From Start-Up to Media Empire, How Morgan DeBaun of Blavity Shifted the Industry

Welcome to Second Life, a podcast spotlighting successful women who've made major career changes—and fearlessly mastered the pivot. Hosted by Hillary Kerr, co-founder and chief content officer at Who What Wear, each episode gives you a direct line to women who are game changers in their fields. Subscribe to Second Life on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere you get your podcasts to stay tuned.

There’s no denying that the media landscape has continued to evolve throughout the years, whether it’s adapting to the rapid rate of the digital rise or reinventing how we consume media. At the forefront of the shift is Morgan DeBaun, the founder and CEO of Blavity, a tech-media company for forward-thinking Black millennials that has broadened cultural boundaries in the industry.

DeBaun’s journey to building a burgeoning media company began with her early career at Intuit, where she quickly realized that she wanted to create something of her own. Frustrated with the limited representation of Black voices in the media landscape, she set out to make a change. Alongside her co-founders, DeBaun launched Blavity, which ultimately amplified the experiences and stories of Black millennials. While creating the platform, she successfully raised an impressive $12 million in funding from renowned Venture Capitalist firms, a remarkable achievement considering the statistics that show only 2% of women receive venture funding in Silicon Valley.

Blavity has evolved into a media empire, reaching 250 million monthly readers. The company encompasses a growing portfolio of brands to offer a diverse range of content that resonates with its target audience. DeBaun's ability to create and curate meaningful content that speaks to the Black millennial experience has solidified Blavity's place as a leading media platform. Beyond her work with Blavity, DeBaun organizes professional network conferences like Afrotech, bringing together talented individuals and fostering connections that can shape the future. Additionally, DeBaun consults for global giants such as Pepsi and American Airlines, using her expertise to guide these companies toward inclusivity and innovation.

DeBaun's journey from a start-up environment to becoming a prominent figure in the media industry is nothing short of inspiring. Listen to the latest episode of Second Life to hear how DeBaun continues to set new precedents for the industry and how her achievements impact those around her and beyond. 

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