MARKETPLACE PARTNERS
The BTI Marketplace is an extension of our ecosystem that highlights trusted partners, products, services, and experiences rooted in community, culture, and opportunity. It helps us create deeper visibility for aligned brands, circulate support within our network, and connect people to offerings that reflect what BTI is building beyond events.
​
Indigo Coffee & Tea, owned by Reba Cox, is a community-centered coffee and tea brand that aligns with BTI’s vision of culture, connection, and intentional gathering. As the Official Coffee & Tea Partner of The Black Tech Initiative, Indigo helps create spaces where our community can come together to work, build, network, and connect in a setting that feels welcoming and rooted in experience.
​
Through this partnership, Indigo serves as more than a café partner for BTI. They are a key part of our ecosystem—supporting co-working days, community activations, signature BTI drink offerings, and special event experiences that bring together tech, creativity, and culture. Indigo also offers BTI members 10% off when they present their BTI card, helping extend value and connection beyond the event itself.
​​
Bèl Flame Candles, founded by Danielle Anyasodor-Lafontant, is a wellness-centered candle brand that brings warmth, creativity, and intentional experience into the BTI ecosystem. Through this partnership, Bèl Flame helps BTI create moments that go beyond tech by making space for rest, reflection, and community connection.
As part of our ecosystem, Bèl Flame supports BTI through curated candle experiences, creative activations, and signature products that align with the culture and energy of our community. Their partnership reflects BTI’s belief that innovation, wellness, and experience all belong together.
Do Greater Charlotte, founded by William “Coach Mac” McNeely, is a Charlotte-based nonprofit focused on building creative confidence in underserved and under-resourced communities through design, entrepreneurship, and innovative technology. Through this partnership, Do Greater helps BTI create spaces that go beyond tech alone by making room for creativity, exposure, and community-driven growth.
As part of our ecosystem, Do Greater supports BTI through community-centered programming, creative experiences, and opportunities that align with the culture, innovation, and purpose of our work. Their partnership reflects BTI’s belief that access, creativity, and meaningful community support all belong together.
.jpg)
​
Surefire Market, founded by brothers Magloire Lubika, Joel Lutuangu, and Edric Lutuangu, is a Charlotte-based food and market concept rooted in quality meals, neighborhood connection, and community convenience. Built from a family legacy in local convenience retail, Surefire blends comfort food with a gathering space designed to bring people together. Through this partnership, Surefire helps BTI create moments that go beyond tech by making space for food, culture, and community connection.
​
As part of our ecosystem, Surefire supports BTI through food-centered activations, signature offerings, and community experiences that align with the culture and energy of our audience. Their partnership reflects BTI’s belief that innovation, access, and community are strengthened by the spaces and experiences that bring people together.