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Helen Huang and Sefunmi Osinaike are redefining inclusivity in the tech industry with Co.Lab, whose hands-on mentorship-based programs are helping Black and underrepresented Canadians get a headstart in tech. Co.Lab Launched three years ago, Co.Lab has already made significant waves in the tech community, breaking barriers and fostering a sense of belonging among minorities.  “Our entire motto at Co.Lab is you belong in tech,” Huang told Now Toronto. “When you’re outside the club, everything inside seems so mysterious. All you do is hyper-fixate on the things you don’t feel like you

Rise Up Crowdfunding has collaborated with The Coca-Cola Company to transform funding for women and minority-owned companies. Rise Up Crowdfunding, a FINRA and SEC registered funding portal, is on a mission to enable people to invest in diverse-owned small businesses and the future those businesses believe in. The Collaboration With Coca-Cola Company In collaboration with The Coca-Cola Company, the platform is giving women and minority-owned companies the chance to now raise up to $5 million through equity crowdfunding.   “Although women and minority-led startups are launching daily, women receive less than

Black-owned AI ed-tech company Skilldora has joined forces with African American billionaire Dr. Michael V. Roberts to offer its platform and AI Instructor-led courses to students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Roberts is the founder of Roberts Innovation Group, which aims to break barriers and pave the way for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) communities to succeed in the tech industry. Skilldora Skilldora, founded by DeMario and Dawn Nicole McIlwain, is an African-American-owned accredited e-learning provider known for its innovative platform and app.  The platform aims to

SheMatters has recently secured a significant $2 million investment to launch its symptom tracker app. Founded by Jade Kearney (CEO) and Marguerite Pierce (COO), SheMatters is a pioneering digital health platform dedicated to improving maternal mortality in minority communities. The Symptom Tracker App The Symptom Tracker app is a new tool designed to empower expecting and new mothers in tracking vital signs and symptoms associated with serious complications. These complications could include preeclampsia, eclampsia, and Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelets (HELLP) syndrome. This technology is especially crucial for

LGBTQ History Month is an annual month-long observance of the community and related civil rights movements, founded in 1994. To celebrate the achievements of Black LGBTQ+ individuals in the tech industry, we are highlighting some figures who have used their platforms to advocate for diversity, equality, and social change. Mia Cooley Cooley’s creation of xHood marks a significant contribution to the Black queer community.  xHood is the first organization dedicated to supporting Black queer family building and nurturing journeys.  The platform offers various resources, including forums, virtual baby showers, and

MeVitae, a UK-based Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) startup, has successfully secured a $1.8 million (€1.7 million) seed round spearheaded by Apex Black.  MeVitae Founded by Oxford University alumni, Neuroscientist Riham Satti and Computer Scientist Vivek Doraiswamy, MeVitae specializes in offering a comprehensive DEI ecosystem of HR tools. These tools, developed from a blend of AI ethics and neuroscience perspectives, are designed to detect and mitigate biases, to enhance smarter, faster, and fairer hiring decisions. “Growing up, I never considered that my gender or skin color might impede opportunities. It

Black-owned London-based startup Koalaa has recently closed a significant funding round of $1.2 million (£925,000) for its world-first soft prosthetic arms. Koalaa Established in 2020 by Imperial College alumnus Nate Macabuag, Koalaa has been dedicated to addressing three critical challenges faced by the limb difference community worldwide. These are access, affordability, and comfort, with their creations crafted from breathable fabric, offering a lightweight alternative to conventional prosthetics. Macabuag was named as part of the Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe Class of 2021. His design through Koalaa has proven to especially

Uncle Nearest, the top-selling Black-owned spirits brand globally, is close to reaching unicorn status with a valuation nearing $900 million. Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Black and woman-owned distillery Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey was launched in 2016 by Fawn Weaver and has quickly ascended to global recognition.  Uncle Nearest’s rise is a tribute to Nearest Green, the first-known African American master distiller, and to the resilience and vision of its founder.  Fawn Weaver navigated the brand through an industry where only 0.48% of all venture dollars went to Black founders last year. 

Partech, a global technology investment firm, has closed its second Africa-focused fund, Partech Africa, at over €280 million ($300 million). Partech Africa  The achievement surpasses its initial target of €230 million, marking Partech Africa as the largest fund dedicated to African startups​​​​​​. Partech Africa partners with entrepreneurs who combine technology and operational excellence to address large opportunities across the continent. The African startup landscape experienced a downturn in investment activities in 2023, with venture capital inflows decreasing to between $2.9 billion and $4.1 billion. This contrasted the $4.6 billion to

Startup SocialCrowd has announced the securing a $1.6 million pre-seed funding round to expand its team and focus on customer acquisition. SocialCrowd Founders Raphael Akinsipe and Paul Doran are on a mission to optimize the world’s labor force through data and automation. The platform automatically tracks employee progress toward goals, reminds them of the work they have left, and rewards them instantly. Key to SocialCrowd’s appeal is its real-time tracking capability, which integrates seamlessly with existing productivity apps. “Many of our customers have large blue-collar shift teams; their staff was

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