Black Women Talk Tech Announces Return of Roadmap to Billions Toronto, Presented by Accelerate Auto
Friday, September 26, 2025 – Toronto, Canada — Black women founders are building the future of tech, but often lack access to the same capital, visibility, and networks as their peers. That is changing this fall as Black Women Talk Tech (BWTT) returns to Toronto with its global flagship conference, Roadmap to Billions, on October 5–6, 2025, presented by Accelerate Auto.
Now in its second Canadian edition, Roadmap to Billions is the only international tech conference created by Black women, for Black women founders. It arrives at a pivotal moment as Canada’s tech and innovation economy faces challenges and opportunities around representation, funding equity, and global competitiveness.
“This isn’t just a conference — it’s a movement,” said Regina Gwynn, Co-Founder of Black Women Talk Tech. “We’re excited to return to Toronto with deeper partnerships and new opportunities for Black women founders to access capital, mentorship, and community. With Accelerate Auto as our presenting sponsor, we’re accelerating our mission to ensure Black women are at the forefront of tech innovation in Canada and beyond.”
Why It Matters
Funding equity gap: In Canada, Black women founders receive less than 1% of venture capital funding. RTB Toronto directly connects them with investors, corporate leaders, and decision-makers.
Innovation pipeline: With industries such as automotive, AI, and fintech rapidly evolving, the conference ensures Black women are not left out of shaping the technologies transforming our future.
Global recognition: As the Canadian stop of BWTT’s international series, Toronto joins New York and other global tech hubs in spotlighting Black women entrepreneurs.
“As the automotive and technology sectors continue to converge, Black women must be part of these conversations,” said Shannon Miller, Executive Director of Accelerate Auto. “Our partnership with Black Women Talk Tech ensures that pathways are created for Black women to innovate and lead in industries shaping the future.”
Feature Panel: Driving the Future — AI, Privacy & Innovation in the Automotive Industry
October 6 | 2:25 – 3:05 PM: Moderated by automotive journalist Kay Layne, this panel explores how AI, privacy, and innovation intersect in a rapidly evolving industry.
Panelists:
Yolanda Biswah, President, Canadian Black Book
Faithlyn Hemmings, Vice President & Lead Counsel, General Motors of Canada Company
Dina Maxwell, Chief Privacy Officer & Intellectual Property Lead, PwC Canada
2025 Conference Highlights
Pitch Competition: Over $10,000 CAD in cash and prizes for Canadian Black women tech founders pitching live to investors.
Mentor Marketplace: One-on-one access to experts in venture capital, law, leadership, and growth strategy.
Keynotes & Panels: Lessons from scaling startups, navigating policy, and building sustainable businesses.
Week of Women in Tech: Curated community events across Toronto leading into the conference.
Dynamic Voices Shaping Tech & Business
Roadmap to Billions Toronto 2025 features a powerhouse lineup of leaders advancing equity and innovation across government, finance, automotive, and technology:
Hon. Marci Ien, former Minister of Women, Gender Equality and Youth
Nosa Ero-Brown, Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism
Kay Layne, Founder of Kayambi and automotive journalist
Yolanda Biswah, President, Canadian Black Book
Dina Maxwell, Chief Privacy Officer & IP Lead, PwC Canada
Melisa Ellis, Founder & CEO, Nobellum
Faithlyn Hemmings, VP & Lead Counsel for Canada, General Motors
Amoye Henry, Co-Founder, Pitch Better
Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson, Founder & CEO, Empowered in My Skin
Additional speakers will be announced prior to the event.
Partnerships Driving Change
Roadmap to Billions Toronto 2025 is presented by Accelerate Auto, with sponsorship from Black Founders Network, TD Bank, Air Canada, and Talk Tech Association. Community partners include Nobellum and PitchBetter, alongside a new partnership with Black Ambition, founded by Pharrell Williams, expanding global networks and opportunities.
Event Details
Welcome Reception — October 5, 2025: 3 p.m.-6 p.m. | C Banquets, 300 City Centre Dr., Mississauga, ON L5B 3C1
Conference & Pitch Competition — October 6, 2025 | Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga, ON L5B 4B8
9 a.m.: VIP Breakfast
10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.: Conference
5:30 p.m.: Closing reception
Tickets: https://lu.ma/rtbtoronto
Media Contact
Melanie Bernard
Email: hello@blackwomentalktech.com
Media Benefits: Media attendees will receive a VIP Media Pass with full conference access, a custom discount code for audiences, a promotional kit with ready-to-use graphics and copy, priority access to press materials, and opportunities to schedule interviews with featured speakers.
About Black Women Talk Tech: Black Women Talk Tech is a collective of Black women tech founders dedicated to identifying, supporting, and encouraging Black women to build the next billion-dollar business. Through conferences, community, and corporate partnerships, BWTT creates spaces where Black women technologists can thrive and excel as leaders.
About Accelerate Auto: Accelerate Auto is a national non-profit organization committed to advancing Black talent and building a more inclusive, innovative automotive sector by uniting leaders across OEMs, dealerships, suppliers, finance, and technology. Guided by four pillars — awareness, community, development, and mentorship — the organization expands access and opportunity for underrepresented communities in Canada’s automotive industry.