For Dillon Moses, founder of Dillon Digitals, now operating as OceanViews AI, building a technology company goes hand in hand with building an inclusive community. As the leader of a Black-owned technology company leveraging data analysis and AI, Dillon embodies the belief that technology is a multiplier for good. His journey highlights the potential to transform gaps into opportunities.
Dillon began his career as a technology consultant, working with organizations like US Bank, where he honed his skills identifying data patterns to solve complex problems. In 2012, he launched Dillon Digital to combat a troubling trend: technology often exacerbates income inequality. His goal is to break these barriers and provide unbiased AI data analyst insights.
“Our mission is to find ways for technology to positively impact society,” said Dillon.
Dillon knew he needed alternative funding sources to grow his business because underrepresented entrepreneurs receive less than 2% of Venture Capital funding. An opportunity came his way when he learned about Atlanta Open for Business through a colleague who attended an Invest Atlanta networking event. Learning about Invest Atlanta’s involvement in the start-up community excited Dillon as he viewed the organization as a bridge to help diversify Atlanta’s blossoming tech scene.
Oceanviews AI was selected as the first Atlanta Start-up Growth Loan Program recipient and awarded $150,000. The funding, part of the Atlanta Open for Business Fund, provided a six-month runway to build and scale without the immediate pressure of repayment. Dillon used the funds to hire an additional software engineer and upgrade the company's servers–both critical investments to enable the development of advanced technology solutions, including AI, to expand the organization’s reach and impact.
The Atlanta Open for Business Fund helps small business owners in Atlanta build wealth by investing in assets, such as commercial space, equipment and technology. It is supported by a donation of $20 million from Wells Fargo and in partnership with United Way of Greater Atlanta.
“This experience shows the power of collaborating with policy makers and leaders who can create these opportunities,” shared Dillon. “I am proud to be a program ambassador and hope to inspire more founders to take advantage of these resources.”
To learn more about Oceanviews, visit www.oceanviews.ai.