Angela Benton was born on May 22, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, she showed a passion for technology and innovation, which would later shape her career as an entrepreneur. Growing up in a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, Benton was inspired to pursue a career in visual communications.
Benton attended Columbia University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts in Visual Communications, with a specialization in Digital Design. After graduating, she wasted no time in making her mark in the tech industry. In 2007, Benton founded BlackWeb 2.0, a technology news site aimed at African Americans in the tech industry. This early venture laid the foundation for her future success as a tech entrepreneur.
One of Benton's most notable achievements is the launch of NewME, a program that addressed the lack of diversity in the tech industry. Through NewME, Benton was able to secure millions of dollars in funding for minority-owned tech companies, paving the way for underrepresented entrepreneurs in the industry.
In addition to her work with NewME, Benton is the founder and CEO of Streamlytics, a company that specializes in recovering and analyzing media consumption data from people of color. Streamlytics has quickly gained recognition as a market leader in community-driven data analysis, thanks to Benton's innovative leadership.
Benton's groundbreaking achievements in the tech industry have not gone unnoticed. She has been featured on prestigious lists such as Goldman Sachs' 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs, Fast Company's Most Creative People in Business, and their Most Influential Women in Technology. Benton's leadership, philanthropy, and dedication to diversity and inclusion have earned her a dedicated following on social media, with over 70,000 followers on her Instagram account.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Benton is a devoted mother to three daughters, Ava, Kaiya, and Asha. Despite her demanding career, Benton prioritizes her role as a parent and strives to be a positive role model for her children.
Benton's influence extends beyond the tech industry. She was the subject of an episode of the CNN documentary series Black in America, hosted by journalist Soledad O'Brien. Benton has received support and investment from notable figures such as entrepreneur Ben Horowitz and actress Issa Rae, further solidifying her reputation as a trailblazer in the field of technology and entrepreneurship.
Overall, Angela Benton's journey from a young tech enthusiast to a successful entrepreneur is a testament to her resilience, vision, and commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. With her innovative ventures and dedication to empowering underrepresented voices, Benton continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and changemakers.