A bold new digital platform is making waves in the social networking and economic empowerment landscape. BlackShares, created by Vince Martin, Founder and CEO of Upsides Network LLC, is a new Black-owned social and professional network that aims to centralize Black digital life while distributing the majority of its revenue back to its members and Black startup founders.
Positioned as an alternative to platforms like LinkedIn and BlueSky, BlackShares is designed specifically to serve the Black community. Its mission? To transform the collective online presence of Black users into a self-sustaining ecosystem of empowerment, investment, and collaboration.
Key Features of BlackShares:
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Revenue Sharing Model: A majority of platform earnings, including membership fees, are redistributed as dividends to users and invested in Black-founded startups.
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Professional Networking: Tools that facilitate collaboration, business development, and mentorship among Black entrepreneurs and professionals.
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Economic Impact Focus: Capitalizes on the Black community’s $1.8 trillion spending power and untapped influence in the attention economy.
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Equity & Ownership: Encourages revenue sharing and equity-based collaboration within new businesses launched on the platform.
Vince Martin (@BlackSharesArchitect) said the time to act is now, citing growing resistance to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and broader sociopolitical challenges:
“We’ve tried working within the existing frameworks. It’s time we use our community’s considerable resources to build an economy that works for us.”
BlackShares recognizes that while boycotts of mainstream brands are impactful, reclaiming economic value from social platforms—where the community is already highly engaged—represents an even greater opportunity.
“These platforms make billions off our content and presence,” Martin emphasized. “Switching to BlackShares not only reclaims that value but begins a powerful cycle of reinvestment into our own.”
Building Wealth Through Collaboration
The platform places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship and community wealth-building. Founders are encouraged to share equity and revenue with collaborators, creating a ripple effect of financial empowerment.
“With every new business built on BlackShares, we’re creating more opportunities to buy Black, hire Black, and invest Black,” Martin adds.
Looking Ahead
BlackShares has future plans to expand its services while maintaining its commitment to revenue sharing and economic equity. The platform represents not just a new social network, but the beginning of a new economic paradigm.
To learn more or to join the movement, visit BlackShares.com.
