Philly’s Department of Commerce is investing another $750K in diversifying the city’s tech talent pipeline

The six organizations funded in the PHL: Most Diverse Tech Hub initiative's third year will connect talent, convene tech companies, fund underrepresented startups and record impact.

In the third year of the PHL: Most Diverse Tech Hub (MDTH) initiative, the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce is investing in six organizations working to diversify Philly’s tech pipeline.

The first round came in late 2020, amid national calls for increased racial equity. The tech sector was identified as one that needed special attention. That year, the City invested $500,000 into four organizations: Coded by Kids, Campus Philly, Venture for America and Technically Media, Technical.ly’s parent company. In spring 2022, the City doubled down, investing in the same four organizations, though it didn’t specify exactly how much funding was dispersed.

Now, the City will be deploying $750,000 to six organizations to further the initiative’s goals.

Funding, round three

For its tech talent pipeline focus, three organizations are each receiving $100,000 to further their efforts to retain Black and brown Philly residents in higher education programs and expose folks to tech employment opportunities. Coded by Kids and Venture for America were selected again, while DiverseForce, a diversity-focused talent company founded by Sulaiman Rahman, is newly funded in this round.

“Alongside our citywide partners, Commerce will continue to fuel the inclusive growth of tech workforce’s skills and tech-based companies in Philadelphia,” Commerce Director Anne Nadol said in a statement. “That includes by matching Black and brown talent — especially Philadelphia public school students — to local tech companies for learning and imagining innovative possibilities that can enhance the future of our city and region.”

Two new organizations were given funding in this round: The Enterprise Center and Mom Your Business were each awarded $125,000 to invest in underrepresented startup founders through a pitch competition. The competition will bring capital to Black and brown-founded tech companies and will also provide mentorship, space and technical assistance to participating startups.