Dr. Raphael Sofoluke

  Powerlistee
  Public Sector & Third Sector

Dr Raphael Sofoluke is a serial entrepreneur, author and visionary founder of a string of transformative and influential initiatives including the UK Black Business Show, UK Black Business Week, Birmingham Black Business Show, Black Tech Achievement Awards in the UK and US, and Soar, the first bank-backed membership platform for black entrepreneurs. This year he has announced plans for a new groundbreaking venture aiming to create 1,000 black multi-millionaire investors – which he pledged will change the landscape for the black community in the UK and globally.

Meanwhile, the UK Black Business Show marks its ninth anniversary this year. An annual conference and exhibition held during Black History Month, it aims to highlight and promote businesses founded by members of the black community. In 2021, Raphael also launched UK Black Business Week, the first dedicated week for black business owners and professionals in the UK. The inaugural event featured sponsors such as JP Morgan, HSBC, American Express, Moody’s, and EY. Speakers included Sir Trevor McDonald and June Sarpong.

Raphael has been featured on prominent platforms including Sky News, the BBC and Forbes, and received a personal invitation to 10 Downing Street during Black History Month, further underscoring his influence. In 2021 he launched the Birmingham Black Business Show and, in 2024, the Black Tech Achievement Awards to celebrate black role models and innovators within the tech sector.

Raphael co-authored the book Twice as Hard. It shares lessons from 40 black trailblazers, addressing the challenges faced in predominantly white spaces and providing strategies for success. Raphael’s second book, Together We Thrive, focusing on the importance of community, was released in September 2024.

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