Hip hop collides with Silicon Valley in new SF musical "Co-Founders"

"Co-Founders," a new hip hop musical, follows a young Oakland coder who hacks into a prestigious San Francisco startup accelerator to address gentrification in her community. The musical incorporates various genres, including hip hop, soul, and jazz, reflecting the Bay Area's cultural heritage. It delves into the complexities of race and class through the lens of a Black woman's experiences in the tech world. Ryan Nicole Austin, one of the creators, draws parallels between the struggles of entrepreneurs and the historical resilience of the Black Panthers, stating, "Hey, I gotta make something out of nothing. " The production features cutting-edge technology, including live-motion capture that allows actors to interact with a holographic avatar.

"Co-Founders" aims to challenge perceptions and highlight the interconnectedness of different societal aspects in the Bay Area. The show is currently running at the American Conservatory Theater's Strand Theater until July 6. This musical serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues surrounding gentrification and representation in the tech industry.