The 9th Annual Roadmap to Billions NYC Conference a Huge Success

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Published by Gugulethu Nxumalo at May 23, 2025

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The 9th Annual Roadmap to Billions conference, powered by Black Women Talk Tech, took place in the heart of NYC earlier this month.

More than 500 founders, investors, and tech innovators convened at Microsoft’s headquarters in Times Square for two dynamic days of learning, networking, and growth.

As the only tech conference created by and for Black women entrepreneurs, the event has become a cornerstone for community, capital, and innovation. This year’s edition raised the bar even higher.

Now in its ninth year, Roadmap to Billions (RTB) strategically moved from Brooklyn to Midtown Manhattan, signaling increased visibility and influence for Black women in tech.

“This year’s Roadmap to Billions was a powerful reminder of the brilliance, innovation, and resilience of Black women founders,” said co-founder Esosa Johnson, co-founder of Black Women Talk Tech. “From packed sessions to meaningful connections with investors and partners, we witnessed firsthand the impact our community continues to have on the tech ecosystem. We’re already building toward next year with new tracks, deeper partnerships, and expanded opportunities for growth.”

UrbanGeekz CEO Kunbi Tinuoye with Roadmp to Billions co-founders Regina Gwynn (l) and Esosa Johnson (r)

Redefining What’s Possible

Centered around the theme “Redefining What’s Possible,” the conference kicked off with a welcome reception designed to spark early connections and create a sense of community among attendees. What followed was two days of immersive programming, designed to equip founders with tactical strategies and inspiration to scale their businesses.

Powered by the support of sponsors, including Microsoft, GoDaddy, WOCSTAR Capital, Lowenstein Sandler, and Camelback Ventures, this year’s programming featured expert-led panels, pitch competitions, and masterclasses. Networking sessions tailored to meet Black women entrepreneurs where they are, whether pre-seed, scaling, or post-exit, were also present.

Attendees at the 9th Annual Roadmap to Billions Conference at Microsoft’s Headquarters in NYC on May 16, 2025

Sessions like “Founder Firsts” featured candid conversations on the early hurdles of entrepreneurship, led by seasoned founders like Kunbi Tinuoye and Mita Carriman. Later, panels such as “The Operations Arsenal” helped attendees navigate essential business functions like legal, accounting, and strategic consulting with experts like Diane Moss, Tricia Taitt, and Jacqueline Twillie.

Capital, Connections, and Cutting-Edge Tools

Funding and venture capital remained a key focus throughout the conference. Antonia Dean of Black Ops VC joined a powerhouse panel with Tiffany Kelly, Gayle Jennings-O’Byrne, and Sankeetha Selvarajah for “The Future is Female (and Funded).” They addressed how Black women are actively reshaping VC norms and gaining traction in an often exclusive investment landscape.

One of the most impactful sessions, “The Ultimate Fundraising Playbook,” saw Elise King, Victoria Yampolsky, Lance Mason, and Jordan Sawadogo break down how to secure pre-seed and seed capital, critical steps for early-stage growth.

The conference also embraced emerging tech, particularly artificial intelligence. In “Agentic AI: Your Business on Autopilot,” AI strategist Nelly Yusupova provided a roadmap for leveraging AI to streamline operations and enhance decision-making. Meanwhile, in “AI is the New Co-founder,” Stephanie Assi Durand highlighted how startups can implement custom GPTs to scale smarter.

For tech-minded founders, sessions like “The Modern Tech Stack” with Alfred Ojukwu and Dominique Aubry explored architectural choices and scalability, ensuring participants walked away with actionable strategies for managing technical debt and building resilient platforms.

Wellness, Community, and Celebration

Understanding the unique pressures faced by women of color in tech, Roadmap to Billions also prioritized mental health and holistic well-being. The Founders Retreat offered yoga, meditation, and mindfulness sessions to help entrepreneurs stay grounded while scaling.

Community building extended through investor meetups, mentorship mixers, and curated networking events. GoDaddy even offered free website consultations to help founders improve their digital presence.

The conference closed with a vibrant reception at Fushimi NYC, where founders pitched in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere during the “No Pressure Pitch” showcase. This final event emphasized collaboration over competition and left attendees energized and motivated.

A Legacy of Impact

Since its inception in 2017, Roadmap to Billions has supported over 10,000 Black women entrepreneurs and facilitated nearly $30 million in venture funding. The 2025 conference continued this legacy, amplifying voices and opening doors for a new generation of innovators. RTB is the brainchild of Regina Gwynn and Esosa Johnson.

More than just an annual gathering, Roadmap to Billions is a movement, one that continues to grow in influence and impact. As Black women founders drive innovation, build scalable ventures, and redefine leadership in tech, this conference remains a critical space for learning, visibility, and empowerment.

For anyone serious about advancing diversity in technology and investing in the future of entrepreneurship, Roadmap to Billions is not just a must-attend event; it’s a catalyst for change.

Main Image: RTB Speakers Jacqueline Twillie, Diane Moss, Tricia Taitt