BEO (Black Equity Organisation), in partnership with Sky, is proud to announce the latest cohort selected for the F100 Growth Fund, a pioneering initiative designed to accelerate the growth of Black-led businesses across the UK.
Black British entrepreneurs continue to be overlooked, receiving only 1% of total investment. The F100 Growth Fund seeks to tackle systemic barriers faced by Black entrepreneurs in Britain as they scale and grow their businesses to enable long-term economic inclusion.
The 2025 cohort represents a diverse group of Black-founded companies across sectors, including technology, food, and education. From a soft drinks company reimagining traditional African beverages for global markets, to a deep-tech firm pioneering
AI-generated 360° aerial video for mental health therapy, training, and immersive education, and an indie press working with and opening up publishing opportunities for racially minoritised writers and illustrators crafting stories that put children and teens of colour at the centre.
Over the six-month programme, the 14 entrepreneurs will receive tailored support including expert mentorship, business development opportunities, access to networks, and guidance on getting their businesses ready for investment. It concludes with a Demo Day, where founders will showcase their progress, with each given the opportunity to pitch to business experts and angel investors to secure up to £15,000 in equity-free funding.
The impressive list of businesses in 2025 include:
Timi Okuwa, CEO of Black Equity Organisation commented:
“Over the last three years, we’ve seen businesses transform and grow through the F100 Growth Fund. We’re thrilled that, through our continued partnership with Sky, we can once again empower Black entrepreneurs in 2025.
The persistent lack of funding for Black entrepreneurs highlights the vital role BEO plays in driving economic empowerment and creating fairer opportunities for Black communities – one of the focuses of our groundbreaking Black British mandate.
The F100 Growth Fund doesn’t just bridge a gap; it lays the foundation for lasting change and greater equity across the Black business landscape.
I’m inspired by this new cohort of entrepreneurs and excited for the remarkable contributions they’re set to make.”
David Carrigan, Group Director, Diversity, Inclusion & Wellbeing: “Small and medium-sized enterprises are the bedrock of our economy, and we’re delighted to welcome our fourth cohort of Black entrepreneurs onto the F100 Growth Fund. The spending power of businesses like Sky is significant, so it’s only right that we use that power to help level the playing field for suppliers.
Partnering with organisations like BEO is critical to overcoming the barriers Black entrepreneurs continue to face. This ensures that change is driven by tangible action, and that progress is sustained over time. We’ve seen so many businesses scale and thrive through the F100, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for this latest cohort.”
And hear what the Founders in our 2025 cohort have to say
Pamela Aculey, Founder of MIXD Reality
“Being selected for the F100 Growth Fund is more than just business support — it’s an opportunity to amplify a mission rooted in both innovation and inclusion. As a founder and mother to an autistic child, I created MIXD Reality to transform how underrepresented children experience stories. With the F100 programme, I’m excited to gain strategic mentorship, exposure to new networks, and access to expertise that will help us scale our immersive tech products faster and smarter. It’s about building a business that makes every child feel seen — and supported — in a whole new way.”
Jasmine Richards, Founder of Storymix
“Being on F100 means I don’t have to transform Storymix alone in this period of disruption that we find ourselves in. With this support, I can grow our publishing strand (our first Kickstarter is now live) and keep building bold, inclusive IP across books, TV, and beyond.”
Ekene Ukemenam, Founder & CEO, Aerial Icon
“Being part of the F100 Growth Fund is a pivotal moment for Aerial Icon. We’re building AI-powered immersive technology that reimagines how people access mental health support and VR-based training. This programme will help us unlock the expertise and momentum needed to turn that vision into lasting impact.”
Alex Molokwu, Founder of Loujo
Being part of the F100 Growth Fund is an incredible opportunity for Loujo. As a solo founder building an inclusive EdTech platform for dyslexic children, having access to strategic support, peer founders, and growth expertise means I’m not doing this alone. I’m excited to gain the tools, network, and confidence to scale Loujo across the UK and internationally.
