By CultureBanx Team
- Wearable Tech Ventures, founded by Lakisha Greenwade, is a global ecosystem aiming to support 100 underrepresented-led wearable startups by 2030
- The global wearable technology market size is predicted to grow to around $142.4B by 2030
Wearable technologies are revolutionizing the way we interact with the digital world. From smartwatches to fitness trackers, these devices offer convenience, accessibility, and a unique way to enhance our daily lives. This is where Wearable Tech Ventures, founded by Lakisha Greenwade, is a global ecosystem aiming to support 100 underrepresented-led wearable startups by 2030 plays a pivotal role. These tech advancements are not merely luxuries, the innovations they bring have a lasting societal impact on marginalized communities.
Why This Matters: In the tech industry, underrepresented founders bring a unique perspective to the table. They understand the challenges faced by marginalized communities and are often driven by a personal mission to create solutions that cater to these underserved markets. This understanding is crucial in the development of wearable technologies, as it ensures that these devices are designed with inclusivity in mind.
While the global wearable technology market size was worth around $55.5 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow to around $142.4 billion by 2030. Greenwade, told CultureBanx about the important gap Greenwade’s company, Wearable Tech Ventures is filling, that is not only enhancing accessibility but also driving societal change.
CultureBanx: Describe Wearable Tech Ventures and the important work you are doing?
Lakisha Greenwade: Wearable Tech Ventures is a global ecosystem based in Baltimore, MD. As the founder and CEO of Wearable Tech Ventures, a 501c3 non-profit, I lead the charge to support 100 wearable startups by 2030 led by underrepresented founders.
CultureBanx: What is your company’s unique value proposition that makes it stand out from the competition?
Lakisha Greenwade: We are the Global Ecosystem dedicated to the development and promotion of wearables. Our goal is to assist 100 wearable startups by 2030 led by traditionally under-resourced and underrepresented founders. As we achieve our mission and serve as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion driver for the Global Tech Industry in three ways: Connect, Train & Fund.
Wearable technologies also promote inclusion. They break down barriers and open up new opportunities for individuals who have traditionally been excluded from the tech world. This is a similar approach shared by Wearable Tech Ventures and the Black Innovation Alliance (BIA) as each group seeks to build a stronger ecosystem that culture leads the way in transforming.
CultureBanx: How has the Black Innovation Alliance supported your personal and professional journey?
Lakisha Greenwade: BIA has provided extensive community and peer support as a n ecosystem leader, that would have otherwise been incredibly lonely. In addition, BIa has provided opportunities to upskill with grant writing and advocacy on the Hill as we develop disruptive tech led by black founders.
Wearable technologies led by underrepresented founders are changing the world. Greewnwade wants to make sure that they have the support necessary to continue to scale and grow, and this drives her to continue providing them with the resources to succeed.
CultureBanx: What inspired you to start your business?
Lakisha Greenwade: After the murder of Freddie Grey, I was inspired to shift the way people of color and children were seen in the media. I wanted them to be known for their genius and positive economic contributions through innovation.
CultureBanx: Are there any milestones you have achieved that you would like to share?
Lakisha Greenwade: We produced the world’s largest hackathon where free tech skills training were provided to attendees, we produced the top podcast in our category on Apple, and we have founders that have raised $10MM+.
CultureBanx: What’s next for your company that we should be on the lookout for?
Lakisha Greenwade: We anticipate a stronger footprint of emerging talent that will introduce technologies to the market in age tech as well as share many new partnerships to simplify the commercialization and R&D process for our founders.
Situational Awareness: Wearable technologies have a profound impact on society. They have the potential to transform the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. But perhaps most importantly, they can create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their abilities or background, has access to the digital world.
CBX Vibe: “Ayo Technology” 50 Cent
***UrbanGeekz and CultureBanx’s “Black Innovations’ Frontline” is an exciting first-of-its-kind series showcasing Black Innovation Alliance member organizations. The Q&A series will highlight the founder’s impact across the entrepreneurial landscape in the United States through a unique culturally attuned lens.
