We’re using tech

to close the racial wealth gap.

OUR VISION & MISSION

The mission of Build in Tulsa is to close the wealth gap in America by catalyzing the creation of multi-generational wealth through tech and entrepreneurship. Rooted in the legacy of Black Wall Street, Build in Tulsa is committed to providing opportunity for entrepreneurs who have historically been denied resources and funding.

Our approach
to elevating founders.

Equitably Distributed Knowledge

At Build in Tulsa, we believe talent is distributed equitably, but far too often opportunity is not. Black entrepreneurs and other underrepresented minorities receive 2-3% of venture capital funding.

Breaking Down Barriers

Not everyone has family money to  help launch a startup. Build in Tulsa is addressing some of those institutional barriers by providing free coworking and cost of living assistance to underrepresented founders. We serve every level of entrepreneur and every stage of company.

Programming Centers Black Entrepreneurs

Central to our work is our network of accelerator programs, including ACT Tulsa, Lightship Foundation, and Techstars, that pair skills development, networking, and funding to elevate those who far too often are undervalued. We’re committed to providing opportunity for those who have been historically denied and continue to be denied access to funding and resources. 

Launch & Capitalize

Without the capital, many minority-led businesses never get off the ground. Build in Tulsa is dedicated to those who are often discounted and overlooked. We’re providing entrepreneurs with the human, social, and financial capital needed for success.

Building Community

In the spirit of Black Wall Street, we are creating a community of entrepreneurs that are working together to achieve excellence. Not only are we providing opportunities for peer support, but we’re also leveraging the expertise of a network of mentors.

Testimonials

Founder
Desiree Lindsey
“My time in the residence has been absolutely amazing! I was fortunate enough to receive this opportunity after being back in Tulsa for only a month. The community and resources that Build in Tulsa has provided have pushed me beyond what I ever imagined for my first few months back home. The staff is full of knowledge and they do everything in their power to connect you with mentors and like minded individuals that are outside of Build in Tulsa. Everyone in this environment truly wants to see you be successful and to see the other residents working just as hard to grow and learn is so motivating.”
Founder
Tim Butler
“I consider my time in residence to be "God-sent." Before coming to 36N Basecamp II, I used to work from home. Having small children along with personal family/life demands, I found it difficult often to work without distractions or hindrances. On the contrary, now being in an atmosphere with like-minded people (my fellow BIT EIRs and other entrepreneurs), I find that issue has waned. I feel motivated and inspired to come into 36N to work on my business. I feel that I learn something new and forge new connections and relationships everyday! I look forward to what the rest of the Build In Tulsa Accelerator has to offer as I continue my business coaching with Desiree and scale my company with the knowledge and skills I'm learning as an Entrepreneur in Residence.”
Event Attendee
Boris Moyston
"Being in WE Build provided me with foundational skills, resources, exposure, and access to scale my business beyond what I had imagined before this experience."

Our Team

We’re hiring key roles. See our open positions below.

2021 stats & Impact

We have turned vision into reality. In 2021 Build in Tulsa helped:

Co-Founders of ed-tech startup, Boddle, Clarence Tan and Edna Martinson, completed ACT Tulsa, then received an investment from Lightship.

30

Entrepreneurs Accelerated Through ACT Tulsa, Lightship bootcamps, Entrepreneurs-in-residence

400

People connected through BIT partner, Lightship’s Workflow Wednesdays

200+

People joined in Build in Tulsa’s signature events, 1921 Centennial Commemoration and Black Venture Summit

$4M+

$1.35 Million raised by Boddle
$2.5 Million raised by Bootup

PRESS MENTIONS

Words of encouragement about Build In Tulsa

https://theoklahoma100.com/events/2022/10/11/tulsas-leading-incubator-hosts-womens-business-breakfast-this-month/19507
Tulsa’s leading incubator hosts Women’s Business Breakfast
Read Article
https://theblackwallsttimes.com/2022/10/24/human-app-gives-you-all-the-receipts-to-make-the-best-match/
Human app gives you all the receipts to make the best match
Read Article
https://garage.hp.com/us/en/impact/tulsa-black-owned-tech-ecosystem.html
How a new Black-owned tech ecosystem is taking shape in Tulsa
Read Article
https://www.blackenterprise.com/how-this-black-owned-tech-ecosystem-in-tulsa-aims-to-breathe-new-life-into-black-wall-street/
HOW THIS BLACK-OWNED TECH ECOSYSTEM IN TULSA AIMS TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO BLACK WALL STREET
Read Article
http://yahoo.com/lifestyle/black-tech-street-rebirth-tulsas-142000814.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAABXP1-6fKaKCgJec1hk143hhUnzZK-L7n5TvYMennd2WLjzYJi-myNYvTg45x8JY13XWdrlg0yxr2sKXHc6sF_UPqcKFJ9W20EHXM-eUM2ndUZcW5kZ4ZRy5P8UUyjiKDNOnI2diLDir-eOAuCObgDmg78bcLNj6toknA-hPE4Tg
Black Tech Street is The Rebirth of Tulsa's Black Business District
Read Article
Build In Tulsa provides entrepreneurs with a network of accelerators, mentoring, education, networking, and direct financial assistance to build community and strategic partnerships.
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