Recognize Partners, a New York-based investor in new digital companies, has closed its second fund, Recognize II, with over $1.7 billion in total commitments. The second fund was oversubscribed and closed less than five months after its launch. It included support from existing and new investors. The LP base includes leading global institutions such as endowments, foundations, pensions, insurers, family offices, outsourced CIOs, and fund-of-funds across the US., Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Who are Recognize Partners? The New York-based investor supports innovative founders and management teams utilizing AI, software, and
Nigerian open banking startup Okra will return three years of runway to investors, as reported by Techpoint. The company was founded in 2019 to build APIs helping people securely access their bank accounts from third-party apps. However, the company shut down following the departure of its CEO, Fara Ashiru. Okra still had three years of runway before it would return to its investors. Ashiru did not disclose the amount that would be returned, and Okra has not provided the exact amount that would be returned to investors; however, Techpoint estimated
Investment firm Vessel has launched the Michigan Angel Collective (MAC), an early-stage angel syndicate, Crain’s Detroit Business reports. MAC will join the Ohio Angel Collective and Kentucky Angel Collective under the umbrella of the United States Angel Collective. Leading the new initiative is James Feagin, a Detroit-based social innovation leader and former head of economic mobility at the Gilbert Family Foundation. He is also the managing partner for Detroit-based Black Bottom Ventures. According to Vessel partner Wolf Starr, the Ohio Angel Collective was created to fill a funding gap for
ColorCreative, a management and production company co-founded by Issa Rae, is set to undergo a major expansion thanks to a new strategic partnership with HarbourView Equity Partners, a Black-woman-founded investment firm. The terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but with HarbourView’s backing, the company plans to evolve into a fully integrated, independent studio platform with global ambitions. “Partnering with HarbourView allows us to dream even bigger,” said Rae, per Private Equity Insights. “We remain committed to supporting the kinds of projects that made us fall in love with
Technology investor Invictus Growth Partners has secured $574 million for its second flagship fund and related co-investment vehicles, as first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Founded in 2019 by John DeLoche and William Nettles, Invictus specializes in growth buyouts of lower middle-market businesses in sectors such as cloud, cybersecurity, and fintech. Invictus targets founder-led, bootstrapped companies generating at least $10 million in annual recurring revenue. Betting Big On AI With its new fund, the California-based firm will strengthen its focus on AI and machine learning technologies driving key industries.
Zeal Capital Partners has closed its second fund at $82 million, tripling its assets under management (AUM) to $186 million in just five years. The Washington, DC-based firm plans to invest the new capital in early-stage startups across fintech, healthcare, and the future of learning and work. A Broader, Stronger Investor Base Zeal’s investor base has grown significantly with this latest fund. Zeal’s limited partners now include Citi Impact Fund, M&T Bank, MassMutual, Wells Fargo, Zaffre Investments and Spelman College, according to a press release shared with POCIT. In addition
This week, hosts Abadesi and Michael discuss the state of the economy—how politics, layoffs, and shifting trends are hitting both new grads and seasoned pros. They chat about smart investing, changing consumer habits, and why building your brand matters more than ever. Plus, they explore hidden opportunities, sustainable growth, and the future of DEI. Chapters 00:00 The Economy A Mess and Everybody’s Struggling?07:09 Investment Strategies For Uncertain Times11:07 No-Buy Year: Getting Thrifty in 2025 14:23 Industry Trends and Opportunities Listen to the episode You can find the Techish podcast on Spotify, Apple,
In 2024, US startups with Black founders received just 0.4% of total funding, the lowest share in recent years and down more than two-thirds from just three years ago. According to Crunchbase data, overall startup funding increased to $314 billion last year, but only $730 million went to Black founders. Which Black startups received the most funding last year? Twelve picked up a $200 million Series C in September, led by Capricorn Investment Group, Pulse Fund, and TPG. The startup converts carbon dioxide into jet fuel and other practical products. The company also
FanUp, a hub for Gen Z and female sports fans, has announced an exclusive strategic financing round with Tru Skye Ventures and 9.58 Ventures. Tru Skye Ventures, the $100 million sports tech fund co-founded by NBA Champion Metta World Peace and former Boost Mobile CEO Stephen Stokols, teamed up with 9.58 Ventures, a high-grade set of investors and trendsetters promoting groundbreaking technological innovation across society. Traditional sports betting currently only serves less than 9% of American fans. FanUp engages a more expansive and expanding audience through a creative, free-to-play model that provides users
HBCUvc Alumni Fellows invested over $10 million into Black-founded startups and organizations, according to the organization’s 2024 Annual Impact Report. Black entrepreneurs still struggle to gain capital. In 2024, Black-founded startups received just 0.48% of total US venture capital, from 1.3% in 2021 and 0.5% in 2023, according to Crunchbase. This decline comes at a time when the country is facing a vast overturn in DEI initiatives. HBCUvc aims to create a smooth pipeline of investors, supporting its program participants from their first exposure to venture capital through hands-on experience and,
