Meet Michael Adex, the 28-year-old Manchester-raised entrepreneur revolutionizing diversity in tech by empowering black-founded startups.
Empowering Black-Founded Tech Startups
In a bid to bridge the gap in funding for black-founded tech startups, Michael Adex is working tirelessly as an ambassador for Digital Catapult‘s Black Founders programme.
The Power of Resources and Resilience
Michael Adex, the 28-year-old Manchester-raised entertainment mogul, attributes his success to his “immovable” will to make things happen. However, he also acknowledges that no matter how powerful the vision or good the idea, fledgling companies need cash to survive. Research from Digital Catapult has found that just 0.2% of overall investment in the UK goes to black-founded companies.
Unlocking Opportunities through Deep Tech
The UK aims to be a leader in “deep tech“, which includes advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain. The Black Founders programme is supporting 10 businesses on their commercial journey, with companies previously selected going into partnership with large corporates and attracting interest from angel investors.
Some of the startups involved in the programme include TwoShot, which uses voice detection technology to tackle copyright issues related to AI-generated music; Mismatch Studios, which creates digital clothing for virtual worlds; and Immersely, which uses biometrics and AI to create “hyper-personalised” games. These companies are applying immersive technologies to fields including music production, gaming, storytelling, and education.
A Personal Journey to Success
Adex’s own journey to success in the music industry began when he was at school. He had a natural ability to make connections and build relationships with artists, which eventually led him to found his talent agency, record label, and global music publishing business.
“It was natural,” Adex says of his early experiences. “I had quite a lot of contacts and friends, I had family in London, every summer I would go and make connections. And from there I started making relationships and hanging out with artists.
