The Banneker Story

Banneker Ventures was named after Benjamin Banneker, a brilliant engineer, surveyor and astronomer who developed the plans for Washington, D.C.

However, the foundation was laid inside a small house in Detroit, Michigan by a mother raising six children on public assistance. With a strong determination that one day her children would be scientists and engineers, this mother instilled in her children that they would be nothing short of greatness.  This is the vision that birthed Banneker Ventures.
In 2005, after serving as General Counsel and Project Manager for a Washington, DC based real estate development firm and previously working as an attorney with a large New-York based law firm, Omar A. Karim founded Banneker Ventures.
2018
BE-100
Black Enterprise Magazine
2015
Minority Business
Champion
2010
Developer of the Year
National Organization of Minority Architects

Banneker Today

Mr. Karim founded Banneker Ventures as a means to change life for he and his family. Today, Banneker is Changing the World and sets a standard of superior quality that far separates us from industry counterparts.

An award winning boutique construction firm, Banneker excels in real estate development, general contracting and facilities management services. With the ability to manage a diverse range of products, the company name is a trusted resource around the region. Headquartered right in our nation’s capital, our portfolio boasts a myriad of federal, state and local government clients, over 40 employees and has generated over $50 million in revenue across the United States.

Whether it's building a bio-defense lab, award winning elementary school, or Deanwood, one of the largest recreation centers in Washington, D.C., Banneker is committed to constructing superior buildings and institutions, utilizing cutting edge technology and delivering extraordinary customer service.

Not only does Banneker build the world around them, but they build the culture within. Banneker encourages professional development through training certifications and provides opportunities for employees to take on leadership roles.
 In 2016, Omar A. Karim started the Banneker Foundation, which has given over $600,000 to encourage young people to get involved in engineering sciences, contribute to society, and remind them of what his parents instilled in him, There is nothing you can’t do.

In 2018, the company was named among Black Enterprise’s Top 100 Companies. Mr. Karim has received numerous awards including: the Visionary Award at the Minority Small Business Construction Conference in Montgomery County, Maryland; 2011 Developer of the Year Award by the National Organization of Minority Architects (Washington, DC Chapter); Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Howard University Institute for Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Innovation; and 40 Under 40 Award by The EnVest Fund, a District of Columbia‐based social venture capital fund.

Building a better world.