Dontae Rayford is an influential tech executive in Southern California, passionate about advancing emergent technologies. He is interested in technologies that can transform traditionally marginalized communities positively.
Currently, Rayford balances a variety of professional roles. He advises for Black Operator Ventures, a seed fund based in Oakland, CA, launched by Black tech entrepreneurs to explicitly support Black businesses. He is also a key player at Indeed, serving as a category management director, overseeing Food & Beverage, among other crucial sectors. An adjunct instructor at Southern New Hampshire University, Rayford fulfills his fondness for education. The university, offering over 200 degree programs online, often entrusts him with the lead role in courses within its MBA program.
Rayford, living in Los Angeles, has been a member of the Black Operator Ventures since 2022. Founded in 2021, the company has invested in seven firms, including WhoseYourLandlord, Inc., and Mayvenn, offering them capital, expert advice, and a vast network for growth and development.
Rayford's tenure at Indeed began in 2022 when he dedicated his energy to helping people secure employment, a cause he fervently supports.
Having joined Southern New Hampshire University in 2018, Rayford continues to take pleasure in advising budding businesses. Additionally, he routinely pens articles and engages in speaking events on technological themes.
Rayford boasts a dynamic work history. He has previously served the State of California, focusing on working-class communities' needs. His career at Google ranged from advertising to business development, where he excelled in virtual reality and immersive capture technologies.
Rayford also has experience with technology startups, contributing to the IoT connectivity platform IFTTT, YI Technology, and TuneIn. In 2019, he was part of the Yahoo!/Verizon business development team during its restructuring phase post-acquisition. Starting as a director, he eventually became the senior director of business development.
Rayford actively participates in giving back to society. He serves as a board member for Soup, a nonprofit advocating for accessible home ownership and affordable rental housing in the Bay Area. The organization's approach to the housing crisis involves building Accessory Dwelling Units (or backyard homes), starter homes, and community land trusts. Since 2021, Rayford has been a part of Soup's board.
Rayford also invested three years as a mentor for Youth Business USA, an Oakland-based organization empowering young people in underserved communities to kickstart their businesses.
In addition, he supports various causes, such as Sweet Farm and Fonkoze, organizations combating factory farming's adverse effects and poverty in Haiti, respectively. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Rayford joined forces with several Black professionals in Los Angeles, raising funds to purchase over 20 laptops for students needing them for remote learning.
Rayford holds a bachelor's and master's degree in sociology from Stanford University, Palo Alto. In 2014, he received his MBA in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial studies from the NYU Stern School of Business in New York City.
Dontae Rayford was raised in Lynwood, a working-class community in Los Angeles County.
Outside of work, Rayford enjoys collecting art and listening to music. He has a particular interest in acquiring pieces from Black artists. His childhood fascination with sports card collecting also remains intact.
Rayford's contributions have garnered colleague praise for his exceptional leadership, dedication, decision-making, negotiating, and business development skills. His managers and colleagues, including Justin Wong, Alexander Tibbets, Eliza Jones, and Richard Cox, have written commendations praising his integrity, strategic decision-making, effective negotiation of complex issues, and innovative ideas.