Today Google identified 50 Black-Founded Startups to invest in for 2021.  I am proud to announce that Sandbox Commerce is one of them.

My journey as a tech entrepreneur and software engineer has had its ups and downs. Four years ago, after identifying the common patterns and designs of expensive custom mobile apps, I decided to create a cost-effective solution that allows retailers to create tailored mobile apps through a streamlined platform.

The concept: if Shopify or Wix can identify easy workflows to create websites, why not do the same for mobile apps.  From this idea, Sandbox Commerce was born. Sandbox is a cross platform mobile app system that allows retailers to integrate with ecommerce platforms like Shopify and BigCommerce to seamlessly and easily build custom, no-code mobile apps.  In fact, the average app created by SandBox Commerce only takes 15 minutes and requires an e-commerce integration @Shopify @BigCommerce @Salesforce @Shift4Shop. Moreover, the platform drastically reduces the upfront cost of developing a mobile app, allowing small and disadvantaged businesses to have a mobile app presence, often for the first time.   

But SandBox Commerce would not be what it is today without our incredible team.  From the very start, we have been small but mighty. Each and every team member has contributed so much time and energy to making the vision of SandBox Commerce a reality. Their persistence, belief, and sacrifice over the years have helped the company survive really lean times and withstand the competition from other larger, better-funded companies. Thank you!

As a former Google EIR it was clear from the start that the stats for funding a start-up were stacked against me.  However, since I was a child, my mother always taught me to bet on myself against the odds and instilled in me the principle of never comparing myself to anyone else. It’s a part of who I am, and a big part of the reason I am here today.

I am incredibly grateful to the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund which was built in response to the unique financial and societal challenges facing Black founders. This award will help SandBox continue on the path to success.  I would like to congratulate all the other incredible Google for Startups Black Founders, past, present, and future.  I’m excited to see how we grow, give back, and pay it forward.