Latine workers in California are at high risk of losing their jobs due to growing automation, the use of technology to perform repetitive tasks without human involvement. According to a new report by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Latine workers are overrepresented in occupations most vulnerable to automation, such as agricultural laborers, construction laborers, landscaping workers and cooks. “Latino workers face significant challenges as their job responsibilities become more technical and analytical,” the report states. “Digital literacy and skills are low among Latino workers, and many
In 2024, US startups with Black founders received just 0.4% of total funding, the lowest share in recent years and down more than two-thirds from just three years ago. According to Crunchbase data, overall startup funding increased to $314 billion last year, but only $730 million went to Black founders. Which Black startups received the most funding last year? Twelve picked up a $200 million Series C in September, led by Capricorn Investment Group, Pulse Fund, and TPG. The startup converts carbon dioxide into jet fuel and other practical products. The company also
Rocket scientist Aisha Bowe will bring plant samples from Winston-Salem State University to the first Blue Origin all-female mission to space in the spring. Odyssey, WSSU’s space science and operations firm, will launch an innovative suborbital space experiment aboard Blue Origin’s All-Female Mission, NS-31, according to a press release. This is the HBCU’s first suborbital spaceflight experiment for the WSSU’s Astrobotany research program, which is part of the Department of Biological Sciences. Experiment for the Future of Space Agriculture and Food Security Students will analyze crop plants’ early molecular stress
CEO and co-founder Eric Collins of Impact X Capital Partners announced the final close of its latest fund. Illumen Capital, a BIPOC-led investment firm based in Oakland, California, and Basecamp Fund, a fund of funds investing in upcoming managers from London’s Phoenix Court, supported the fund, as stated by the Voice. This fund will help Impact X fulfill its commitment to tackling systemic barriers in venture capital by assisting underrepresented entrepreneurs in high-growth industries such as technology, healthcare, and targeted creative sectors. “This fund close is about more than capital—it’s
Meghan Markle has announced her new podcast about female founders. It will debut on April 8, exploring her journey as an entrepreneur and conversations with other female founders, as stated by People Magazine. The podcast, Confessions of a Female Founder, produced by Lemonada Media, follows Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan and the launch of her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Meghan Markle’s new podcast “I’m so proud of what we’re creating, and the candid conversations that I’m able to have with other female founders as we unpack the twists and
Entrepreneur and award-winning personality Tabitha Brown has become Clover’s first Chief Empowerment Officer. As a previous small business owner herself, this partnership highlights Brown’s dedication to supporting small businesses. “Small businesses are my passion. The equity in helping them is the joy you bring to someone’s household and community,” Brown said in a press release. “My goal is to always uplift and empower small businesses and encourage others to do the same in their communities. I’m overjoyed to work with Clover to do my part.” What is Clover? In the
Billionaire businessman and philanthropist Ulysses Lee “Junior” Bridgeman has died at the age of 71. After a well-respected 12-year career in the NBA, Bridgeman built a successful fast-food empire of over 450 restaurants and later acquired EBONY and Jet Magazine. Bridgeman’s death On March 11, Bridgeman suffered a medical emergency at a fundraising luncheon in Louisville, Kentucky. He later died. Bridgeman’s daughter Eden Bridgeman, EBONY CEO said “It is with profound sadness that I share the news of my father’s passing. During this time, my family and I respectfully request privacy as we grieve
Mastercard Foundation, an international nongovernmental organization, has ended its commitment to invest $100 million in 54 Collective, the most active investor in Africa. 54 Collective (formerly Founders Factory Africa) and Mastercard Foundation “will be pursuing different strategies moving forward, and the partnership will end on 30 April 2025,” the venture capital firm told Rest of World in an email. A setback for Africa’s most active investor On February 20, the leadership team of 54 Collective informed staff that the new changes would lead to layoffs as the firm would end
Calaxy, a Black-owned Web3 social marketplace, announced its $1 million fund to give creators more independence. The social marketplace, where users can produce more purposeful experiences to interact with their fans, was founded by tech entrepreneur Solo Ceesay and NBA star Spencer Dinwiddie. Calaxy, short for “The Creator’s Galaxy,” allows each creator to mint their own cryptocurrencies that their fans can buy to interact with their economy or trade value for a social media engagement. In 2022, it raised $26 million in strategic funding co-led by Animoca Brands and HBAR Foundation with
The non-profit We Are Enough (WAE) is hosting a new initiative, the 3.3.3 Challenge, which aims to inspire three million women to invest $3 billion over three years. The movement was created with a “gender lens” to help women expand their wealth, match their values, and build a world they want to see, as stated in a press release. What is We Are Enough? Founded by venture capitalist Tracy Gray, WAE educates women about investing, regardless of economic background. Gray is also the founder and managing partner of The 22 Fund, a
