Brand new Techish! In this episode, host Michael Berhane is joined by TechCrunch reporter Dominic-Madori Davis to break down: HBO’s Movie Pass, Movie Crash (0:35) Will Smith was never cancelled (7:05) Edward Blum’s anti-DEI lawsuit against Fearless Fund (10:50) Listen on Spotify or Apple podcast also. Watch On YouTube Extra Reading & Resources Fearless Fund: Appeals Court Rules Against Grants For Black Women [POCIT] Conservative Activists Behind Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Decision Sues VC Fund For WOC [POCIT] Pre-Seed Round Investing For Black Founders. [Michael Berhane] Plus you can connect with Dom on social media
Supermodel Naomi Campbell has joined the board of SpreeAI, a new startup seeking to transform the shopping experience with AI. Founded and led by John Imah, SpreeAI lets each shopper become a model through its photorealistic try-on tool. SpreeAI SpreeAI allows shoppers to upload a single photo of themselves to see a photorealistic version of trying on outfits, with their size reportedly detected at a 99% accuracy rate. The product integrates into new and existing websites or mobile apps, offering retailers a hassle-free way to elevate user interaction and supercharge
Black Radiance has launched its first augmented reality app, Beyond Radiant, to offer an immersive diverse experience for women of color. Established in 1993, Black Radiance is a brand that amplifies Black voices and celebrates heritage and perspective worldwide and in the community. They are on trend with the latest technology and offer a diverse range of colors and tones that uplift unique ethnic shades. Beyond Radiant Beyond Radiant, now available in all app stores, stands at the intersection of augmented reality technology, beauty, and empowerment. Unlike traditional beauty apps
Food critic and TikToker Keith Lee, also known as “The People’s Champ,” has partnered with Microsoft to amplify Black restaurants further. Lee’s viral food reviews continue to highlight Black and African-American-owned restaurants, and he uses his platform to connect with worldwide food lovers. Striving to place community at the center of his partnership, he is teaming up with Microsoft to help restaurants future proof their businesses with their AI-powered tool Copilot. Lee Partners With Microsoft Lee has partnered with Microsoft to provide restaurateurs with AI tools to help their businesses
Global stock media platform pocstock has joined forces with Canva to bring diverse and inclusive visual content to the visual communication platform. pocstock pocstock is a global stock media platform that focuses on people of color. It is on a mission to change the way the world sees Black, Asian, Hispanic, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, and differently-abled people of color. Founded by Steve Jones and DeSean Brown, pocstock aims to help people of color change how they see themselves by ensuring everyone everywhere has access to positive, beautiful and authentic images of
Howard University’s College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) has received a $5 million gift from Autodesk Inc., the global leader in software for the Design and Make industries. According to their press release, this marks the largest unrestricted philanthropic donation in the college’s history. A $5M Gift From Autodesk The new funding will support the College of Engineering and Architecture Design and Make Lab, which will provide software, state-of-the-art equipment, and educators who will empower future engineers. “We are immensely grateful for Autodesk’s gift to Howard’s College of Engineering and
Pinterest has announced the Hidden Healing Fund, an initiative with diverse cultural healing practices to empower young people’s mental health. The Hidden Healing Fund Led by Pinterest and supported by SHOWTIME/MTV, the Hidden Healing Fund will pilot an initial investment of $1 million in community organizations that employ culturally led approaches to addressing youth mental health challenges. Brands committed to improving mental health have been invited to combine their resources to help bridge gaps in accessibility and aid solutions beyond traditional models of care. The initiative was inspired by an
Kapor Foundation, Omidyar Network, and San Francisco Foundation have announced an investment of $25 million to help fund organizations focused on centering equity in the advancement of AI. The joint commitment will help fund organizations across different sectors at the inaugural Joint California Summit on Generative AI. The fund is in response to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order N-12-23, signed in September 2023, which will study the development, use, and risks of AI technologies. The $25M Investment The initial $25 million investment aims to drive immediate action and build momentum within
VC firm Fearless Fund has faced another setback in its plans to issue grants to Black women business owners as the court has ruled against them. On Monday, an appeals court for the 11th Circuit ruled against Fearless, upholding a preliminary injunction against their Strivers Grant program. The court ruling said that the grant likely violates the Civil Rights Act of 1886, which bans the use of race in contracts. What Has Happened So Far? The American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), founded by Edward Blum, attacked the Fearless Fund
Brand new Techish! In this mini episode, hosts Michael and Abadesi talk all things money! • How to be a savvy saver• Why investing matters• Financial red flags, and more! Listen on Spotify or Apple podcast also. Watch On YouTube Extra reading: I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi [Amazon] Unshakeable: Your Guide to Financial Freedom by Tony Robbins [Amazon] The Money Ladder: A 3-step guide to make and grow your wealth by Franklin Asante aka @urbanfinancier (UK-centric) [Amazon] Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast episode represents the personal opinions
