5 Black Changemakers In Tech To Watch From Forbes 30 Under 30 2025

The Forbes 30 Under 30 North America 2025 list is out, showcasing exceptional talent across industries. 

This year, we’re highlighting some of the young Black people in tech who are driving progress through innovation, equity, and leadership.

Jordan Taylor, 29 | Founder, Vizcom

Jordan Taylor is the creative force behind Vizcom, a startup that uses AI to turn sketches into 3D designs. The former Nvidia industrial designer launched Vizcom in 2021 with cofounder Kaelan Richards, helping companies like Ford and New Balance streamline product development. Today, Vizcom boasts 65 enterprise customers, with some paying up to $1 million annually. The company, now valued at $100 million, reflects Taylor’s vision of making design accessible to all.

Bradford Jones, 28 | Principal, SignalFire

At just 28, Bradford Jones leads SignalFire’s New York office as a principal, overseeing investments in innovative startups like Tofu and Invoke.ai. He also champions founder development through SignalFire’s Founder Performance Mastery program. A University of Michigan graduate, Jones continues to shape the future of venture capital while mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs through his work with Harvard and UpRound Ventures.

Justin Hardin, 29 | Cofounder, Climatebase

As a cofounder of Climatebase, Justin Hardin is helping millions connect with opportunities in the climate sector. Climatebase’s platform serves as a “LinkedIn” for environmental jobs, while its career accelerator has graduated over 2,500 fellows. Hardin also co-created SF Climate Week, which draws over 20,000 participants annually to its 350+ climate-focused events in San Francisco.

Miles Braxton, 29, and Savannah Whitfield, 28 | Cofounders, Okovate Sustainable Energy

Through Okovate Sustainable Energy, Braxton and Whitfield are redefining the future of solar power and agriculture. Their startup specializes in “agrivoltaic” farming—combining solar energy projects with sustainable farming practices. With $750,000 in backing from Eric Schmidt’s family foundation, Okovate is tackling energy and food security challenges. Braxton also cofounded BlackOak Collective, a nonprofit supporting Black professionals in environmental sectors.

Audrey Djiya, 29 | Cofounder and CEO, Zimi

Audrey Djiya is transforming global trade with Zimi, a logistics startup revolutionizing shipping for African goods. By handling merchandise and logistics upfront, Zimi reduces shipping costs and improves reliability for exporters. The company is already set to handle $2 million in international orders and has secured $2.5 million in seed funding from top investors, including Y Combinator. Djiya’s work bridges the gap between African suppliers and major US retailers like Nordstrom.

Feature Image: Audrey Djiya / Twitter