The times they are a-changin’.
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There is a direct correlation between access to wifi and tech startup growth! Top;- Map of the “Black and Caribbean, Minority communities in Brooklyn” the colored area the one we at Tibiae Tech wish to serve. The blue markers- tech /wi-fi or coworking places, inset the map of Made in NY – new tech business & growth. Any Questions why startup accelerators coworking space and incubators are needed…
To change the ratio we have to move tech into black communities
I love New Work City… but Tribeca won’t do…
20 Jay street … It’s time they add video to meetings there…
Williamsburg… seriously? Probably for my son on his bike!
We are targeting women Dumbo, Tribeca, Williamsburg is not a choice … It cost me $35 to travel from 20 Jay street events to my home late after tech events! We won’t mention the after event networking .. It’s not easy being one of the boys when
I wrote this on my Personal FB profile and decided to follow through on a threat to make this a web series,”StratingUp While Black”, So that others may learn and be inspired! The process is a hands on how to.. researching emerging techniques conceptualizing and testing! Our approach to technology is interesting… we have a pool of technologists who work with us… we’re developing out the concepts but also dealing with change management… the reasons technology is not permeating in the long-tail!
We need solid business principles, and new thinking… our sessions directly challenge why a huge percentage of the 99% are not innovating and rather seem to be waiting for a solution to be handed to them!
Today I’m a few blocks from my house at a Burger King … there is something about having people around when you work for your self… you actually do work! It’s why coworking is popular! As far as I know there are no coworking spaces in my area.
It’s why I agreed to start Tibiae Tech, The area we secured space has wi-fi cafes.. but many are not receptive to this new type of worker! some no Outlets BTW I just found an outlet in this Burger king! Had I been home I’d be sleeping I’m exhausted! Which is why , I’m siting here wondering where the hell I’m going to get the strength to see this through, even as a ply through the steps to a successful marketing campaign.
We have asolid tentative space (till we move in it’s tentative) space. I stopped when I was interrupted by a call from one of my cofounders working on his business startup. After a late night session, which BTW, was loud and heated – we are a passionate bunch and others have admitted they enjoy our discussions and learn a lot. (we use public space) I’ve jokingly promised to make this a web series so others get the lessons LOL!
Now I’m seriously thinking it can help- StartIng Up While Black is Not Easy!
Then This morning another session this time with my son.. even more gifted that I, exposed to tech,but having serious trouble accepting his talent and trying to fit in with the others his age! Another call from a woman who has 50 women her program has trained to sew, no facility to take in work, they are ready for employment by local designer.. she’s done all this without funding and limited access to technology.
She needs A tech system to manage her workflow- Yes I agreed To help! Sometimes I want to run away!
But as in my cofounder’s case, a breakthrough, he had just conceptualized a BRILLIANT solution for his business plan and revenue model, I sit and reflect.. the fight is worth it!
I know Black Entrepreneurs given the resources can make brilliant startups.. They are experts in their fields, with hands on experience and passion. They do not have trust funds, Sorority or Fraternity Brothers, Time (or for that matter Knowledge of) to attend NY’s thriving tech community events. Essential as a Black female I’ve live in two realities of the NYTECH scene since 2005/6.
I am proud of the Tibiae Tech cofounders as a team. By far some of the most Intelligent and gifted Individuals I know.. That they are black and classify as “Minority” is simply a “Gift”, with the focus on “changing the ratio”, I look forward to them presenting the final plans in next years rounds of pitching competitions… if I do not commit and illegal act first and sometimes I am not sure I am kidding !
Then This evening our CfO.. BRILLIANT woman whose concept i see starting to pop up but she understand banking and financing and has first hand experience as an Entrepreneur.. It’s about speed and haste to market and letting go of her formal training and fears!
Essentially we are leading change and folks especially my folks do not like change! There is a way things are Done… But these sessions are draining and I am running on way below “lean” as startup fuel goes! Then an email from another cofounde, she is ready to train.. Not before we adapt and improve her time tested program & procedure to facilitate resource development for a new generation of tech companies desperately seeking workers, I respond. I am Serious too many simply drop old practices into new technology and new work environment!
Now these are all leaderon their own strong opinionated… I can hear her response!
We are Tackling several levels of change
The Accelerator program an Upgrade from the 282Ac program is being developed by leading the Cofounders in each of the startups above!
There are, there will be no shortcuts.. no “I don’t have the time lets just go around the rock”. We’re working our way through obstacles!
The Incubator program targets new and existing small businesses and is a business development course with a tech enabling focus. the goal is to have busiensses ready to adapt and adopt tech platforms for their businesses
We originally considered tabling the satellite program .. We’ve had four request for training in tech skills data entry, call center, billing that would enable the community to be hired! and so trickle down… we have Till December 31 to have each level and trainers ready! BTW we have not advertised I only just started telling my network!
Everyone is starting an incubator or holding a pitching event, or a conference… but they have never attended even one of the existing ones.. everyone wants the money coming down the pipes to facilitate change… no one wants to do the work. The end results… check the map above. We’ve tested everyone of our techniques, attended hacks demos roundtables since 2007. Thsoe now in are getting a vigorous if informal intro session
I am a fashion designe, certified in cobol 30 years ago… i do not code! but I’m A Fashion tech advocate, few of the Fashion tech apps can be used by myself or peers! Yet they get funded!
The first in Corner the market or the muddy the waters!
I no longer practice design or socialize in the tech scene I am Playing against the clock. but speaking to my cofounders, seeing brilliant ideas materialize, that is what makes what I do So Worth it!
Then I begin to think… those complaining about the President ‘s lack of change have no concept of how much it takes to create change this is 10 years observing, learning conceptualizing testing … then rinse lather repeat… across several sectors. I remember being asked at Video Hack Day NY how my project would archive the video, by a young white female judge… I simply bit my tongue… I have been arching since Livestream was Mogulus… co-browsing and using telepresence since the early days of skype! Evn those reporting and Judging have no idea of what is going on…
Yes there is a lot to do , It’s why we need a Team
It’s why I insist each cofounder launch a Stratup… so they understand what is entailed! Taking advice from someone who have never actually started up… won’t work in the hood!
Teamwork is also new… but more n that later!
The Team” is important, which is why Ycombinator, the leading Accelerator is so hyped on “The team” they accept teams that do not even have concepts, to their prized accelerator program!
Y Combinator: Winter 2014 Funding
At Http://tuberiam.Tibiaetech.com we’ve closed any intake for the accelerator program… till we move in.. but we are prepping the next batch or Accelerator -startup … and incubator… small tech based business candidates Space for coworking will be available November!