Boston’s diverse entrepreneurial community is one of its greatest strengths. Startup Boston wanted to share our platform with black entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Boston area to share their experiences and insights they’ve learned navigating the Boston startup scene.
We’re thrilled to introduce you to the dynamic leaders and entrepreneurs we interviewed for this panel:
Karen Wallace is the Executive VP of Economic Inclusion at the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM). After nearly two decades of experience in marketing, Karen pivoted her career in 2020 to work in the equity and inclusion space full time at AIM. AIM is the state’s largest business association serving the needs of more than 3,500 businesses across 150 different industries, where Karen works to advance corporate capabilities to create inclusive environments and equitable solutions.
Nana Younge is the Founder and Executive Director of Get Girls Going, a non-profit organization that empowers black teen girls to become entrepreneurs. Nana also works at Boston University as a Program Director for INNOVATE, a department dedicated to growing entrepreneurship and innovation across the BU student population.
Demetri Harrison has a decade of experience in startups, from pre-seed startups to Series C. As a 3x founder, he has led both tech and operations, bringing innovative ideas to life and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Currently, he is the Co-Founder of Lockerroom Chat, a live chat analytics platform designed specifically for sports teams to enhance communication and performance through data-driven insights.
Valencia Koomson has two decades of experience as a professor at Tufts University, Boston University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Her entrepreneurial journey began in 2024 when she founded Kofimi Technology Inc. The health technology company delivers innovative, bias-free patient monitoring devices for adults and children.
We asked this panel to share the top advice they’ve received, how they’d approach mentorship, and how folks can support black voices in their own communities. Without further ado, here’s the knowledge they shared.
1) What's a piece of business advice you received at the start of your career that stuck with you?
Karen Wallace: When I began my career, someone gave me a piece of advice that I still use to this day. It was that hard work alone isn’t the key to success in business; It's merely a ticket to the table. They underscored the idea that business success is truly enhanced by relationships and how you manage them. I was encouraged to actively seek out and nurture relationships with peers, mentors, and supporters, not merely for networking but genuinely investing time and effort into these connections. Over the course of my career, my connections/relationships have opened doors, provided guidance, and sometimes even caught me when I stumbled. In the words of the African proverb, if you want to walk fast, walk alone. If you want to walk far, walk together.
Demitri Harrison: One of the best pieces of advice I received from my mentor was, “I can teach anyone technology, but I can’t teach work ethic, manners, or integrity; those are things you have to bring to the table yourself.” That stuck with me because it reinforced the idea that technical skills can always be learned, but the foundational qualities that shape success, like discipline, respect, and honesty, come from within.
Nana Younge: Fall in love with the process, not just the milestones. While milestones are important, the real reward comes from the journey itself—the successes, challenges, failures, and lessons learned along the way. The process is where real growth happens. Take time to reflect on each step, big or small, and consider what it means for you, those around you, and the people you serve. Embracing the journey will make you a stronger and more resilient entrepreneur.
2) How would you recommend new entrepreneurs seek out a mentor? Are there any specific pieces of advice you'd share with entrepreneurs in minority groups?
Demitri Harrison: Finding a mentor is about building relationships, not just asking someone to be your mentor outright. I’d recommend starting with someone in your workplace or industry whose skills and career path you admire. Work alongside them, seek their insights, and let the mentorship develop naturally through ongoing interactions.
For entrepreneurs from minority groups, my biggest advice is to be intentional about expanding your network beyond just your immediate community. Don’t be afraid to be the only minority in the room. Embrace that opportunity and use it to build connections. Look for accelerators, grants, and mentorship programs designed to support underrepresented founders but also tap into broader resources that can help you grow. Success comes from pushing beyond your comfort zone.
Karen Wallace: For minority entrepreneurs, given the recent changes in the administration and the assault on DEI initiatives, finding support has become more difficult. However, minority entrepreneurs should try to seek out specialized programs: Many organizations offer mentorship programs specifically for minority-owned businesses. For example — the Black Economic Council of MA (BECMA), Amplify Latinx, LGBT Chamber of MA, Nectar Investments, SCORE, and Mass Challenge. For women entrepreneurs, organizations like the Center for Women and Enterprise offer targeted support.
Nana Younge: Finding the right mentor starts with self-reflection. Before seeking guidance, take time to understand who you are, the kind of leader you want to become, and your purpose. Not every mentor will be the right fit, but when you have clarity on your values and goals, you can better recognize who aligns with your vision. Once you’re ready, be proactive—reach out through your network, attend industry events, or connect on LinkedIn. And remember, mentorship is a two-way relationship—engage meaningfully, apply what you learn, and show appreciation.
