Nobellum Hosts BFUTR Conference’s First-Ever Black Tech Pitch Showcase, Sponsored by BMO

Written By Nobellum Team

Nobellum Hosts BFUTR Conference’s First-Ever Black Tech Pitch Showcase, Sponsored by BMO

Toronto, November 6, 2024 — Nobellum, in collaboration with BMO, is proud to announce the

launch of the Black Innovator's Tech Pitch showcase at the 2024 BFUTR Global Tech Summit by Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN).

 This groundbreaking event marks a significant milestone as the first pitch showcase to take place at BFUTR. The showcase will feature ten Black-led startups in the tech and social impact sectors, competing for $15,000 in award prizes. The winner will be announced on the main stage at the event on November 6, 2024. Additionally, BFUTR's Black Tech Lounge will host panels featuring key players in the industry on the future of artificial intelligence and women investing in women.

 The Black Innovator's Tech Pitch, a significant highlight at BFUTR, is part of Nobellum's larger objective to launch and scale 100 Black-owned businesses in STEM by 2025. A pioneer in enabling Black entrepreneurs, Nobellum plays an important role in the development of a vibrant ecosystem for the Black tech community by stimulating creativity, providing access to funding, and establishing a support network for long-term company growth with their Innovator Program, Career Accelerator and Innovathon Pitches.

Nobellum takes pride in being a female-led accelerator that fosters ecosystem partnerships to create Black Innovation Zones at North America’s largest tech conferences including Collision and Elevate Festivals.

Nobellum Founder, Melisa Ellis, was recently recognized as Black Tech Community Builder of the Year at the 2023 Obsidi by BPTN Awards, presented by BMO. This award represents her dedication to inspiring a new generation of STEM professionals and leading initiatives that support the start-up of at least 100 Black-led businesses in STEM by 2025.

“Supporting Nobellum and the first-ever Black Innovator's Tech Pitch at BFUTR embodies BMO’s Purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life,” said Eric Phillips, COO Business-to-Consumer Platform Strategy & Operations, BMO. “BMO is dedicated to eliminating barriers to inclusion that have historically restricted access and opportunities for Black professionals in tech. This isn’t just an investment in innovation – it’s a commitment to driving meaningful change in the industry.”

 “The ecosystem that Nobellum has built is becoming an instrumental launchpad for the next generation of future leaders and innovators” says Melisa Ellis, Founder and CEO of Nobellum. “I am optimistic about the opportunities this partnership with BMO will bring, especially because of our shared values around the future of Black entrepreneurship. Through this partnership, I hope to see the creation of more opportunities for Black Entrepreneurs and professionals to have access to banking and finance tools they can leverage to propel their businesses.”

 "The Black tech community has always been rich with talent and ideas; they just haven’t been unlocked. Through our collaborations with BFUTR and BMO, we're proving that when we invest in Black tech talent, we're investing in a more innovative, diverse, and prosperous future for all. The ecosystem that Nobellum has built is becoming an instrumental launchpad for the next generation of future leaders and innovators.”

BMO’s sponsorship of the Black Innovator's Tech Pitch demonstrates its dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech industry. The bank’s support of Nobellum and under-allocated founders underscores its commitment to building an inclusive society and empowering Black-led businesses.

About Nobellum

Nobellum is a female-led social and technology enterprise focusing on strengthening the Black business ecosystem. Nobellum’s mission is to support Black innovators to engage in entrepreneurship and build sustainable businesses. Nobellum’s mandate is to support the startup of at least 100 Black-owned businesses in STEM by 2025.

 

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of July 31, 2024. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets, and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. 

 
Nobellum Team
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