Laser Focus World is an industry bedrock—first published in 1965 and still going strong. We publish original articles about cutting-edge advances in lasers, optics, photonics, sensors, and quantum technologies, as well as test and measurement, and the shift currently underway to usher in the photonic integrated circuits, optical interconnects, and copackaged electronics and photonics to deliver the speed and efficiency essential for data centers of the future.

Our 80,000 qualified print subscribers—and 130,000 12-month engaged online audience—trust us to dive in and provide original journalism you won’t find elsewhere covering key emerging areas such as laser-driven inertial confinement fusion, lasers in space, integrated photonics, chipscale lasers, LiDAR, metasurfaces, high-energy laser weaponry, photonic crystals, and quantum computing/sensors/communications. We cover the innovations driving these markets.

Laser Focus World is part of Endeavor Business Media, a division of EndeavorB2B.

Laser Focus World Membership

Never miss any articles, videos, podcasts, or webinars by signing up for membership access to Laser Focus World online. You can manage your preferences all in one place—and provide our editorial team with your valued feedback.

Magazine Subscription

Can you subscribe to receive our print issue for free? Yes, you sure can!

Newsletter Subscription

Laser Focus World newsletter subscription is free to qualified professionals:

The Daily Beam

Showcases the newest content from Laser Focus World, including photonics- and optics-based applications, components, research, and trends. (Daily)

Product Watch

The latest in products within the photonics industry. (9x per year)

Bio & Life Sciences Product Watch

The latest in products within the biophotonics industry. (4x per year)

Laser Processing Product Watch

The latest in products within the laser processing industry. (3x per year)

Get Published!

If you’d like to write an article for us, reach out with a short pitch to Sally Cole Johnson: [email protected]. We love to hear from you.

Photonics Hot List

Laser Focus World produces a video newscast that gives a peek into what’s happening in the world of photonics.

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast

Following the Photons: A Photonics Podcast dives deep into the fascinating world of photonics. Our weekly episodes feature interviews and discussions with industry and research experts, providing valuable perspectives on the issues, technologies, and trends shaping the photonics community.

Editorial Advisory Board

  • Professor Andrea M. Armani, University of Southern California
  • Ruti Ben-Shlomi, Ph.D., LightSolver
  • James Butler, Ph.D., Hamamatsu
  • Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Ph.D., Columbia University
  • Justin Sigley, Ph.D., AmeriCOM
  • Professor Birgit Stiller, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, and Leibniz University of Hannover
  • Professor Stephen Sweeney, University of Glasgow
  • Mohan Wang, Ph.D., University of Oxford
  • Professor Xuchen Wang, Harbin Engineering University
  • Professor Stefan Witte, Delft University of Technology

Black Unicorn Factory Announces Independent $18 Billion Valuation and Pending NASDAQ Direct Listing

Every Day, Turning Social Media Users into Shareholders

Los Angeles, CA - August 12, 2025 - Black Unicorn Factory (BUF), the trailblazing equity crowdsourcing platform, today announced an independently certified $18 billion valuation, based on a July 31, 2025 fair market value appraisal conducted by Transaction Capital LLC, and confirmed that its direct listing application to the NASDAQ Capital Market is currently under review.

With more than 12,000 current shareholders and a rapidly expanding digital footprint, BUF is positioned to make history as one of the highest-valued Black-owned companies preparing to go public — a valuation that, according to publicly available IPO data, would place it above historical debut valuations of well-known firms in the Black investment and private equity space.

At the center of BUF’s growth is its breakthrough sweat equity app, Follow Me For Equity (FMFE). The platform rewards users — especially college students and young professionals — with monetizable equity in high-growth startups for performing online and social media engagement tasks. This creates more potential upside than typical gig work arrangements and turns everyday social media activity into actual ownership stakes.

“We’re not just creating a company — we’re building a movement,” said Johnny Stewart, Founder & CEO of Black Unicorn Factory. “With Follow Me For Equity, we’ve taken the best of gig work and combined it with equity participation. Our shareholders aren’t just spectators — they’re participants in a new economic model.”

BUF’s FMFE participants currently include more than 12,000 equity-earning shareholders, with platform adoption growing rapidly among students seeking alternatives to traditional gig work. By leveraging network effects, BUF’s model helps early-stage startups reach millions of consumers while rewarding users with ownership.

“This is the dawn of a new kind of capitalism,” Stewart added. “Our mission is to democratize equity, reward participation, and create generational wealth — especially for communities historically excluded from early-stage investment opportunities.”

With its NASDAQ listing application pending review, BUF is preparing for expanded public participation in its equity model while continuing to focus on scalable growth, compliance, and mission-driven impact.

About Black Unicorn Factory

Black Unicorn Factory is an equity crowdsourcing platform that turns everyday supporters into shareholders. Through its Follow Me For Equity app, BUF engages gig and online workers in marketing and promotion activities for early-stage startups, compensating them with equity. The platform’s mission is to transform gig work into a pathway for wealth creation and financial inclusion.

Media Contact:

John Stewart

Founder & CEO

info@blackunicornfactory.com

310-362-6999

Forward-Looking Statements & Disclosures

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the anticipated NASDAQ listing, market positioning, and growth potential. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties. The $18 billion valuation reflects a July 31, 2025 independent fair market value appraisal and may change over time. The NASDAQ listing is subject to regulatory review and approval. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

Media Contact
Company Name: Black Unicorn Factory.
Contact Person: John Stewart
Email: Send Email
Address:5777 West Century Blvd Suite 1125-106
City: Los Angeles
State: CA 90045
Country: United States
Website: https://blackunicornfactory.com

Stock Quote API & Stock News API supplied by www.cloudquote.io
Quotes delayed at least 20 minutes.
By accessing this page, you agree to the following
Privacy Policy and Terms Of Service.