IBOM L.L.C founder, Anie Akpe-Lewis and Mayven PR founder, Yvonne Unubun, partnered to organize the "Africans Creating Technology" event, gathering some of the who's who in the industry to talk about the emerging sector and opportunities in Africa and ways African-owned startups can thrive within the U.S. and abroad.
On Thursday, May 2, tech industry leaders from the U.S., Africa and the Diaspora gathered to share insights, tips, challenges and solutions for a premiere panel event called "Africans Creating Technology" in New York City. Organized by IBOM L.L.C., a New York-based business consulting and events company, and Mayven PR, a boutique PR consulting firm, the event brought together more than 100 business leaders and budding startup innovators.
Panelists and event organizers, from left: Eric Hamilton, co-partner, Around the Way App; Mary Olushoga, founder, the AWP Network, a startup resource Website; Tapua Tunduwani, CEO and president, SaGE Services, a global business solutions and flex space firm; Yvonne Unubun, founder, Mayven PR; Muoyo Okome, gaming app developer and founder, Mega Rock L.L.C.;Anie Akpe-Lewis, founder, IBOM L.L.C.;Ali Abdullah, app developer
(Photos: FE Photography; Twitter)more
IBOM L.L.C founder, Anie Akpe-Lewis and Mayven PR founder, Yvonne Unubun, partnered to organize the "Africans Creating Technology" event, gathering some of the who's who in the industry to talk about the emerging sector and opportunities in Africa and ways African-owned startups can thrive within the U.S. and abroad. more
Janell Hazelwood, associate producer at BlackEnterprise.com, hosted the event, which included more than 100 eager entrepreneurs, students and tech industry enthusiasts. more
The "Africans Creating Technology" event also included an elevator pitch portion, where select entrepreneurs, including the founders of beauty box Website SAHSHE.com, got the chance to talk about their new businesses and what they offered.more
Muoyo Okome, a featured panelist, told the audience his story of starting MegaRock L.L.C. and launching his popular gaming app. With experience working for companies including Microsoft, Okome gave tips for other entrepreneurs seeking to venture into app development. more
Muoyo Okome's app, A Bike Race of Ninja Temple, has become popular on iTunes, with more than six-figure digits in downloads upon its creation just a few months ago.more
Panelist Eric Hamilton demonstrated the capabilities of the GPS-based app, Around the Way App, which gives users locations of black-owned businesses across the U.S. The company plans to expand to include listings in Canada soon.more
Attendees, including Michael Campbell of Black on Purpose TV, enjoyed and were inspired by stories of innovation and determination, as panelists told their stories of founding tech enterprises.more
Mary Olushoga, left, founder of the AWP Network, also shared her passion for exposing entrepreneurs to resources that can help them with their businesses, as well as advocated for women's empowerment via tech education. more
Divine Muragijimana, editor-in-chief of Applause Africa magazine,a quarterly lifestyle publication for Africans in the Diaspora, came out to support the event.more
Applause Africa's Michael Ikotun, center, also came out to support the "Africans Creating Technology" event.
IBOM L.L.C. founder, Anie Akpe-Lewis, and event host Janell Hazelwood, of BlackEnterprise.com came together again for a second time for the landmark event.
After the event, attendees received gift bags with magazines and other goodies from sponsors.