In 2020, despite a global pandemic, a total of 89 companies gained unicorn status globally. According to CB Insights and as of January 2021, there are 537 unicorns worldwide with a total value of $1.6 billion. 2020 was a record year for investment into the African startup ecosystem. The African Tech Startups Funding Report 2020 highlights that 397 African startups have raised a fund equivalent to $701.5 million USD. Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa stand out as the main destinations of capital, with 89.2% of the total amount of funds
Techish is back with a brand new episode! Abadesi and Michael discuss fashion designer Virgil Abloh selling a majority stake in Off-White to LVMH but what is the cost of losing its Black-owned status? (21:58) They also break down: Twitter’s new dislike button (1:03) Bezos vs Branson’s space flight (5:30) Clubhouse is open to the public but is it too late? (9:32) Why Black employees prefer to work remotely and the Netflix employees that were caught slipping on Slack (12:20) Sponsors Get your ticket for Inbound 2021! Speakers include Oprah Winfrey, Tristan Walker, and
More new Black-owned companies were formed in 2020 than at any time in the last 25 years. However, we do know the significant challenges Black and Brown founders face trying to gain much-needed venture capital and investment for their businesses. Despite a bleak outlook, some minority entrepreneurs have found ways to attract investment during a chaotic pandemic year. In fact, Black founders are raising record amounts of venture capital funds in 2021. How are founders finding investment? Lockdowns theoretically made investors easier to reach. Many founders are now more accessible virtually through Zoom and
Earlier this month, social media was buzzing as Black TikTokers purported to go on strike from the popular social platform. The hashtag #Blacktiktokersonstrike and the slogan ‘They can’t do it without us’ were used to support the Black creators who refused to choreograph new dances on the app. This was in protest against the appropriation of their content by white users. With the controversies that plague social media platforms: the appropriation of Black culture, the disrespect and hate, the erasure, and the lack of financial compensation, has it come time
We rounded up a list of talented, passionate, and hardworking tech entrepreneurs who are inspiring business innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. Here is a short intro on four AfroLatinX who are making waves in the industry and are ones sure to watch! The Founder Providing Capital to Underrepresented Entrepreneurs A first-generation Afro-LatinX immigrant is undoubtedly making a name for himself in the startup world, using his talents to create a space for more people like him in tech. Luis Martinez is the founder of We Tha Plug, an incubator designed to help
Techish is back with a brand new episode! Abadesi and Michael discuss Instagram’s new feature will let online shops identify as Black-owned to better attract users wanting to show support. (28:00) They also break down: Bezos steps down and Amazon strives to be Earth’s best employer (0:20) Is it the end of an era for innovation for Big Tech companies? (5:00) Sha’Carri Richardson’s ban from the Tokoyo Olympics, cannabis, and the politics of sport (8:55) The pros and cons of Robinhood going public (16:48) The online scam taking money from your bank transfers (23:40)
From Memes, gifs, dances that go viral, and tweets—Black innovation and creativity have a significant impact on pop culture and mainstream trends. It’s Black creativity that sets cultural trends yet our innovation is constantly exploited. Earlier this month, Black Tiktokers went on strike refusing to make new dance content as their dances were ripped off and copied without recognition or compensation for their creativity. Can NFTs be the tech that enables the Black community to receive appropriate financial compensation for the work they create? This article will showcase how some Black
This 27 year old Zimbabwean Teacher Scaled a Tutoring Business Just Using WhatsApp – Techish Podcast
Techish is back with a brand new episode! Abadesi and Michael discuss the story of Maxwell Chimedza who used his cellphone and WhatsApp to start a tutoring academy for his sudents in Zimbabwe during the pandemic. (16:50) They also break down: Black TikTokers on strike (0:50) White privilege, raising capital, and starting companies in Africa (8:50) Facebook hits a trillion and tech monopolies (21:50) Charles D. King talks privilege in film and challenging conventional narratives (29:08) Sponsors Get your ticket for Inbound 2021! Speakers include Oprah Winfrey, Tristan Walker and more! Register for
This week we rounded up 8 Black-owned apps to improve your day-to-day. From an app to help you find other black businesses, a social network exclusively for people of color, and apps to help you with your mental health. Support these Black founders who are providing the tech to boost your day. ICYMI check out this list of Black founders who have created apps to improve your business and career. Take Care of Your Mental Health Originally launched as a messaging bot that gave out life advice and motivation in
We’ve rounded up a list of software and apps launched by Black entrepreneurs, all of which will help you improve your business, career, and personal life—all while supporting Black-owned companies. Read on to find apps that will help you build diverse teams, monetize your social media, discover other Black-owned businesses, or elevate your tech career. Support Black entrepreneurs while elevating your business and career with tech products that are Black-owned. Apps and Software to Improve Your Business and Career Organise your calendar and schedule with Calendly Calendly the modern scheduling
