Moove, the Nigerian mobility solutions pioneer, has announced a partnership with Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle division. This marks the first time an African startup has collaborated with a global leader in self-driving technology to manage fully autonomous fleets in the United States. Launching Autonomous Fleets in Phoenix and Miami The partnership will see Moove overseeing the fleet operations, charging infrastructure, and facilities for Waymo’s all-electric autonomous vehicles (AVs), starting in Phoenix in 2025 and expanding to Miami in 2026. Waymo will continue to provide its Waymo Driver technology through the
Former NBA star Metta Sandiford-Artest, formerly known as Metta World Peace, is launching a $100 million venture fund focused on sports technology, digital media, and wellness innovations. The fund, Tru Skye Ventures, is a partnership with ex-Boost Mobile CEO Stephen Stokols and is slated to raise the capital by the first quarter of 2025, according to Sportico. Tru Skye Ventures aims to back early-stage startups, combining capital with expertise in product development, brand partnerships, and growth marketing. Targeting Innovation in Sports and Wellness Tru Skye Ventures has already announced an
Streamer Kai Cenat has set a new record on Twitch, hitting nearly 727,700 subscribers during his month-long “Mafiathon 2” event in November. The marathon livestream also generated over $3 million in revenue, making it one of the most successful streaming events ever on the platform. A Record-Breaking Subathon Cenat, 22, streamed nonstop for 30 days, with each new subscription extending the duration of the broadcast. The event not only shattered Twitch’s previous subscriber record of 326,250, held by virtual streamer Ironmouse, but also drew 50 million unique viewers throughout the
Sandbox Wealth, a modern banking platform tailored for non-bank financial institutions, has raised $1.25 million in pre-seed funding. The round was led by NextGen Venture Partners with additional backing from Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures, gener8tor, and RevTech Labs. Transforming Wealth Management Founded in 2023 by Ray Denis, Sandbox Wealth seeks to fill gaps in the wealth management sector by offering a platform that integrates deposits, lending, and advanced analytics. This innovation particularly benefits Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and Family Offices by providing tools that enhance client relationships and support business
1863 Ventures, a nonprofit known for championing underrepresented founders, will close and reemerge as a for-profit entity, New Majority Ventures. Under the continued leadership of founder Melissa Bradley, the new organization aims to better support New Majority founders—women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and other historically marginalized entrepreneurs. In a statement, Bradley explained that the shift to a for-profit model will enable the organization to deepen its impact through partnerships with accelerators, incubators, and universities, while maintaining its core mission. A Legacy of Impact Since its founding nearly a decade ago,
The Forbes 30 Under 30 North America 2025 list is out, showcasing exceptional talent across industries. This year, we’re highlighting some of the young Black people in tech who are driving progress through innovation, equity, and leadership. Jordan Taylor, 29 | Founder, Vizcom Jordan Taylor is the creative force behind Vizcom, a startup that uses AI to turn sketches into 3D designs. The former Nvidia industrial designer launched Vizcom in 2021 with cofounder Kaelan Richards, helping companies like Ford and New Balance streamline product development. Today, Vizcom boasts 65 enterprise
Fuze Fund has unveiled a $30 million venture capital fund aimed at empowering minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurs, seeking to bridge the equity gap in the startup ecosystem. The newly launched Fuze Venture Growth Fund I, LP is a Reg-D 506(c) fund recently approved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund is currently in its subscription phase and invites accredited investors to contribute alongside offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and resources to ensure the success of underrepresented founders. A Mission Rooted in Advocacy and Impact Dr. T.J. Breeden,
Each year, the BBC honors 100 inspiring and influential women from around the globe, celebrating their contributions to society across various fields. This listicle highlights the women of color in tech who have earned a spot on the BBC 100 Women list this year. Gabriela Salas Cabrera, Mexico Gabriela Salas Cabrera is a programmer and data scientist whose work bridges technology and cultural preservation. When her mother tongue, Náhuatl, was missing from Google Translate, Salas took action. Collaborating with the tech giant, she helped integrate Náhuatl and other indigenous Mexican
SpringHill, the media company co-founded by NBA star LeBron James, reported a $28 million loss for 2023 on $104 million in revenue, according to a Bloomberg report. The company, which reported a $17 million loss in 2022 and has yet to turn a profit, continued to face challenges in 2024, along with the rest of the industry. However, it recently announced a new merger, and with it, hopes of profitability. Challenges in a Changing Market SpringHill’s struggles mirror those of other production companies founded during the streaming boom. As platforms
Lumina, a newly launched media group and venture capital firm, is backing Carrousel Studios, the latest venture by French actor Omar Sy. Sy, celebrated for roles in Lupin and The Intouchables, co-founded Carrousel Studios with director Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk). A Star-Driven Production Model Founded by Gangs of London producer Thomas Benski, Lumina’s mission is to give creators greater control over their intellectual property. Carrousel Studios, Lumina’s first major partnership, reflects this vision by prioritising intellectual property ownership and sustainability for high-profile talent. “Too often, artists aren’t at the
