FlightStory and UK Black Business Show announced the formation of Legacy Black, a new media joint venture targeting the Black entrepreneurship and business space.

The joint venture has been launched during UK Black Business Week, which runs from October 13 to 18. FlightStory, founded by “The Diary Of A CEO” host Steven Bartlett, will support the growth of the media brand as co-founder, while Dr. Raphael Sofoluke and his team at UK Black Business Show will lead operations.

Legacy Black positions itself with an “Unapologetically Bold” brand identity, targeting existing and aspiring Black founders, business owners, and entrepreneurs. The venture set a target of driving more than £100 billion in economic impact over the next decade.

“We will create the world’s leading media brand and ecosystem for Black entrepreneurship, business, and wealth,” Dr. Sofoluke, founder and CEO of UK Black Business Show, said in a press release. “Partnering with FlightStory gives us the scale, creativity, and reach to take this vision global.”

Dr. Raphael Sofoluke & Steven Bartlett

FlightStory CEO Georgie Holt described the venture’s approach: “Legacy Black will be fueled by the exceptional knowledge and expertise of the UK Black Business Show’s global community and network, powered by FlightStory’s media growth engine.”

The partnership is actively seeking commercial partners as it prepares for expansion in 2026 and beyond.

Economic Disparities

The announcement comes amid ongoing economic disparities in the creator economy. According to a 2024 report by UK-based talent management firm SevenSix Agency, Black influencers in the UK earn 34% less than their white counterparts, with the gap widening from 22% in 2022.

The report, which surveyed 300 influencers between March and May 2024, found that creators with “deep dark” skin tones earn 44.63% less than those with “light skin.” Similar disparities were found to exist across other ethnic backgrounds.

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