The Next Era of Pitch Black
We’re leveling up.
Since its inception, Pitch Black has been about one thing: shining a light on Black brilliance. What started as a stage for Black entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas has grown into a movement—one that goes beyond a single event. Today, we’re launching the next evolution of Pitch Black: a new brand, a new website, and a bigger vision for the future.
Led by Stephen Green and Jelani Memory, this new Pitch Black is about more than just a competition. It’s about building a platform that elevates Black ideas, businesses, and culture—through events, products, and moments that celebrate the power of Black innovation.
The Origin Story: Where It All Began
What if the ‘Whitest City in America’ led the way in bridging the support and amplification of Black-owned businesses? What if the capital talks shifted from simply being about money to the importance of social capital as well?
Those ideas led **Stephen Green** to launch the first Pitch Black in **Portland, Oregon, in 2015**. Since that time, Portland has been home to six editions of the event, and what started as a single gathering has grown into a powerful force for Black entrepreneurship.
And this is only the beginning. What started in Portland has expanded to include **events in Seattle, Austin, and Philadelphia**. To date:
- 120 founders have pitched their ideas,
- More than 1,800 people have attended our events,
- More than $280,000 has gone directly to winning companies,
- And Portland winners alone have gone on to raise an additional $70M+ in funding since 2015.
"What started as a party to celebrate some founders has grown into a beacon for how cities around the country can unearth, connect, and lift up the talent that already exists in their midst."
More Than a Stage—A Platform for Black Ideas
For years, Pitch Black has provided a space for Black founders to pitch, get funding, and build their businesses. But we’re not stopping there.
This next chapter expands our focus beyond a single event. We’re building **a year-round movement**—a place where Black entrepreneurs, creatives, and thinkers can connect, collaborate, and amplify their work.
What’s new?
- Pitch Black Events – Expanding into multiple cities, bringing the competition and community to more Black founders nationwide.
- Pitch Black Podcast – Storytelling that highlights the journeys, challenges, and successes of Black entrepreneurs.
- Pitch Black Network – A growing community of founders, investors, and creatives supporting one another.
“Pitch Black has always been about celebrating Black brilliance. Now, we’re turning that celebration into a movement.”
– Stephen Green, Founder
A New Brand for a Bigger Vision
With this new phase comes a bold new look. The updated brand reflects the ambition and energy of Pitch Black—modern, unapologetic, and unmistakably Black.
From our website to our events to our storytelling, every piece of Pitch Black is designed to amplify voices, challenge the status quo, and create opportunities for Black innovators.
“This isn’t just an evolution—it’s a revolution.
We’re here to build something that lasts.”
Pitch Black isn’t just an event anymore—it’s a movement. It’s the home of black ideas.
We’re just getting started. And we want you to be part of it.
