It’s February, which means it’s finally Black History Month. It’s a time when Black people reflect on the triumphs, victories, and achievements Black people have made in the country. While it’s essential to look back at what Black people have overcome, it’s also important to acknowledge the history Black people are making today. Black innovators are shaping the future in every industry, and the tech world is no exception. Here, we spotlight eight Black-owned tech startups that are driving change, creating opportunities, and making a real impact in Black communities.
TikTok can be pretty useful outside cat videos, dance tutorials, and comedy sketches. You can learn a language, a new recipe, and even how to play an instrument. It can also be a great way to source academic knowledge, which is being demonstrated with HillmanTok University. Who started HillmanTok University? What started as video intended for the 30 students enrolled in Dr Leah Barlow’s African American studies class this semester, has turned into a viral movement, where Black professors, lecturers, and subject matter experts create and share educational videos. In
A San Francisco startup, Waterlily, is using AI to simplify long-term care planning and costs. Founded in 2021 by Lily Vittayarukskul, the company was born out of personal hardship—her aunt’s terminal colon cancer diagnosis left the family struggling with overwhelming medical costs. “It wiped us out financially,” Vittayarukskul, a former NASA data scientist, told TechCrunch. At the time, she was studying aerospace engineering, but the emotional and financial toll of her aunt’s illness led her to pivot to genetic and data science, ultimately inspiring Waterlily’s mission. How does Waterlily help individuals
Sisters Network® Inc. (SNI), the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization, is set to relaunch its Teens4Pink® program with a new mobile app, according to a press release. The app aims to inform and empower teenage girls between the ages of 12 and 17 about how they can change the way families approach and think about breast cancer. Karen E. Jackson, 31, is a four-time breast cancer survivor and founded Sisters Network Inc. in 1994. Jackson says, “The relaunch of Teens4Pink marks an exciting step forward in engaging the
Moove, an Uber-backed mobility fintech company, has acquired Kovi, a Y Combinator-backed Brazilian urban mobility provider. “This transaction not only strengthens our footprint in Latin America and reinforces our position as a dominant player in global mobility, but it also underscores our commitment to contributing to the Brazilian economy,” Ladi Delano, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Moove, said in a statement. Following the deal, Kovi will continue to operate under its existing brand with its executive and management teams remaining in place, Moove confirmed. Moove’s Growth and Expansion Founded in 2020 by Ladi Delano
Geek Ventures is raising a second fund, as stated in a recent SEC filing, according to TechCrunch. The New York-based tech venture fund is the brainchild of Ihar Mahaniok, an engineer with over 20 years of experience in building code and machine learning. The second fund has raised $9 million so far but has no set target amount; its first sale was recorded on Monday, January 13, as stated in the filing. Helping immigrants in the tech industry Mahaniok grew up in Belarus, where he did an undergraduate in computer
Target joins the growing list of companies rolling back its diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. As a retailer known for featuring Black-owned brands like The Lip Bar, Black Girl Sunscreen, Tabitha Brown, Donna’s Recipe, there are concerns over how potential boycotts may impact Black founders. Target ends DEI goals In a memo shared with employees, the company said it will end its three-year DEI goals, concluding its Racial Equity Action and Change (REACH) initiatives in 2025 and end a program focused on carrying more products from Black- or minority-owned
Legendary hip-hop MC RAKIM is entering fintech with his new platform, Notes. The artist created a platform with the hope of helping artists capitalize on their creative projects and gain financial independence. Recognized by many as one of the greatest MCs of all time, RAKIM rose to fame as one-half of the rap duo Eric B. and Rakim. Now, he has launched an AI-powered platform as a one-stop shop for music, money, and knowledge for artists and creators. “Independent urban music artists and creators often struggle to gain financial stability
NASA is shutting down its DEI initiatives following Trump’s executive order that terminated any diversity and inclusion actions in the federal government. How has NASA responded to Trump’s order? NASA’s temporary head, Janet Petro, sent an email to employees saying, “These programs divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination.” Acting Director of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Charles Ezell sent out a memo to every head or acting head of every government department and agency telling them to remove DEIA-related language from all
In this Techish episode, hosts Abadesi and Michael chat about tech’s latest spite-fueled innovation, the buzz around the inauguration and crypto ball, and what Trump’s second presidency could mean for the intersection of tech and politics. And, of course, they tackle the big question on everyone’s mind: why is dating such a mess these days? Chapters 00:40 Gas Founder Creates App To Spite Snapchat04:00 Tech Giants at the Inauguration08:52 Rappers Perform at the Trump Crypto Party12:50 Meme Coins Are a Scam14:25 TikTok’s Future: Sale or Ban?19:33 Doomed To Reschedule Hinge
