The Founders, Makers and Collectives Building Brixton’s Future
Black entrepreneurship has always been part of Brixton’s DNA.
For generations, Black-owned businesses have shaped the identity of Brixton, building livelihoods, creating opportunities and making space for culture and community. Today, that entrepreneurial spirit is finding new expression across Brixton Village and Market Row, where independent traders, creative collectives, venture capital firms and community-led workspaces are helping the next generation of Black founders make their mark.
From the businesses keeping Brixton’s legacy alive to the people building its future, we’re spotlighting some of the spaces, faces and ideas moving Black enterprise forward.
BLACK SEED: VENTURE CAPITAL FOR BLACK FOUNDERS
Between 2009 and 2019, just 0.24% of UK venture capital went to Black founders (Extend Ventures). Black Seed was set up to change that. Based in Brixton Village, this venture capital organisation invests in early-stage companies and backs founders with mentorship, networks and long-term support. It works as both a fund and a community, fusing technology, culture, support and innovation to build a more inclusive startup landscape. From the market, the team hosts conversations and events that put founders, investors and the wider community in the same room.
Find it at: Black Seed, Unit 63, Granville Arcade
IMPACT BRIXTON: THE WORKSPACE THAT LAUNCHED 2,000 BUSINESSES
Impact Brixton is a community-led social enterprise helping freelancers, entrepreneurs and changemakers get started and keep going. As the most loved workspace in Brixton, it’s a welcoming space in Market Row offering hot-desking, private offices, training programmes and networking events. There’s also a virtual office programme, so you can register your business at a professional Brixton Village address. Every penny it makes goes back into affordable workspace, free workshops, mentoring and employment programmes. Since opening in 2014, Impact has supported more than 15,500 entrepreneurs and creatives and helped launch over 2,000 businesses.
This month, Impact Brixton is hosting a delegation from Amsterdam Zuidoost. On Wednesday 28th October, a group of high-profile entrepreneurs, led by their Deputy Mayor, land in Brixton Village to start a partnership between two communities. Brixton and Zuidoost are working through similar questions about ownership, enterprise and regeneration, and the visit is a chance to learn from each other. It’s timed to coincide with Black Tech Fest, and Brixton Village is where Black businesses start, grow and are supported.
Find it at: Impact Brixton, Market Row, 17a Electric Lane
“THE ROW”: BLACK DESIGNERS, CHEFS AND ARTISTS IN MARKET ROW
This year a stretch of Market Row has found a new rhythm. A group of traders have dubbed themselves “The Row”, and together they run events, talks and music activations in the market. The line-up includes artist Caroline Chinakwe, Wayne Campbell of A Celebration of Demonstration, chefs Malika and Paschelle of All Roads, designer Zekaryas Solomon, Rohan of Uptown Yardie, Simone of Haus and Kola Okusanya of ÀṢẸ BOUTIQUE. Different trades, one thing in common: creativity, and plenty of it.
Find it at: The Row, Market Row
ROOTS TO RUNWAY: A BLACK CULTURAL EXPO
Black heritage takes centre stage on Sunday 25th October as Roots to Runway arrives in Market Row. In collaboration with Brixton BID, this immersive Black History Month celebration brings fashion, art, performance and conversation together from 2–6pm. Stay on after 6pm as The Handson Family take over with DJ sets and dancing on the Row. A day for Black creativity, style and sound, inviting the community to share stories and immerse themselves in Brixton’s creative roots.
Ready for the runway? Register for your FREE ticket on EVENTBRITE.
Find it at: Market Row, Sunday 25th October, 2–6pm
Black history in Brixton is being made every day.
In the businesses opening their doors, the founders breaking new ground, the creatives bringing people together and the independent traders carrying generations of enterprise forward.
From grassroots collectives to organisations investing in the next generation of Black talent, these are the people and places keeping Brixton’s entrepreneurial spirit alive.
Because in Brixton, Black history isn’t just about where we’ve been. It’s about where we’re going.