3) When is the “right time” to take the leap into entrepreneurship?
Valencia Koomson: You must have a passion for your new venture! Be willing to commit dedicated time in your schedule to develop a business plan, fundraise, network, and apply to pitch competitions and accelerator programs. I founded Kofimi Technology, Inc. to commercialize a medical device that addresses a major public health concern related to inaccuracies in blood oxygen measurement devices for patients with dark skin pigmentation. The "leap" into entrepreneurship was directly driven by the need to deliver an innovative solution to solve this problem.
Karen Wallace: There's no perfect moment to start a business, and waiting for ideal conditions can lead to missed opportunities. The right time to leap is when you have done your research, understand the marketplace, defined and understand your target market and competition and honed your offering. Here are four things to remember:
Timing the market is impossible: Successful businesses can be launched in various economic climates.
Your idea doesn't need to be perfect: You can refine your concept as you go. Starting now allows you to take steps toward making your dream a reality.
Problems and solutions drive timing: The right time to start is when you've identified a problem that people are willing to pay to solve, and you have the skills (or team) to create that solution.
Seasonal considerations matter: Depending on your business type, consider launching when demand for your product or service is likely to be highest.
Demitri Harrison: The right time to take the leap is when you’ve done the research and validated that your product or service solves a real problem. Start by testing your idea with people you know and gathering feedback. Beyond that, make sure you have a strong network, whether it’s potential customers, mentors, or investors who can support you along the way. Entrepreneurship is never risk-free, but having a clear problem to solve and a community to lean on can make the transition much smoother.
4) Is there anything unique about the Boston startup community you'd like to share?
Karen Wallace: Boston's startup ecosystem benefits from the plethora of world-class educational institutions in the area. The presence of universities like MIT, Harvard, Boston University, Northeastern University, UMass, and others provides a constant influx of talent and innovative ideas. Boston's startup scene has more depth than others in key areas: Biotech and Life Sciences, Education, Fintech, and AI. The city offers numerous coworking spaces, meetups, and events that encourage networking and idea-sharing among entrepreneurs. This culture is often cited as a unique aspect of Boston's ecosystem.
Valencia Koomson: Boston is well known for its vibrant ecosystem for startups, specifically in the biotech and medtech areas. There is a wide range of activities to support entrepreneurs, including pitch competitions, networking events with investors, accelerator programs, and incubator lab space. Nana Younge: Boston is rich in culture and history, shaped by innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers who paved the way. The city’s history sets it apart, and it’s important to remember the shoulders of the giants we stand on. What makes Boston unique is the unwavering resilience you feel and push through every day as an entrepreneur. Understanding the journey—both the struggles and the progress—is key. What truly sets Boston apart, though, is the growing culture of collaboration and support. Right now, there’s a shift happening that makes it easier for new ideas to take root and drive innovation forward. This momentum is creating more opportunities for founders of color to thrive and shape the future of the city.
5) How can folks best support or amplify Black voices in the Boston startup community?
Demitri Harrison: The best way to support Black entrepreneurs in Boston is to increase access to opportunities, whether that’s capital, mentorship, or visibility. Investing in Black founders, bringing resources to underrepresented communities (like public schools and community colleges), and creating more inclusive spaces in the startup ecosystem are all crucial. It’s not just about inviting Black entrepreneurs into the conversation but ensuring they have the same tools and funding needed to thrive.
Nana Younge: Seek out and uplift the voices that often go unheard. There are so many incredible Black entrepreneurs in Boston, but often, the same individuals receive the most recognition. While their contributions are valuable, it’s important to make space for new voices, specifically young black voices. Whether you’re looking to fund an organization, invite a speaker, or collaborate on a project, take the time to intentionally seek out and support those who may not always be in the spotlight. True impact comes from broadening the platform and creating opportunities for more diverse voices to be heard.
Valencia Koomson: Invest in Black founders.
Get to know some of the visionary Black leaders in the Greater Boston and New England startup ecosystem covered in our recent blog post!
About the author: Colleen Trinkaus is a B2B marketing leader with 14+ years of experience in marketing strategy, primarily content and product marketing. She’s worked in series A startups and technology companies with 2000+ global employees. In her current role, she leads growth, product, and content marketing for Xplor Mariana Tek, a marketing and operations software technology company for boutique fitness studios.
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