Dr. Brantly Fulton is the co-founder and CEO of LAMAR IoT and the first Black Entrepreneur in Residence at REMUS. Brantly started LAMAR in his last year of graduate school with longtime college friend and co-founder Michael Cutrer. Brantly’s passion and enthusiasm radiated when he launched a small deep tech startup while simultaneously juggling the completion of his Ph.D. thesis. Under Brantly’s leadership, LAMAR has received grant funding from HBCUvc, become a member of Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator’s (LACI) innovators program, and finished as a top 40 finalist for Harlem Capital’s inaugural pitch competition. Brantly holds a Ph.D. in sustainable materials chemistry from the University of Oregon and a B.S. in chemistry with a minor in mathematics from Morehouse College.

What is something few people know about you?

I am the youngest of 19 grandchildren on my mother’s side of the family and the youngest of 13 grandchildren on my father’s side. As a result, I think I learned a lot at a young age from being around my family. I love to travel and explore; it unlocks new talents and perspectives. I like to tackle tough and challenging problems that have both economic and humanitarian values. Lastly, when I retire, I want to write a graphic novel with the hope that it will be converted into a premier motion picture.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by change. I have opportunities that were not available to my parents or their parents, and it’s important for me to make them proud. I want to lead a legacy that lives on beyond my life. I want to build this company for future generations in my family to inherit. I’m inspired to impact young Black men and women who come from poor or disenfranchised communities. I’m inspired by the hope for a better tomorrow. I’m inspired by those who have doubted or counted me out in the past. Everyone wants to prove that they can achieve, that they matter, that their ideas or thoughts are important or unique.

What would you tell an aspiring entrepreneur? 

I would tell an aspiring entrepreneur to never give up on themselves or their team. Entrepreneurship is not easy; if it were, everyone would do it. As long as you don’t quit, there is a reward at every turn — even if it’s just a small lesson learned. The value of an entrepreneur is priceless, so always believe in yourself and play the long game. Success does not always come overnight.