Statement Concerning the Future of BlkTech Interactive

When City Startup Labs acquired the assets of BlkTech Interactive (BTI) and the BlkTech Charlotte brand back in 2021, we saw it as a potent opportunity to reimagine our work with Black millennial entrepreneurs around building tech-centric ventures and the support of Black tech talent. From our point of view, the need still exists but how we address it as an organization requires some recalibration. And frankly, while the festival is a wonderful concept – it is also a major departure from CSL’s core business, which has always been the development of entrepreneurial talent and capacity, particuarly now among the justice involved. This work requires our attention and focus, as there is much to do in this regard. That said, our intention is to have BTI go dormant for a period while absorbing some of its elements into City Startup Labs, rather than operating a separate entity. In the meantime, the international organization Blacks In Technology has a local chapter, that I recommend you investigate and support – Blacks in Technology Charlotte.

For further information about City Startup Labs, please visit us at www.citystartuplabs.com, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.

Henry Rock

Executive Director

Direct any queries to contact_point@citystartuplabs.com