Toronto is just days away from hosting the annual BFUTR 2024 Global Tech Summit, the largest gathering of Black tech professionals in the world.
The summit, presented by TD, is taking over The International Centre from Nov. 6 to 7, with more than 15,000 attendees eager to expand their knowledge and tap into the ever-growing opportunities in the tech industry.
In its sixth year, Lekan Olawoye, founder and CEO of recruitment platform Obsidi®, says BFUTR was originally launched with the hopes of connecting 1,000 Black professionals with companies who were seeking their talents in the same room. Through the creation of the summit, Lekan recognized a need for a platform where Black professionals can constantly support one another while also strengthening their own developments and gain access to available positions in the industry, thus birthing Obsidi®.
Olawoye says his driving force for creating spaces for Black professionals in the tech field is witnessing the disparity between individuals in the Black community clearly possessing the capability, yet having the lack of opportunity and access to apply them.
“A lot of Black professionals have the skills, but they don’t have the connections… and the other side is that within companies, there is an underrepresentation of Black professionals in their workforce,” Olawoye said to Now Toronto on Friday.
“There was a demand and an opportunity for it, and it made sense to make those connections.”
Toronto is recognized as one of the fastest growing tech hubs in the world. Between 2018 and 2023, 95,900 tech jobs were added to the economy, scoring the city as third on the list of the largest tech markets in North America, according to real estate and investment company CBRE. Olawoye says basing the summit here in Toronto feels natural as the city continues to flourish in the tech industry.
The summit not only pulls in thousands of tech professionals from all around the world to the city, but also connects attendees to hundreds of job opportunities and leading industry experts.
“Tech talent is growing here… it’s a natural hub to enable that to continue to happen. Toronto is not an up-and-coming tech hub. It is one of the biggest tech hubs around the world. We’re proud to originate in Toronto,” he said.
Global Head of Partnerships at Obsidi® Matthew Douglas echoed a similar sentiment for the significance of an event like this in the Greater Toronto Area.
“The summit also strengthens Toronto’s appeal as a destination for talent. Through BFUTR and Obsidi®, newcomers to the city gain unique career and development opportunities, making Toronto not just a tech hub but an inclusive one that attracts talent from across Canada and around the globe,” Douglas said in an email statement.
Chilombo Olawoye, COO of Obsidi®, says the summit is for all entrepreneurs, regardless of business size.
“This event is for everyone, regardless of career stage or company size. Whether you’re a start-up entrepreneur, a mid-level manager, or a corporate executive, there’s something here for you,” she says.
Some keynote speakers to look forward to include Chief Marketing Officer at SAP Etosha Thurman, who will speak about pursuing a career with purpose versus opportunity.
“Her talk will resonate with anyone trying to align their values with the professional trajectory, offering insight into how meaningful work can drive career satisfaction and impact,” she said.
Chilombo also says Licenia Rojas, SVP, Chief Architect, and U.S. Customer Platforms Delivery Head at TD, will share her expertise on emerging tech trends.
“This session will provide a forward-looking perspective on how emerging technologies are reshaping the industry and what businesses and individuals can do to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape,” she added.
Lekan describes the summit as a “homecoming,” and says in the jam-packed two days, guests can expect lots of networking, meetings with senior global company executives, and tons of knowledge with what he says is over 1,000 hours worth of content from tech leaders and speakers. The summit will also conclude with an unmissable after party, featuring multi-platinum hip-hop legend Ja Rule.
“You can expect connections, lots of learning, amazing content and just an overall fun time to be around the ecosystem,” he said.
“BFUTR 2024 attendees should expect two days of incredible networking with major companies, Black leaders and colleagues, insightful speakers, fantastic music, and a prime opportunity for professional growth and learning,” Chilombo added.
Tickets to BFUTR are available on the summit’s website.
