Clayton Banks

Clayton Banks is the Co-Founder and CEO of Silicon Harlem whose mission is to transform Harlem and other urban markets into innovation and technology hubs. Under his leadership, Banks has been able to galvanize both the public and private sectors, universities, and community stakeholders to embrace tech as a sustainable economic engine, attracting over $50 million dollars into Upper Manhattan.

Silicon Harlem has partnered with the Department of Education for New York City to establish an afterschool STEM-based startup accelerator; collaborated with the New York City Mayor’s office to assess wireless broadband in upper Manhattan; and coordinated a virtual startup incubator for tech based entrepreneurs. Banks has established and produces the only comprehensive technology conference in Harlem, the Silicon Harlem Next Gen Tech Conference, which is focused on next generation internet and its impact on urban markets economic development.

Prior to his current role, Banks was a pioneer in the cable and communications industry for over two decades. Over the years, he has received many creative and corporate awards, been named the Harlem Business Alliance Business Person of the Year, and been inducted as a History Maker into the United States Library of Congress, among other recognition.

Banks received his Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Fullerton and completed the Executive Management program at Harvard Business School. He is a board member of the Harlem Tech Fund.