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
Lumina, a newly launched media group and venture capital firm, is backing Carrousel Studios, the latest venture by French actor Omar Sy. Sy, celebrated for roles in Lupin and The Intouchables, co-founded Carrousel Studios with director Louis Leterrier (The Incredible Hulk). A Star-Driven Production Model Founded by Gangs of London producer Thomas Benski, Lumina’s mission is to give creators greater control over their intellectual property. Carrousel Studios, Lumina’s first major partnership, reflects this vision by prioritising intellectual property ownership and sustainability for high-profile talent. “Too often, artists aren’t at the
At just 12 years old, Alyssa Awuah has become the youngest-ever winner at the PRECIOUS Awards, a platform celebrating the achievements of Black women and girls in the UK. Alyssa, the Co-Founder and “mini-CEO” of Frobelles—a dress-up game empowering kids to embrace afro hair—was awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year at the event sponsored by Santander and supported by the Joseph Levy Foundation. Frobelles Game Champions Afro Hair Frobelles was born from Alyssa’s curiosity as a six-year-old, asking her mother, Yvonne Ottley, why none of her game characters resembled her
Emmy-winning comedian and actor, Katt Williams, has purchased a 3-million-square-foot former military base in Alabama, with plans to transform it into a state-of-the-art movie studio. A Vision For A New Era In Black Filmmaking Williams confirmed the purchase in a recent GQ interview but kept the location and price under wraps. However, sources have pointed to Fort McClellan in Anniston, a site valued at $1.5 million, as the likely spot. Boasting 90 acres of undeveloped land, barracks, and multiple buildings, the space offers a lot of potential for large-scale productions. “It’s
Mielle Organics, a leader in textured hair care, has announced its first-ever partnership with an HBCU athletic program, which includes a WNBA-led mentorship program for student athletes. Mielle partners with Hampton University Mielle Organics has pledged $300,000 to Hampton University’s women’s basketball. The multi-year partnership includes a $200,000 donation to Hampton Athletics and a $100,000 endowed scholarship through Mielle Cares, the company’s philanthropic arm. Additionally, Mielle is introducing a WNBA-led mentorship program, providing Hampton athletes with professional guidance both on and off the court. Investing in the Future of HBCU
Michael Rainey Jr., star of PowerBook II: Ghost, has introduced a $2.4 million financial literacy program targeting high school students in his hometown of Staten Island, New York. In partnership with the Restoring America Recovery Education (RARE) Foundation and Equifax, the initiative—called “Educate a Student. Protect Yourself”—aims to provide up to 250,000 students with the tools they need to secure their financial futures. Empowering Students With Financial Knowledge Rainey officially launched the program on November 24 at Port Richmond High School, where he engaged directly with students, sharing his journey
