THE BLADE IMPACT
The first ever study on digital entrepreneurship.
SETTING NEW DATA STANDARDS
Black digital entrepreneurs surveyed. One of the largest samples of venture-backed startups.
The BLADE Blueprint: A Resounding Echo of Black Innovation and Triumph
BLADECON, the Black Liberation and the Digital Economy Conference, was an unparalleled assembly of innovators and thought leaders. This collaborative virtual event marked a historic dialogue in the digital economy’s landscape.
The 2023 BLADE survey and report, created in collaboration with Plexus Information Services, Inc., revealed the untold narrative of digital entrepreneurs. Our interactive sessions, masterclasses, and networking roundtables fostered an ecosystem of learning, connection, and empowerment.
Keynotes by the dynamic leaders of BIA and Plexus set the stage, with Dr. Kelly Burton, Sherrel Dorsey, and Plexus’ Tayler James unveiling game-changing research findings.
Our masterclasses spanned crucial areas like professional services, content creation, education, community, and development, offering attendees valuable strategies for their entrepreneurial journeys. Meet-ups facilitated meaningful connections in sectors like decentralized tech & fintech, publishing & media, and gaming & e-sports, while informal networking roundtables sparked organic idea exchanges.
BLADECON 2023 was more than a conference; it was a catalyst for change. As we move forward, the insights and connections forged during this event will continue to drive innovation and growth.
Interactive Sessions
Remarks and Keynotes
Delivered by the dynamic leaders of BIA and Plexus, we are happy to open with remarks from Dr. Kelly Burton and Sherrel Dorsey, followed by a keynote report on our game-changing research from Plexus’ Tayler James.
Masterclasses
Created to help attendees discover valuable strategies and “hacks” in their entrepreneurial journeys, our masterclasses will cover professional services, content creation, education, and community development.
Meet-ups
To help participants make meaningful connections in the sectors of decentralized tech & fintech, publishing & media, and gaming & e-sports.
Informal Networking Roundtables
To encourage collaboration within the digital economy by allowing digital entrepreneurs to meet and exchange ideas organically.
Topics
Digital entrepreneurship areas:
Ecommerce
The buying and selling of goods or services online.
Digital creation
Individuals who produce and distribute content, often online, including videos, podcasts, music, and art.
Software and technology development
Individuals or teams who create software applications or digital products.
Professional Services
Online expertise offered by professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and consultants, available for purchase by clients.
Decentralized finance and fintech
Financial services that use blockchain technology to enable peer-to-peer transactions and eliminate the need for intermediaries such as banks.
Gaming and e-sports
Industries centered around video games and competitive gaming events.
Publishing and media
Industries involved in creating and distributing online content, including books, magazines, newspapers, television, film, and other forms of media.
Education, and Community Development
A range of activities, including online education and training, community development initiatives, and efforts that use digital platforms to reach and engage audiences.
MEET THE EXPERTS
The BLADE CON 23 Speakers
Stay tuned for more from BLADE and BIA and delve into the comprehensive insights in our BLADE Blueprint report A Blueprint for Thriving Entrepreneurship
