The Black Founders Network (BFN) held its 2025 showcase at the University of Toronto, bringing together Black-led startups across idea, revenue, and growth stages, alongside the operators, advisors, and funders supporting them.
BFN’s model is execution-focused:
Below is a full breakdown.
Smart Start 2025 — Early-Stage Founders (Idea → Launch)
Focused on validating ideas and reaching first customers.
Fatima Abdillahi — Founder, Agentflow
AI workflow automation for operational efficiency.
Sarra Ali — Founder, Diaminate
Early-stage tools improving business execution.
Efemena Eghujovbo — Founder, Lift, Clip, Go
Consumer product simplifying everyday logistics.
Tomi Johnson — Founder, Kazo.ai
AI-powered business productivity tools.
Justina Kanza — Founder, GRANTED
Platform simplifying access to grants and non-dilutive funding.
Busayo Ladapo — Founder, Dynamite Skin Collection
Direct-to-consumer skincare brand.
Reyanna Lambie — Founder, Founder Athlete
Supporting athletes transitioning into entrepreneurship.
Chinedum Nwaogwugwu — Founder, Empowerment to Enterprise Initiative
Workforce development and skills-to-employment programs.
Njideka Onwuasor — Founder, MyHelpr
Digital support services platform.
Kamika Sylvester — Founder, Code Melanin
Tech education and Black talent development.
Gesikeme Wodu — Founder, Verdure
Sustainability-focused venture.
Accelerate 2025 — Revenue-Generating Startups
Companies already in-market, focused on growth and customer acquisition.
Bianci Mensah — Co-Founder, Ginny
Non-alcoholic adaptogen-based beverage brand.
Curtis Carmichael — Founder, Shuriii
Instructional design and lesson-planning platform for K-12 schools.
Didier Ramazani — Founder, Beau Vision AI
AI + AR virtual makeup try-on technology.
Eyra Abraham — Founder, Lisnen
Accessibility platform for people with hearing loss.
Faith Oloruntoba — Founder, Groupbuyhive
Retail tech for independent and ethnic grocery stores.
Ibukun Elebute — Founder, CELLECT Laboratories
Non-invasive gynecological diagnostic technology.
Jonny Kalambay — Founder, Roshi AI
AI tools helping teachers generate lessons and activities.
Kay Boamah — Founder, Swiirl
Community-powered creative and branding platform.
Lyle Williams — Founder, Magnify Access
AI-driven workplace accommodations management.
Tony Colley — Founder, B12Give
Food recovery platform connecting surplus food to communities.
Yann Saah — Founder, Graspr AI
Learning platform turning PDFs into quizzes and study tools.
Scale 2025 — Growth-Stage Companies (>$250k traction)
Designed for Black-led companies with sustained revenue and growing customer bases.
Scale Cohort Companies:
Anutio • Be Blended • BioBox • Chef Hassan • Cleanster • Corol • Evolution Data • Hello Hair • Hutsy • Juno Technologies • Kare Chemical • Maid in Luxury • Migranium • OneCliq • Oppos • Reeddi • Roun Beauty • Schooliply • Sea Moss Guy • Skillhat • Stush Patty • Synpotech • Treepz • Uni College Link • Woveo
BFN Scale companies collectively generated $50M+ in revenue and $40M+ raised, serving millions of customers globally.
The People Running the Machine (BFN Team)
Efosa Obano — Founder & Manager
Faizah Balogun — Program Coordinator
Carina Yannacacos — Finance & Admin Coordinator
Simi Olomofe — Marketing & Communications Assistant
What to know going forward
This isn’t a demo day.
It’s a pipeline—from idea → revenue → scale → jobs.
