Beyond the Boys’ Club – How Black Women Founders Can Build Networks of Power
For Black women entrepreneurs in the UK, business can feel like a battlefield where the rules were written long before we arrived. Corporate masculinity has shaped the culture of investment meetings, networking spaces, and leadership structures to benefit those who have traditionally held power—men, and particularly white men. In these environments, success often hinges on one’s ability to fit into structures that weren’t designed with us in mind. But what if, instead of fighting for entry into a system that resists us, we invested in building something of our own?
At Do it Now Now, we believe in the transformative power of community and collaboration. Bayo Adelaja, our founder, reflects on this in "This is how I got here", where she reminds us that there is immense strength in collective action. When we build networks with each other—sharing knowledge, opportunities, and resources—we create alternative paths to success that do not require us to conform to oppressive norms. The reality is, the “boys’ club” was never designed to serve us, so instead of waiting for a seat at their table, let’s build our own.
Rewriting the Rules of Business Networking
Many of us have been told that the only way to succeed is by breaking into elite spaces—attending the right networking events, getting in front of the right investors, and securing mentorship from the right people. While these strategies have their place, they often come with barriers that work against Black women. The investment world still overwhelmingly favors white men, and traditional networking spaces can be exclusionary and unwelcoming to those of us who do not fit the mould.
This is why Black women must invest in each other. We need networks that center our experiences, that make room for our unique leadership styles, and that acknowledge the additional burdens we carry in the business world. At Do it Now Now, we are deeply committed to fostering these spaces. Through our programs, we have seen firsthand the power of peer mentorship, community-driven investment, and knowledge-sharing. When we create and sustain networks that put us at the center, we reclaim control over our professional journeys.
Funding Ourselves, Investing in Each Other
One of the greatest barriers Black women entrepreneurs face is access to funding. The statistics are stark—Black women receive only a tiny fraction of venture capital funding in the UK. Corporate masculinity dictates that investors seek out businesses that fit into a rigid, often aggressive model of leadership, leaving many Black women shut out of financial opportunities. Instead of relying solely on traditional funding routes, we must look to alternative and community-driven finance models.
At Do it Now Now, we advocate for Black-led investment and community funding models that allow us to support each other’s ventures. Whether through grant funding specifically designed for Black women entrepreneurs or through angel investing within our own community, there are ways to grow our businesses without having to conform to the rigid and exclusionary standards of the mainstream investment world.
The Future is Ours to Build
We do not need to shape ourselves to fit a business world that was not made for us. Instead, we can reshape the landscape entirely. By building our own networks of power, investing in each other, and supporting alternative routes to funding, we create a business ecosystem where Black women do not just survive—we thrive. The question is not whether we are ready to lead; we have been leading. The challenge now is to continue strengthening the communities that sustain us, so that no Black woman in business ever feels like she is navigating this journey alone.
If you are looking for support, for mentorship, or for a community that understands the unique challenges you face, Do it Now Now is here for you. We care deeply about your success, and we are ready to walk this journey with you.
