Fanbase CEO Calls Out Black Media, Champions Content Creators as the New Media

Isaac Hayes III, the CEO of Fanbase, recently joined B High ATL for a candid and in-depth conversation that transcended the typical tech interview. He didn't just talk about his entrepreneurial journey and vision for Fanbase; he challenged the status quo, called out systemic inequities, and laid out a compelling case for a Black tech future built on community, creator empowerment, and free speech.

Strategic Growth and the Power of Community

Hayes emphasized a strategic approach to growth, prioritizing financial prudence and community building over the hype-driven, spend-at-all-costs mentality that has plagued many tech startups. "A lot of the things that people ask us for all the time, we want to build those things, but what's allowed Fanbase to stay in business as long as it has is we stick to our plan, we don't blow a dime on anything that's not necessary," Hayes explained.  This disciplined approach, coupled with a laser focus on cultivating a vibrant and engaged user base, forms the cornerstone of Fanbase's sustainable growth strategy.    

Black Tech: A Call for Collective Action

Hayes didn't shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: the underrepresentation of Black people in the tech industry.  He issued a powerful call for increased support within the Black community for Black-owned businesses like Fanbase.   "It needs to be on every Black phone, if you got Instagram, if you got Facebook, if you got TikTok, you need to have Fanbase," Hayes urged, emphasizing the importance of collective action and investment in building a thriving Black tech ecosystem.    

Challenging Black Media and Empowering Creators

Hayes delivered a pointed critique of Black media outlets, criticizing their lack of focus on tech and business news and their failure to adequately support Black-owned tech startups.   He challenged these outlets to step up and play a more active role in amplifying the voices and stories of Black innovators.  "I need the media, I need spiritual word specifically, I need you to be my TechCrunch," Hayes declared, calling for Black media to embrace its role as a catalyst for change and a champion of Black entrepreneurship.    

Simultaneously, Hayes recognized the growing influence of content creators, positioning them as the new vanguard of media.  He urged creators to leverage their platforms to promote and support platforms like Fanbase that prioritize their needs and empower them to control their narrative.  "The content creators are the new media," Hayes proclaimed, emphasizing their crucial role in shaping the future of media.    

The DEI Reckoning and the Evolving Social Media Landscape

Hayes addressed the recent DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) controversy and its impact on the social media landscape.  He voiced concerns about censorship and attempts to control the narrative, highlighting the importance of platforms like Fanbase in providing a space for open dialogue and free speech.   "They're trying to replace legacy media, so in that process it's going to open up the door for people that just want to have, they want free speech, they want to have the conversation," Hayes asserted.    

Fanbase: A Vision for the Future

Throughout the conversation, Hayes painted a compelling picture of Fanbase's potential to disrupt the social media landscape. He highlighted the platform's unique features, such as its content migration tool and its commitment to prioritizing user experience and creator empowerment.  He also discussed plans to integrate live streaming and watch party features, further enriching the platform's functionality and fostering deeper connections between creators and their audiences.    

Hayes's vision for Fanbase extends beyond simply building a successful tech company. He envisions a platform that empowers Black creators, fosters authentic communities, and champions free speech. His appearance on B High ATL served as both a call to action and a testament to the power of Black innovation and community in shaping a more inclusive and equitable tech future.