Group Black Company Profile

Background

Overview

Founded in 2021, Group Black is a media collective and accelerator dedicated to advancing and investing in Black-owned media properties. The company operates through two primary divisions:

Group Black Media: Focuses on nurturing and enabling a vast ecosystem of Black-owned media entities, including member companies, creators, and wholly owned Group Black brands.

Group Black Ventures: Aims to infuse capital into building the next generation of Black-owned media brands.

The mission of Group Black is to dramatically transform the face of media ownership and investment, connecting a diverse generation seeking content and experiences reflective of their identity.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Media Ownership Transformation: Accelerate the growth and sustainability of Black-owned media businesses.

Investment in Black Media: Facilitate substantial investments to bolster Black-owned media entities.

Content and Experience Delivery: Provide exceptional content and experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.

Specialization Areas

Advertising & Marketing: Develop innovative advertising solutions tailored for diverse markets.

Business Services: Offer strategic services to enhance the operations of Black-owned media companies.

Key Technologies Utilized

Digital Media Platforms: Leverage advanced digital platforms to distribute content effectively.

Content Delivery Networks: Utilize robust networks to ensure seamless content delivery.

Primary Markets Targeted

Black-Owned Media Entities: Support and invest in existing and emerging Black-owned media companies.

Diverse Creators: Empower creators from diverse backgrounds to amplify their voices.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Seed Round: In March 2022, Group Black secured a $75 million seed investment.

Notable Investors

GroupM Worldwide: A leading media investment company.

Procter & Gamble: A multinational consumer goods corporation.

H/L Ventures: A venture capital firm focused on impactful investments.

Utilization of Capital

The funds are intended to:

Expand the collective of Black-owned media and diverse creators.

Deepen the pipeline of media dollars allocated to Black-owned media businesses.

Invest in the next generation of innovative and equitable media.

Leadership Team

Key Executives

Travis Montaque: Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer & Board Member

Background: Previously founded Holler, a messaging technology company.

Role: Leads the strategic vision and overall operations of Group Black.

Richelieu Dennis: Co-Founder & Chairman

Background: Founder of Sundial Brands and Essence Ventures.

Role: Provides strategic guidance and oversight.

Bonin Bough: Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer

Background: Former Chief Media and eCommerce Officer at Mondelez International.

Role: Drives strategic initiatives and partnerships.

Cavel Khan: Chief Growth Officer

Background: Extensive experience in digital media and advertising.

Role: Oversees growth strategies and revenue generation.

Board Members

Ursula Burns: Former CEO of Xerox Corporation.

Vivek Shah: CEO of Ziff Davis, Inc.

Seth Kaufman: CEO of Moët Hennessy North America.

These board members bring a wealth of experience in business, technology, and media, contributing to Group Black's mission.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The media industry is witnessing a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, leading to increased investments in Black-owned media entities. This trend presents both opportunities and challenges as companies strive to capture the attention of diverse audiences.

Competitor Analysis

Group Black operates in a competitive landscape with several notable players: