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40 tech startups have launched through this Orlando community group
In the heartbeat of Central Florida, the start-up world is pulsating with Orlando locals brewing innovation, creativity and speed. What began initially as two friends creating a haven to empower people into the tech industry to liberate themselves economically quickly turned into a startup incubator. Founders Joshua Walker and Mike Felix created Black Orlando Tech in 2016 to help locals dive into the tech industry. Pretty soon, locals found themselves launching businesses, forming key investor relations and dominating their industries.
Leveling the Economic Playing Field
In an interview with The Orlando Life, BOT Executive Director Safia Porter said, “We really want to showcase for those residents that live here that technology is still going to be a positive pathway to economic freedom.”
Safia joined BOT to advance the mission in November 2023 as Executive Director. She happened to connect with co-founder Joshua through mutual friends. Safia brings a unique background to BOT leveraging her over 10+ years of social media and marketing experience. However, she keeps a close pulse on innovation and aligns concurrently with the mission of BOT.
The team at BOT holds firmly in the belief that technology is transformative not just for the sake of innovation but an economic leveraging power to propel locals to transform their lives, their families, and their community.
Start-up Machine Engine
From start-up ideas to action, BOT has inducted 40 tech start-ups through their Tech Startup Accelerator program.
“Sometimes, when you have a great idea, you like to add a billion more on top of that. Let's reel in and get you just some foundation,” Safia said reflecting on the graduates from the Tech Accelerator program. Students who go through the program receive funding opportunities, mentorship and tailored support to create an investor ready pitch and business plan.
Photo by Black Orlando Tech
“[We] work with them in their pitch deck, how to pitch themselves to an investor,” Safia told The Orlando Life, “Really being able to hone in on telling your founder and brand story to the investors to get that next big check to help you go to the next level.”
Founders that have graduated from the Tech Accelerator program have raised $7 million in capital through grants, competitions, and investor partnerships. From life sciences to gaming, the 2025 cohort has developed technology solutions that span across industries. One 2025 cohort member developed a wellness AI aimed at helping users non-clinically de-stress while another focused on advancements in biotech.
Read more about the Tech Accelerator 2025 cohort and their initiatives.
Beyond the Code
BOT is an example of how any local with an idea can immerse themselves in the Orlando tech ecosystem.
“It's still very important to have that human element in the background to make sure that we're the ones running the technology and the technology is not running us.” Safia said speaking to the rise of machine learning systems. The group hopes to influence the culture of technology to ensure, regardless of the software being developed, ethics and human values remain central. Technology, at its core is the sum of its parts: part hardware and part human.
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Photo by Black Orlando Tech
“Regardless of the media and the news and showcasing, technology is always going to be needed, and a human touch is always going to be needed to help work behind” - Safia Porter
