SOCIAL IMPACT PROGRAM
Tech for an Equitable Future
Applications are now closed. Applications for Cohort 6 will open September 2025. Click "Stay Informed" below to be notified of program updates.
Overview
Tech for an Equitable Future aims to remove barriers for underrepresented founders by providing their companies 12 months of free access to the Braze platform and supporting services. Previously known as Tech for Black Founders, this initiative was created in 2020 to address the statistic that only 1% of venture capital funds in the US went to Black founders—a figure that has since decreased to less than 0.5%. In 2023, our program expanded to support more underrepresented founders, including women founders, who garner just 2% of the capital invested in VC-backed startups in the US. Since its founding, the program now provides a total of over 30 Black and women-led startups free or discounted access to the Braze platform and supporting services.
With equity as one of the guiding social impact pillars at Braze, we are committed to the continued pursuit of equity and inclusion in the technology industries. Businesses accepted to the program can expect to accelerate their growth, increase their chances at receiving VC funding, and build successful businesses.
Want to Apply?
We will be accepting applications for Cohort 6 in September 2025. Fill out the form to be notified when applications re-open.
Tech for an Equitable Future Inquiry
Applications will open September 2025
Fill out the form below to be among the first notified about Tech for an Equitable Future Program updates.
Qualification Criteria
- Underrepresented-founded companies, including those with Black and women founders in APAC, EMEA, and North America;
- Bootstrapped business or less than $30M in venture funding;
- Under 100 employees; and
- Compatible SDK and appropriate Engineering and Marketing resources
What to Expect from Braze
- A free Core package for 12 months with:
- Unlimited Push Notifications, and In-App/In-Browser messaging for up to 250,000 Monthly Active Users, 10M emails and two IP addresses, 1 Currents Connector - Messaging Events integration, and access to our SDKs and APIs
- Onboarding services and over 25 hours of educational content to get you up and running
- A dedicated Customer Success Manager and free Braze certifications
- Access to a private digital community space to network with and learn from fellow founders in the program
- An opportunity to renew at discounted rates pending business qualifications at time of renewal
Braze is excited to announce a new partnership with BET+. As a specialty streamer with thousands of weekly subscriber touchpoints on TV and film content, BET+’s subscriber acquisition and retention efforts are a best-in-class model for small and early-stage businesses to establish more robust customer engagement strategies. Through this partnership, BET+ will provide select participants of the program with 1:1 mentorship, access to a BET+ branding masterclass, free email advertising, and more.
Braze is a comprehensive customer engagement platform that powers relevant and memorable experiences between consumers and the brands they love. Context underpins every Braze interaction, helping brands foster human connection with consumers.
We’ve put together a collection of inspirational use cases to help Tech for an Equitable Future brands stay ahead of the curve. Based on real campaigns by Braze customers, these customizable examples show what’s possible for brands looking to activate, monetize, and retain customers.
Tech for an Equitable Future Companies
Joining the Tech for an Equitable Future product grant program has enabled us to scale our customer communications with Braze, a leading provider in the market, in order to drive stronger business outcomes. Leveraging Braze, we’ve been able to improve our customer experience and boost retention through personalized and streamlined messages to our users, despite having limited marketing support.
Mandy Bowman
Founder and CEO
Through Tech for an Equitable Future, we have furthered our mission of fostering customer community and connections. Braze has been a great partner, and it has been encouraging to see the company improve this program year-over-year and continue their investment in helping level the playing field for Black founders.
James Chapman
FOUNDER AND CEO
