Meta has deleted its AI-powered Facebook and Instagram profiles following backlash over racist and offensive characters. The tech giant had quietly rolled out the AI-driven accounts that could interact with other users via direct messages in 2023 alongside its lauch of Celebrity AI characters. “Proud Black Queer Momma” These accounts lived under the radar until the Financial Times published a story on December 27 exploring Meta’s intentions to continue integrating user-generated AI profiles that users can create and edit to preferences into its social media platforms. Meta deleted its Celebrity AI
Mark Clayton, a former NFL player, raised $1 million in funding for his LIVV Audio brand of high-performance headphones he designed in high school. The wide receiver, who spent most of his seven-year career with the Baltimore Ravens, created the headphones for athletes and those interested in fitness. Clayton’s Idea Clayton started designing the concept for his headphones while studying business administration and management at Babson College. However, the idea for the headphones came to Clayton during his pool-based rehab sessions after recovering from a knee injury when he joined the
Memphis rapper GloRilla, born Gloria Hallelujah Woods, has funded a new tech-enabled media center at her alma mater, Melrose High School. On December 18, 2024, the Memphis native donated $25,000 to fund the creation of a modern, tech-enabled media center. This space, which will serve students and the surrounding Orange Mound community, will be named the Gloria H. Woods Media Center in her honor. “The fact that I have the ability to do it now warms my heart,” GloRilla said during her visit. A Media Hub for Literacy and Learning
Players Health, founded by former athlete Tyrre Burks, has secured $60 million in Series C funding to expand its mission of ensuring safety in youth sports. Led by Bluestone Equity Partners, the funding round also included Mosaic General Partners, RPM Ventures, SiriusPoint, and TriplePoint Capital, bringing the total raised to over $100 million. A Former Athlete’s Vision for Change Tyrre Burks founded Players Health to address the challenges he experienced as an athlete playing Division II football team while attending Winona State University, then in Europe and the Canadian Football
Grammy-winning artist Usher is giving back to the Atlanta community with the launch of a new initiative aimed at empowering young creatives, as first reported by Billboard. Usher Opens Content Studio In Atlanta On December 9, the R&B icon officially opened the Usher Raymond IV Spark Lab, a content studio located at the Whitehead Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta. The studio launch featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and marks the start of a broader program to create creativity and innovation among local youth. The studio offers 14-to 24-year-olds hands-on experience
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
Netflix has denied rumors of its withdrawal from Nigeria, emphasizing its ongoing dedication to the Nigerian entertainment industry and local subscribers. Speculation Over Netflix Leaving Nigeria Speculation about Netflix’s future in Nigeria has grown following comments from filmmaker Kunle Afolayan, who revealed that Netflix had canceled some commissioned films by unnamed filmmakers. Although Afolayan did not explicitly state that Netflix was leaving the Nigerian market, his remarks sparked widespread concern on social media. In response, a Netflix spokesperson clarified to TechCabal: “We are not exiting Nigeria. We will continue to
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
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
