BLACK FOUNDERS EXCHANGE
BLACK FOUNDERS EXCHANGE
We are here for you
Black Founders Exchange is a curated program designed to move companies with a high-growth, scalable model from initial product to successfully raising seed capital with their business. Established in 2016, Black Founders Exchange — hosted by American Underground — provides rich hands-on training, meaningful connections, and supportive community to help Black-led startups grow.
Content purpose-built for Black Founders
Being a Black founder comes with its unique challenges, we know that. We create and curate content specifically for you, based on your needs, and draw upon the extensive product knowledge, team-building, and leadership best practices from experts and leaders in the Durham startup ecosystem. Learn how to hire and manage developers. Foster the right culture for your organization. Scale from 3 to 20 customers. Practice and hone your pitch. This is the content that will empower you to take your next step. And we’ll be right there with you.
NEW FOR 2025: INDUSTRY & REGIONAL FOCUSED
The 2025 program is geared specifically towards US-Southeast Region based Black founders building high-growth ventures in one of the following areas – AI, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Climatech / Greentech, Agtech, Biotech, Software that serves people or addressing the needs of food insecurity – with programs and mentorship designed to help founders navigate the rapidly-evolving and challenging startup landscape. Eligible startups must have a product focus or core competency in one or multiple of these areas.
community you can count on
We surround you with people who can inspire, teach, and guide. One of the constant challenges of being a founder is the isolation that comes with leadership and navigating bringing an idea to market. The Black Founders Exchange community is part of that solution, and it doesn’t end when the program is over. In 2019, the Black Founders Exchange program introduced Alumni Programming to continue serving our founders who have graduated to build a strong network that future Black founders can connect with and lean on.
connections to networks, capital and talent
Our network is your network, and each year it grows exponentially. One of our goals is to expand your network to help you access a broader pool of talent and capital to fuel your company. Tap into the Black Founders Exchange community to request, find and share the connections you (and your peers) need for your next growth phase.
We are here for you
Black Founders Exchange is a curated program designed to move companies with a high-growth, scalable model from initial product to successfully raising seed capital with their business. Established in 2016, Black Founders Exchange — hosted by American Underground — provides rich hands-on training, meaningful connections, and supportive community to help Black-led startups grow.
Content purpose-built for Black Founders
Being a Black founder comes with its unique challenges, we know that. We create and curate content specifically for you, based on your needs, and draw upon the extensive product knowledge, team-building, and leadership best practices from experts and leaders in the Durham startup ecosystem. Learn how to hire and manage developers. Foster the right culture for your organization. Scale from 3 to 20 customers. Practice and hone your pitch. This is the content that will empower you to take your next step. And we’ll be right there with you.
NEW FOR 2025: INDUSTRY & REGIONAL FOCUSED
The 2025 program is geared specifically towards US-Southeast Region based Black founders building high-growth ventures in one of the following areas – AI, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Climatech / Greentech, Agtech, Biotech, Software that serves people or addressing the needs of food insecurity – with programs and mentorship designed to help founders navigate the rapidly-evolving and challenging startup landscape. Eligible startups must have a product focus or core competency in one or multiple of these areas.
community you can count on
We surround you with people who can inspire, teach, and guide. One of the constant challenges of being a founder is the isolation that comes with leadership and navigating bringing an idea to market. The Black Founders Exchange community is part of that solution, and it doesn’t end when the program is over. In 2019, the Black Founders Exchange program introduced Alumni Programming to continue serving our founders who have graduated to build a strong network that future Black founders can connect with and lean on.
connections to networks, capital and talent
Our network is your network, and each year it grows exponentially. One of our goals is to expand your network to help you access a broader pool of talent and capital to fuel your company. Tap into the Black Founders Exchange community to request, find and share the connections you (and your peers) need for your next growth phase.
What our alumni have to say
About
Content
“When we sit down and talk about the problems people are having, a lot of them are common problems. And it feels good to be able to ask people how to solve those problems, and how they’ve dealt with those things without feeling like you’re being judged.”
Jonathan, Watch The Yard
About
Community
“The network of other professionals and entrepreneurs that I’ve been able to meet from around the country has been an invaluable experience.“
Naya, Utopia Spa & Global Wellness
About
Connections
“I always thought, maybe if I get out of Memphis, I’d get a lot of support. But that wasn’t the case. It’s been very difficult to connect to other founders, investors, mentors. So coming here has literally been unreal. Like, it’s been a dream.“
Erica, MedHaul
Alumni Testimonials
Jonathan, Watch The Yard
“When we sit down and talk about the problems people are having, a lot of them are common problems. And it feels good to be able to ask people how to solve those problems, and how they’ve dealt with those things without feeling like you’re being judged.”
