# Blavity

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/blavity

- Industry: Media
- Headquarters: San Francisco, US
- Website: www.blavity.com
- Total disclosed funding: $6.5M
- Latest round: Series A (Jul 20, 2018)
- Investors on record: 7

## About

Blavity, Inc. is a US-based media company dedicated to producing content that celebrates and informs Black culture. It operates through various platforms and events, empowering Black audiences with engaging resources and community initiatives.Founded in 2014 in San Francisco, US, Blavity, Inc. specializes in media content aimed at the Black community. The company was established by Morgan DeBaun, Andrea Schwartz, and Jeff Nelson, with Morgan DeBaun currently serving as CEO. Blavity has engaged in 6 deals, with its most recent funding round on May 6, 2021, raising USD 12 mn in funding, which constitutes its total amount raised.Blavity, Inc. operates as a media company focused on creating content and platforms for Black culture and experiences. Their core product offerings include digital news publications, events, and community-building initiatives aimed at empowering and informing Black audiences. Key platforms such as Blavity News, 21Ninety, and AfroTech serve as essential resources for various demographics, including young professionals, entrepreneurs, and culturally conscious consumers. The company also engages in event management, hosting gatherings like Blavity Fest and the AfroTech conference, which connect Black entrepreneurs and professionals across industries. These services primarily target audiences in the United States, while also resonating with global audiences interested in Black culture and innovation.Blavity, Inc. generates revenue through advertising, sponsorships, and event ticket sales. The company establishes partnerships with brands looking to engage with its audience, creating tailored advertising opportunities across its digital platforms. Additionally, through events such as AfroTech, the company charges ticket prices for attendees, fostering direct-to-consumer transactions that enhance its revenue stream. The structure of these transactions often involves B2B relationships where brands sponsor events or content, thus allowing for integrated marketing solutions. This diverse revenue model supports the sustainability of Blavity’s operations while promoting its mission to uplift and represent Black voices in the media landscape.In May 2021, Blavity, Inc. raised USD 12 mn in venture funding to support its growth initiatives. The company is focused on expanding its product offerings and enhancing its digital platforms. Plans are underway to launch new products aimed at engaging younger audiences, with specific details on release dates yet to be announced. Additionally, Blavity intends to expand its reach into new geographic markets, targeting both domestic and international audiences interested in Black culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Jul 20, 2018, $6.5M — Comcast Ventures, GV, Plexo Capital, Baron Davis Enterprises
- Seed, Dec 11, 2017 — Cross Culture Ventures
- Seed, Sep 1, 2016 — Harlem Capital Partners
- Seed, May 16, 2016 — 500 Global

## Investors

- 500 Global (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/500-global) — Seed
- Harlem Capital Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/harlem-capital-partners) — Seed
- Cross Culture Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/cross-culture-ventures) — Seed
- Comcast Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/comcast-ventures) — Series A
- GV (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/gv) — Series A
- Plexo Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/plexo-capital) — Series A
- Baron Davis Enterprises — Series A