Afro-Caribbean Business Network | Fireside Chat with Bryan Duarte, Founder and Managing Partner, BlackTech Capital | Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2000172264085?aff=oddtdtcreator
The shift to clean energy is one of the biggest economic transformations of our lifetime. Trillions of dollars will flow into new technologies, new companies and new jobs over the coming decades. The real question, however, is who will build, own and profit from them.
That is why supporting Black founders in cleantech matters so much. If our community is absent from this transition, we will miss one of the largest wealth-creation waves in history. However, if we are in the room early, we can help shape it.
So on Sunday, October 25, the Afro-Caribbean Business Network continues the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026 with a virtual fireside chat featuring Bryan Duarte, Founder and Managing Partner of BlackTech Capital, a social venturist and impact investor with more than 30 years in energy, cleantech, sustainability and venture capital.
Who Is Bryan Duarte?
Bryan is a licensed Professional Engineer, entrepreneur and angel investor based in Toronto. His story in clean energy started early. At the University of Toronto, he led a high-mileage vehicle team that achieved remarkable fuel efficiency of more than 1,300 miles per gallon.
Later, at Enbridge, he built deep expertise in energy infrastructure and helped launch a new electricity division that pioneered smart metering in Canadian high-rise buildings. From there, he founded and scaled several companies in energy, cleantech and sustainability, selling multiple businesses to private investors and utilities. Today, he is also founder and CEO of Enliten Energy Services, which develops sustainable resource metering solutions.
Inside BlackTech Capital
Bryan co-founded BlackTech Capital, a pre-seed fund that backs Black and other underrepresented entrepreneurs, with a focus on clean technology and sustainability. The fund looks for companies at the intersection of social responsibility and environmental impact.
Notably, BlackTech Capital prefers to be the first money in and to lead rounds, and it takes a long-term view of companies that may shape the next 20 to 30 years. For example, its portfolio includes Mars Materials, a carbon capture company that turns waste carbon dioxide into a precursor for carbon fibre.
You can have the best tech, but those relationships are what’s going to make the difference. (Bryan Duarte)
Why This Conversation Matters for the Black Community
1. The energy transition is a wealth transition
Every major economic shift creates new owners. Consequently, the move to clean energy will create a new generation of wealthy founders and investors. Black entrepreneurs deserve a fair share of that opportunity.
2. Our communities feel environmental impacts first
Meanwhile, Black and racialized communities often live closer to pollution and feel the effects of climate change sooner. Therefore, Black founders who build climate solutions bring both lived experience and a personal stake in getting it right.
3. Coachable founders win
Specifically, Bryan looks for founders who are coachable and have a compelling vision. In other words, being open to advice can matter as much as having the perfect product. That is encouraging news for first-time founders. (Learn more in our Day 20 spotlight on what investors look for in founders.)
4. New sectors break the third strike
At ACBN, we name the Four Strikes™ that hold Black entrepreneurs back, including overconcentration in professional services. Cleantech is a high-growth sector where we are underrepresented, which makes it a powerful place to diversify. (See also our Day 3 spotlight on Black tech founders in Canada.)
5. Relationships unlock capital
As Bryan puts it, relationships make the difference. This is exactly why ACBN’s 3C Framework™ puts Connection before Capital: Clarity → Connection → Capital. First, get clear on your technology, market and business model. Next, connect with mentors, investors and partners. Finally, access capital from people who already know and trust you.
Build the relationships that lead to capital. ACBN’s Growth Pathway program walks you through the 3C Framework™ with coaching, community and a direct route to funding. We are welcoming 100 entrepreneurs into the program.
What You Will Walk Away With
- Why cleantech is one of the biggest opportunities for Black founders
- What early-stage impact investors look for
- How to build relationships with investors before you need them
- Lessons from 30+ years in energy, sustainability and venture capital
- A live Q&A with an engineer, founder and impact investor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cleantech?
Cleantech, or clean technology, includes products and services that reduce environmental impact, such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon capture, clean transportation and sustainable materials.
Are there investors for Black cleantech founders in Canada?
Yes. For example, BlackTech Capital is a pre-seed fund focused on Black and other underrepresented founders in clean technology and sustainability. In addition, several government programs support cleantech innovation.
I missed the live session. Can I watch the replay?
Yes. Replays of BEEConference sessions will be shared on the ACBN YouTube channel.
Join Us on Day 25
Day 25 continues a full month of workshops through October as part of the Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Conference 2026. So if you want to build a business that is good for the planet and for your community, this conversation is for you.
Fireside Chat with Bryan Duarte | BEEConference Day 25
Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Online
Can’t make it live? Subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss a replay, workshop or conversation: youtube.com/@acbn_canada
Connect. Build. Grow.
