Ghanaian startup Float has picked up a significant round of funding with $17M already in the bag in the first few weeks of the year. The fintech which provides credit lines for businesses says the funding will be used to bolster its offerings and expand around the globe. The seed round was a mix of $7 million equity and $10 million debt. While Cauris provided debt financing, Tiger Global and JAM Fund, the investment firm of Tinder co-founder Justin Mateen co-led the equity bit. Other VC firms involved in the equity round include Kinfolk,
Rebundle, a hair-focused startup based in St. Louis creating and selling hair extensions made from plant-based materials, has announced that it has raised $1.4 million in a pre-seed round. The idea came from Ciara Imani May’s passion for living more sustainably, which she had been trying to do even before she launched the startup with co-founder Danielle Washington. Speaking to media, she explained that in 2019 she wanted to look for a solution to the itchiness on her scalp as well as the waste associated with hair extensions. Rebundle launched
With over 93,000 members, the Black Fathers group has grown into one of the largest groups of dads on Facebook. It was launched by Matt Prestbury in 2008 after he grew increasingly frustrated with the notion that ‘Black fathers weren’t around.’ He knew there were involved Black fathers across the US and the globe – so he set up a group so they could all connect with one another using Facebook. “When I got on Facebook, I figured that was the best opportunity for us to present positive images of black
We’ve started a new weekly series looking at founders from different communities absolutely killing it in the tech space. Following on from our ‘Meet 3 Standout Latinx Founders Using Data And AR To Do Some Pretty Cool Things‘ feature piece – we’re now taking a deep dive into Black founders in fintech and blockchain that you should look out for this year. These financial technologies (fintech) companies use the internet, blockchain, and software technologies, as well as algorithms, to offer or facilitate financial services traditionally offered by banks. David Potter
Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson is a phenomenal woman with an amazing track record. She graduated with excellent grades in high school, then entered the popular Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as one of 20 African-American students there. Jackson arrived at MIT in the fall of 1964 as one of just a handful of Black students. Later – in 1976, Dr. Jackson joined the Theoretical Physics Research Department at AT&T Bell Laboratories. At Bell, Dr. Jackson conducted a number of successful theoretical physics experiments and made breakthrough scientific research that enabled others to
Over the last year, I have been on the lookout for Latina founders, and I found them through Google searches, Twitter threads, and referrals. So this week, we’re taking a look at some amazing Latina entrepreneurs in tech and highlighting the work they’ve been doing for the past few years. I’ll aim to do a shortlist every week. Let’s go! Agustina Sartori, founder of GlamST, GlamST’s proprietary technology allows people to try on makeup through AR, representing the finishes, color, and texture of the products in a highly realistic and accurate
Starting a business isn’t easy – there’s a lot you have to manage, and there’s even more you have to learn if you want to stay ahead of the game and scale. Without bombarding you all with too much information – we’ve made a list of some of the basics that could get you started. What is an EVP? An EVP (Employee Value Proposition) is a unique set of rewards and benefits that an employer offers to current and future employees in return for their value to the organization. The
The US elderly population is projected to nearly double to 90 million by 2050 as more eldercare shifts from institutions to the home where the family can take care of them. But most of the current 53 million caregivers are ill-prepared for their responsibilities and struggle to balance both their jobs, children and taking care of those in need. Bianca Padilla saw a gap in the market and together with her husband Jonathan Magolnick they launched Carewell, the leading e-commerce resource for caregivers. The inspiration for the firm came when Padilla and her mother became unexpected
Pinterest has announced that Nichole Barnes Marshall will be replacing Tyi McCray as the Global Head of Inclusion and Diversity. Her role will include leading the I&D team and partnering with the co-founder and CEO, Ben Silbermann, to “drive accountability, adoption, and strategies for workplace, culture, and marketplace programs.” She comes to Pinterest from Bath and Body Works, where she was the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for seven months. Nichole brings more than 20 years of experience in DE&I and recruitment at iconic brands like L Brands, Aon, and
Nashville-based Jumpstart Nova announced its first venture fund Wednesday, with $55 million to invest exclusively in Black founder-led health care companies, according to a news release. The funding round brought together nearly 100 investors — including Eli Lilly and Company, HCA Healthcare, Cardinal Health, Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University, American Hospital Association, and others. Though Jumpstart is based in Tennessee, the Nova fund will have roots in Los Angeles, as well. Jumpstart Nova partner and native Angeleno Kathryne Cooper is based in L.A. and is working alongside Jumpstart co-founder Marcus
