Generation Z Entrepreneurs Are Redefining the Art of Presenting Their Startups – Essence

Howard University Black Trade Conference is a practice in the making. Now in its second yr, the event seamlessly blends conventional elements like panel discussions and keynote speeches with modern twists like digital networking and interactive workshops.The Future of Black Entrepreneurship“is an apt title for a multi-generational event that brings together emerging technology entrepreneurs, traditional business owners, and unicorn startup founders.

As an individual participating in an event for the first time, reporting on the event in Maryland’s picturesque National Harbor, I used to be particularly impressed by the confidence and audacity of the many young, enterprising Gen Zers I met, most of whom were recent HBCU graduates. Many of them approached me with creative and polished startup proposals, reflecting a level of confidence and ingenuity that I discovered truly inspiring.

Twenty-seven years old Daryl “DJ” Riley was amongst them. As I used to be leaving the essential stage, he got here over to lend me a helping hand—a gesture that was each practical and appreciated as I descended the stairs in higher-than-usual heels. He then gave me some perceptive feedback on the panel discussion I had just finished before settling seamlessly right into a compelling 30-second presentation of his fashion tech enterprise, Tendaji.

In lower than a minute, Riley identified a necessity, became useful and successfully launched his startup. It was a master class in the art of pitching—one of the few I’ve experienced in Howard University and PNC annual Juneteenth conference.

Desirae Brown, Co-Founder of Soundtrack the Game

If Riley has mastered the art of presentation, then Desirae Brown has an unmatched ability to evoke nostalgia and create warm, positive, good vibes.

One conversation had barely ended before one other began when Brown approached with what looked like a set of three playing cards. Before I knew it, she had drawn me right into a game of hypothetical scenarios, playing on my knowledge of classic episodes, throwing out lines I didn’t know I knew, and workplace simulation involving stolen boxes This got me wondering the way it was possible that “Craig got fired on his day off.”

Founded by Brown and her partner Nigel Dunnthis Game soundtrack has since change into a staple of game nights. “It’s a card game that brings people together through film and song,” she explained. “Basically, you read a script to your family and friends and then have them pick a song from your hand that best fits the script. The goal is to have the entire room singing along to classic songs and reminiscing about their favorite moments from film, television and everyday life.” With a mesmerizing message and a compelling product, Game soundtrack has Aunt Xennial in a chokehold.

“We were able to fully finance our Kickstarter showcasing our offerings to thousands of people during our HBCU Welcome Tour last October. At Bowie State Universitythe first person we approached for our Kickstarter campaign was Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter. That’s after we began refining the approach you saw at HUxPNC,” Brown told ESSENCE.

After making a successful prototype and raising over $15,000 on Kickstarter, the team gained recognition as a semifinalist for Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize and won idea competitions from Black Girl Ventures and A project for THEM

Daryl “DJ” Riley Jr., Founder of Tendaji

Graduate North Carolina A&T StateRiley has grown his brand inside the HBCU community: “Tendaji was initially born out of our senior designer project while my co-founders and I Stanton Ridley AND Walls of Jordan“time for Hampton University.” The brand combines technology with fashion. “The inspiration came from our desire to create something that would stand out in both industries,” Riley explained. “That’s where the idea for the solar-powered wireless charging jacket came from.”

As the founders navigated funding rounds, Tendaji won the Future of Fashion component of the iCON pitch competition, part of the Forbes Under 30 Summit. They went on to earn recognition, awards, and support, including a $20,000 HBCU Track Prize from Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition initiative. Currently in the prototyping phase, Tendaji will officially launch its products later this yr.

It’s no wonder the modern project has been so successful. Riley’s storytelling is genuinely engaging. “Creating an effective elevator pitch in a constrained environment comes down to clarity, authenticity, and understanding your audience,” he tells ESSENCE. “The goal is to connect with your audience on a personal level.” And it clearly worked—as this profile shows.

Equally endearing is his commitment to community and his desire to construct things up as he lifts weights. At lunches and galas that followed, I met his classmates, his girlfriend, and even his cousin—all of whom were equally enterprising and impressive.

For young business owners and startup founders like Brown, Dunn, and Riley, urgency is essential. But there’s a nice line between persistence and pushiness; navigating it could possibly mean the difference between getting support and turning potential backers away. For aspiring founders attempting to master that balance, these Gen Zers offer invaluable insights into authenticity and crafting a pitch that aligns together with your brand while playing to your strengths.