Cross-Border Breakthroughs: How Black Women Founders Are Shaping Innovation in Canada & the US

Economic tensions between Canada and the United States may dominate headlines, but a quieter revolution is unfolding in the world of innovation. Across North America, Black women founders are not just breaking barriers—they’re redefining the entrepreneurial landscape. With women-led startups generating an impressive 78 cents per dollar invested, compared to just 31 cents for male-led ventures, the capital efficiency of these companies highlights the untapped potential within overlooked founder communities.

The Changing Face of Entrepreneurship

Canada’s business ecosystem is shifting rapidly. One-third of Canadian businesses are now immigrant-owned, contributing to a quarter of all new jobs. Meanwhile, Indigenous-owned businesses have surged by 43% since 2005, despite persistent funding challenges. This transformation underscores a powerful truth: diverse entrepreneurship isn’t just about social impact—it’s a smart investment.

Spotlight: FoundHers Innovation Labs Demo Day NYC

This shift was on full display at the recent FoundHers Innovation Labs Demo Day in NYC, co-hosted by Black Women Talk Tech and FoundHers. More than just a startup showcase, this event highlighted the groundbreaking work of Black women founders building at the cutting edge of technology and sustainability:

✔️ 71% of featured startups leverage AI and machine learning
✔️ 13% serve international customers from day one
✔️ 91% have sustainability embedded in their core business models

Recap video from FoundHers Innovation Labs Demo Day in NYC

Innovation in Action: Founders Leading the Charge

Several standout founders took center stage at the Demo Day, proving that Black women aren’t just participating in the future of Canadian entrepreneurship—they’re defining it.

• 🏆 Dr. Wintta Ghebreiyesus (Moon Trades) – Grand prize winner ($25,000). Moon Trades is revolutionizing the space economy with AI-driven autonomous rovers, slashing lunar mission costs by 40%.

• 🎉 Eyra Abraham (Lisnen) – Winner ($10,000). Lisnen’s AI-powered sound detection solution is transforming accessibility for the 1.5 billion people affected by hearing loss worldwide.

FoundHers Innovation Labs Demo Day prize winners

• 🚀 Kemi Bolatito (Scooly) – Winner ($10,000). Tackling the $100 billion immigration market, Scooly provides an AI-powered platform that is already generating revenue and securing grants.

• 🌟 Rising Stars – Carine Bado (My Little Tribe), Asha Wheeldon (Kula Foods), and Mariam Oyinloye (Abimbola) each received $5,000 awards, demonstrating innovation in childcare access, sustainable food, and consumer products.

The Future of Black Women in Innovation

The FoundHers Innovation Labs Program has proven that when Black women lead, industries shift. These founders aren’t just building businesses—they’re creating new markets, reshaping industries, and delivering outsized returns.

At the forefront of this transformation is Amoye Henry, General Partner of FoundHers Ventures and a powerhouse in reshaping Canada’s investment landscape. With a track record of securing millions in funding for tech entrepreneurs across four continents, Henry sees a clear pattern:

Amoye Henry, General Partner of FoundHers Venture

For investors, the message is undeniable: the next wave of innovation is here, and it’s being led by Black women entrepreneurs. The only question is: Who will seize this opportunity to invest in the future?

Stay Connected

Want to be part of this movement? Follow @BlackWomenTalkTech and @FoundHers.vc on Instagram for updates, insights, and opportunities to support the next generation of groundbreaking founders.