As conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) continue to shift, especially in the wake of growing political and institutional backlash, there remains a serious need to address what’s at stake for Black entrepreneurs and the wider innovation ecosystem. In his recent article for TheFutureEconomy, Yinka Adesesan highlights the urgent call to evolve beyond performative DEI commitments and instead focus on building resilient, well-supported, and scalable Black-led ventures.
A Call for Systemic Empowerment
Historically, Black entrepreneurs have demonstrated remarkable resilience in creating pathways where few existed and reshaping entire sectors through innovation. But as Adesesan points out, resilience alone is no longer enough.
We need a system that empowers us to thrive in the long run, he said,
Especially at a time when companies that once championed diversity appear to be stepping down as external pressures mount.
This quiet distancing raises a deeper question: If an organization’s commitment to DEI fades with shifting political winds, was that commitment ever real?
Reframing DEI: From Optics to Access
For Black founders, DEI has always been about more than representation, it’s more about access. Access to capital, mentorship, high-impact networks, and opportunities to grow. Adesesan underscores that the argument against DEI often ignores the real and persistent economic disparities that Black entrepreneurs face. According to the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, nearly 70% of Black-owned businesses earn less than $60,000 annually, and only 2–3% surpass $2 million in revenue.
These figures highlight a broader issue: the need to ensure that Black-led startups have the foundational support to grow sustainably, regardless of changing public opinion.
Building Stronger Businesses Through Validation
In his article, he laid emphasis on the importance of validation. Great startups don’t simply chase ideas, they solve clearly defined problems with measurable economic value. To succeed, Black founders must be equipped with the tools and methodologies to test assumptions, refine offerings, and generate traction early.
At DMZ, this approach is embodied in what Adesesan calls the “camel mindset,” a philosophy emphasizing sustainability, adaptability, and long-term growth. Like camels thriving in tough environments, Black entrepreneurs must build businesses that can endure and excel, even under challenging conditions.
Toward a Cohesive Ecosystem
Perhaps most compelling is Adesesan’s call for ecosystem-wide collaboration. Rather than fragmented support, she envisions a future where different organizations take ownership of specific phases of entrepreneurial development—some specializing in early-stage validation, others focused on helping ventures scale beyond $1 million in revenue.
This shared responsibility model would enable a more coordinated, effective path to long-term success for Black founders, ensuring that support systems are not only present but deeply aligned with real business needs.
Conclusion
As the debate around DEI continues to unfold, Adesesan’s insights present a timely and actionable roadmap for supporting Black innovation. His message is clear: thriving Black businesses aren’t just a moral or social imperative, they are key to building a smarter, stronger economy. To get there, we need more than performative gestures. We need intentional systems, robust validation pathways, and collective action.
Originally written by Yinka Adesesan, Black Innovation Programs Manager at DMZ
