Diversity remains key in the startup and venture capital space. For Andrea Wallace, CEO of Opnr, being the only Black woman in the room is a reality she knows all too well. Yet, instead of allowing this to deter her, Wallace has used her unique position to break barriers, challenge norms, and build a thriving business that is reshaping the music industry, according to crainsgrandrapids.com.
Opnr is an online platform designed to bridge the gap between concert promoters and independent musicians. The platform empowers artists by providing them with tools to connect directly with promoters, book gigs, and grow their careers.
Today, the platform has almost 12,000 musicians. “We’ve got about 800 organizers on the platform,” she said to Mlive.
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For promoters, Opnr offers a streamlined way to discover and collaborate with talented musicians. This innovative approach addresses a long-standing reoccurring problem in the music industry, where independent artists often struggle to find opportunities and promoters face challenges in sourcing fresh talent.
Wallace’s vision for Opnr was born out of her own experiences in the music industry. As a former artist manager, she witnessed firsthand the challenges independent musicians face in navigating the complex ecosystem of live performances. Recognizing the need for a more equitable and efficient system, she set out to create a solution that would democratize access to opportunities.
As a Black woman in the predominantly white and male-dominated worlds of tech and venture capital, Wallace’s journey has not been smooth sailing. In Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Opnr is headquartered, Blacks do not usually get the funding they need for their tech startups.
“There are plenty of people in Grand Rapids who are super helpful,” said Wallace, 41, as per Mlive. “But getting into that network is not easy. So, until you have somebody walk you directly into that network — not just help out or make an intro, but truly advocate for you —it can be really, really difficult.”
Despite these challenges, Wallace has successfully navigated the startup world, securing funding and building a network of supporters who believe in her vision.
According to Mlive, the business degree graduate from Grand Valley State University has landed $40,000 from Start Garden, $150,000 from the New Community Transformation Fund, and is now working to raise $1 million for Opnr.
“We’d like to be able to spin up digital marketing and also be able to put some energy into securing a maybe a strategic partnership or two, basically an organization that has deep ties to venues that could potentially help us grow quickly,” said Wallace to crainsgrandrapids.com.
What is more, her experience as one of the few Black women breaking barriers in the tech space has given her a unique perspective on the importance of diversity and inclusion in business. She has used her platform to advocate for greater representation in the tech and venture capital communities, emphasizing the value that diverse voices bring to innovation and problem-solving.
Through Opnr, Wallace is helping to amplify the voices of independent musicians who might otherwise go unheard. This commitment to equity and inclusion is at the heart of her mission.
Also, her impact extends far beyond the success of Opnr. She is a trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of Black women and underrepresented entrepreneurs to follow in her footsteps.