Naya, Spa Utopia
“The network of other professionals and entrepreneurs that I’ve been able to meet from around the country has been an invaluable experience.“
Erica, MedHaul
“I always thought, maybe if I get out of Memphis, I’d get a lot of support. But that wasn’t the case. It’s been very difficult to connect to other founders, investors, mentors. So coming here has literally been unreal. Like, it’s been a dream.“
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Programming — It’ll be a busy week! You’ll be in immersive back-to-back programming with your founder cohort. Get ready!
- Mentorship — We can do what we do because of our amazing network of founders, business experts, coaches, leaders, and Googlers that we’ve built strong connections with over the years who want to give back. You’ll be paired with a personal mentor to support you during your time here.
- Community — You’re not in this alone. Your cohort will be the folks who will support and root for you long after this program wraps. Lean on them during that week!
- Fellowship — We’ve baked time in the schedule that allows you to explore Durham, visit some of our favorite spots in town, and taste some of the amazing food that makes Durham such a foodie destination!
- Founders Showcase — What’s a full week of immersive founder-focused programming without a final pitch competition? Yes, you’re going to do great. We promise!
- Access to Regional Conferences —NEW this year, we will be covering the ticket costs for regional conferences like CED Venture Connect, Raleigh – Durham Startup Week, Grep-a-palooza, and more! Each participant will be invited to a cohort exclusive dinner or social.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Programming — It’ll be a busy week! You’ll be in immersive back-to-back programming with your founder cohort. Get ready!
- Mentorship — We can do what we do because of our amazing network of founders, business experts, coaches, leaders, and Googlers that we’ve built strong connections with over the years who want to give back. You’ll be paired with a personal mentor to support you during your time here.
- Community — You’re not in this alone. Your cohort will be the folks who will support and root for you long after this program wraps. Lean on them during that week!
- Fellowship — We’ve baked time in the schedule that allows you to explore Durham, visit some of our favorite spots in town, and taste some of the amazing food that makes Durham such a foodie destination!
- Founders Showcase — What’s a full week of immersive founder-focused programming without a final pitch competition? Yes, you’re going to do great. We promise!
- Access to Regional Conferences — NEW this year, we will be covering the ticket costs for regional conferences like CED Venture Connect, Raleigh – Durham Startup Week, Grep-a-palooza, and more! Each participant will be invited to a cohort exclusive dinner or social.
INFO AND FAQS
When and where is the program?
TBA
Who is eligible to participate?
The 2025 Black Founders Exchange is specifically geared towards US-Southeast Region based Black founders building high-growth startups in one of the following areas: AI, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Climatech / Greentech, Agtech, Biotech, Software that serves people or addressing the needs of food insecurity. The founder must be an original founding member of the company.
Can I bring my team?
Each startup may send one founder. The participant must be a founder or co-founder of the startup.
What kinds of startups are eligible?
The 2025 Black Founders Exchange is focused on high-growth technology startups with a product focus or core competency in one of the following areas: AI, Cybersecurity, Fintech, Climatech / Greentech, Agtech, Biotech, Software that serves people or addressing the needs of food insecurity.
The programming is geared towards early stage, pre-seed startups. Your startup must at least have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and beta or paying customers. Preference is given for revenue-generating startups.
Only startups that have raised less than $1M in investment capital as of the application date are eligible.
Does it cost anything to participate?
There is no fee to participate in this program. The AU provides accommodation and most meals throughout the week.
The participant is responsible for their own travel to and from Durham, some meals, and any personal or incidental expenses.
What kinds of programming should I expect?
Each day will be themed around a particular set of skills and concepts. Expect to dive deep in multiple areas, including how to tell your story, how to scale your sales, how to grow and lead your team, and how raise capital.
What else is on the schedule?
Expect events each evening that will help connect you with your fellow founders, explore Durham, and have fun!
Is there support after the program?
YES! New this year, we will be covering the ticket costs for regional conferences like CED Venture Connect, Raleigh – Durham Startup Week, Grep-a-palooza, and more! Each participant will be invited to a cohort exclusive dinner or social around each event. Plus, gain exclusive access to mentor hours, funder conversations, and regional startup events.
Alumni Companies
2021 Cohort
2019 Cohort
2018 Cohort
2017 Cohort
2016 Cohort
