resources, attracting mentors, and advocating for diversity.
• 🤩 Cold calling, passion, and persistence were key factors in attracting mentors and building a successful business.
• 🌍 Collaborating and networking with like-minded individuals is essential for growth and success in the startup world.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the speakers' backgrounds shape their entrepreneurial journey?

The speakers discussed growing up in challenging environments, emphasizing academics over athletics, and how those experiences influenced their approach to entrepreneurship.

Q: How did the speakers transition from sports to becoming successful entrepreneurs?

They shared stories of balancing sports achievements with academic success, navigating the transition from college to the professional world, and ultimately finding their passion in entrepreneurship.

Q: What inspired the creation of their startup, Win-Win?

Win-Win was inspired by the lack of representation of athletes in sports gaming platforms, aiming to connect fans with athletes and influencers while raising money for charity through unique experiences.

Q: How do the speakers address the lack of diversity and structural issues in the tech industry?

They emphasized the importance of diverse representation, accessing resources like accelerator programs, attracting mentors, and advocating for more opportunities for underrepresented groups in tech.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Two friends, both black entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds, discuss their experiences in Silicon Valley.

• They share stories of growing up in challenging environments, balancing academics with athletics, and pursuing their dreams.

• The conversation covers transitioning from sports to tech, facing challenges, attracting mentors, and creating a successful business.