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Tristan Walker Breaks Down The Global Influence Of Black Culture On The Latest Episode Of Black Tech Green Money

It’s no secret that Black culture runs the world. We possess a secret sauce that is often replicated but can never be duplicated because no other culture in the world does it quite like we do. From fashion to music to food, Black culture is at the forefront of many industries. However, representation is not always up to par, especially when it comes to technology. This week, AfroTech’s Will Lucas is joined by Tristan Walker, the founder and CEO of Walker & Company, which includes brands like Bevel and FORM that are specifically designed to meet both the health and beauty needs of people of color. No stranger to being a founder, Walker is also the board chairman and founder of CODE2040, the company that matches high-performing Black and Latinx graduate and undergraduate coders and software engineers to Silicon Valley startups for internships to jump-start their careers. During the Black Tech Green Money episode, Walker discusses the imprint he’s managed to make on Silicon Valley, the...

May 31, 2022

Women-Led Startup Using AI To Provide Buyers With Wig Customization Receives Backing From Serena Ventures

After raising $5 million in funding, Parfait is on its way to disrupting the wig industry with the help of technology. The women-led startup is said to be the first to integrate facial recognition and artificial intelligence to provide buyers with customizable wig products. According to a press release sent to AfroTech, the seed round was spearheaded by Upfront Ventures and Serena Ventures. Ulu Ventures, Unshackled Ventures, Contrary Capital, Visible Hands, TRUE Capital’s Culture Fund, Omar Johnson, Chamillionaire, Tristan Walker, and Upland Workshop participated in the round. “Parfait’s mission to leverage Al to solve core issues for both the tech industry and communities of color is something we, at Serena Ventures, have believed in since the beginning,” said Serena Williams, Managing Partner at Serena Ventures, in a statement. “She went on to say “It’s been inspiring to witness their incredible achievements so far, and we’re proud to invest in this next phase of Parfait’s...

Apr 11, 2022

Black Tech Green Money Ep 8: Tristan Walker's Tools For Getting On The Board

To round out season 1 of AfroTech’s Black Tech Green Money podcast, host Will Lucas sits down with Tristan Walker, founder & CEO of Walker & Company Brands (Bevel, Form). Along with Walker & Co, Tristan Walker is also a member of the Board of Directors of Foot Locker, Inc. and Shake Shack . Walker starts the interview by discussing his decision to plant his roots in Atlanta, the mecca of Black entertainment and rising Black entrepreneurship. @tristanwalker Instagram He says confidently, “Before Walker and Company, I am a Black man. I am a Black father and I am a Black husband. So, every decision I make is in line with my personal values, which happen to match my company’s.” It goes without saying that Black culture drives the needle of what’s considered popular or successful. However, for many years, white corporations had a monopoly on products made for people of color. Walker took a moment to speak to the importance of developing products for African Americans by African...

Jul 28, 2020

Bevel's Tristan Walker Joins Shake Shack's Board of Directors

Restaurant company Shake Shack has appointed Tristan Walker, founder & CEO of Walker & Company , to their board of directors, effective June 18. “With sizeable growth ahead and a relentless focus on excellence, guest experience and hospitality, Tristan’s knowledge and fresh perspective will be instrumental in Shake Shack’s continued success,” Shake Shack CEO, Randy Garutti said. “He brings with him a proven ability to lead, execute and inspire and his unique point of view will be invaluable for our company. We’re humbled to welcome him to our Board.” Walker has an eye for inclusivity and authenticity that will help lead the company toward an expansive and forward-thinking future. “I’ve long admired Shake Shack for their commitment to taking care of their guests, their teams and using their business to create good in the world,” Walker said. “As someone who is passionate about building authentic, inclusive brands, I’m excited to leverage my experience to help guide their growth and...

Jun 19, 2020

Tristan Walker Explains Why His Decision to Exit Silicon Valley Was Bigger Than Him

Startup expert and business mogul, Tristan Walker started his entrepreneurial career in Silicon Valley in 2009. As the head of business for the tech company, FourSquare, he propelled the company to new heights by securing 300 merchant partnerships with brands like American Express and BravoTV. He then went on to launch his own brand, Walker & Co. , where he focuses on providing grooming products for people of color. In the midst of his success, Walker decided to leave the diversity lacking tech hub of Silicon Valley and move south to Atlanta, Georgia. After Walker & Co. merged with Procter & Gamble in 2018, Walker felt it was time to move his brand and his family to an area that would foster a more conducive environment for a successful Black business and afford more opportunities for his family. “It was important for us to be in a place that’s more diverse than the places that we were,” Walker told NBC News . The lack of opportunities for Black tech professionals in Silicon Valley...

Mar 8, 2020

Tristan Walker's Passion For Staying Fresh Lands Him Spot on Foot Lockers Board of Directors

Foot Locker announced the election of Tristan Walker, founder of Walker&Co. and Bevel, to its Board of Directors, effective February 2, 2020. Walker took to his twitter to express his excitement about his new position. “Some news! This day is one of the most exciting of my career as it was announced that I was elected to the Foot Locker, Inc. Board of Directors, starting Feb 2, 2020.” He went on to say, “I’m beyond excited about this opportunity. I LOVE Foot Locker, Inc’s portfolio of brands (Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Footaction, Champs, Eastbay, and others) and its mission to empower and inspire youth culture. The company and its brands are so iconic and have had such a profound impact in my life. Many thanks to the wonderful board and CEO, Dick Johnson for this opportunity. This is so amazing.” Walker took Silicon Valley by storm with his success as the head of business development at Foursquare during 2009 -2012 where he landed 300 merchant partnerships with brands like...

Jan 31, 2020

Walker and Company Expands BEVEL Product Line For Black Men

We’ve talked about Tristan Walker and his startup , Walker, and Company as one of our favorite Black-owned startups. Their custom hair care line, Form , which focuses on Black women’s natural hair, has been wildly popular. On Monday, Walker and Company announced its additions to its product line BEVEL. BEVEL is a line of grooming products designed specifically for Black men. Previously, the collection consisted of the BEVEL Beard Balm, Trimmer, and T-Blade. Now, they are offering BEVEL Body, and BEVEL Hair, Skin, and Shave collections. In total, they have launched 11 new products — including a beard softener, a face serum, and an exfoliating bar soap —  that will offer head-to-toe grooming options for Black men. The line has even gotten some good publicity from celebs like Steve Harvey. In 2018, the company was acquired by Proctor and Gamble and set up shop in Atlanta, GA. With the new expansion of their product line, we can’t help but get excited to see what’s next for Walker and...

Jan 14, 2020