Scoreplay, a media management startup, raised $13 million in a series A funding round. The round included notable investors such as NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, soccer star Alex Morgan, and Alexis Ohanian’s Seven Seven Six VC fund. The AI-driven platform provides tools that allow teams and leagues to automate the ordering and distribution of content. This clarifies what is usually a complicated process with different types of media spread over numerous software platforms. Scoreplay helps users discover content faster by accelerating new content production and streamlining delivery to athletes, broadcasters,
This week on Techish, Michael and Abadesi break down DeepSeek, China’s open-source AI rival, what the rise in AI agents means for jobs, and Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) hiring Daniel Perry, the man who placed Jordan Neely in a lethal chokehold on a NYC subway. They also discuss Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy sweep for his Drake diss track and why Bianca Censori, Kanye West’s wife, never seems to be wearing any clothes. Chapters 00:30 The Rise of Deepseek: A Game Changer in AI 07:33 Job Ads for AI Agents 12:55 Kendrick Wins
Wini University, an AI-focused university, is set to open in Epe, Lagos, as first reported by Voice of Nigeria. As the first university of its kind in Nigeria, Wini University aims to equip Nigerian youth with hard-hitting skills in artificial intelligence and make Africa a hub in the global AI market. The university draws inspiration from Qatar’s AI university, which takes top talent worldwide; this Nigerian project has been in the pipeline since 2016. A group of people from Boston and Nigeria started establishing the foundation for the university. After
BlackRock Inc. executive Adebayo Ogunlesi has joined OpenAI’s board of directors. The billionaire investor has experience in infrastructure investing, aligning with OpenAI’s to expand data centers and energy resources to grow AI development. Ogunlesi, a senior managing director and board member at BlackRock, joined the company last year after it bought his previous business, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), for around $12 billion, making him a billionaire. Who is Adebayo Ogunlesi? Ogunlesi created GIP in 2006 before spending 23 years at Credit Suisse, holding several senior positions such as Executive Vice
Singer Jason Derulo is set to join will.i.am’s FYI.AI creative collaboration platform company, Celebrity Access reports. will.i.am is the founder and CEO of the company and appointed Derulo as the Ambassador and Intelligent Media Leader at FYI.AI. “Jason’s passion about AI, his enthusiasm and optimism about the intersection of technology and creativity, entrepreneurial skills, and community reach make him a fantastic addition to the FYI team to help shape our creative strategy going forward,” will.i.am said. What will Jason Derulo do at FYI.AI? Derulo will work with will.i.am and other
Meta has deleted its AI-powered Facebook and Instagram profiles following backlash over racist and offensive characters. The tech giant had quietly rolled out the AI-driven accounts that could interact with other users via direct messages in 2023 alongside its lauch of Celebrity AI characters. “Proud Black Queer Momma” These accounts lived under the radar until the Financial Times published a story on December 27 exploring Meta’s intentions to continue integrating user-generated AI profiles that users can create and edit to preferences into its social media platforms. Meta deleted its Celebrity AI
Here are five Black innovators we think are set to make significant moves in 2025. From health tech and biodesign to venture capital and the creator economy, these individuals are at the forefront of progress. They’re reshaping industries, launching transformative products, and empowering communities worldwide. Here’s a closer look at their work and why you should keep them on your radar. Amanda Spann – Empowering Non-Technical Founders Amanda Spann is a marketing consultant and app entrepreneur dedicated to empowering the Black tech community. Her most recent initiative, The App Accelerator,
Operation HOPE and Georgia State University’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business has announced the launch of the AI Literacy Pipeline to Prosperity Project (AILP3). This initiative aims to equip underserved populations across Georgia with the tools needed to succeed in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence (AI). The announcement was made during the 10th Annual Hope Global Forums on December 11, 2024, an event dedicated to financial empowerment and creating pathways to economic mobility. A Comprehensive Plan to Equip Students for an AI Economy AILP3 will deliver a
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has made history by securing a $1 million grant from Google to establish the Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Equity Research. HBCU Makes History This marks the first artificial intelligence-focused institute at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU). “This is a huge day,” said Durham Mayor Pro Tempore Mark-Anthony Middleton, according to CBS17. The institute will prioritize workforce development and promote equity in AI, ensuring students are well-prepared to lead in a rapidly advancing field. Preparing Students for the Future of AI Scheduled to
Amazon is stepping up its efforts to close the digital divide with the launch of its AWS Education Equity Initiative, as first reported by Fortune. The program commits $100 million over the next five years to support underserved and underrepresented communities in accessing educational technology. Breaking Barriers With Cloud and AI The initiative, funded through AWS cloud credits, will help educational organizations create and expand digital learning opportunities. Swami Sivasubramanian, AWS Vice President of AI and Data, emphasized to Fortune that AI is a transformative tool, likening its significance to
