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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

Showmax, a South African company, has surpassed Netflix to become the leading streaming platform in Africa.  With a subscriber count of 2.1 million in Africa as of November 2023, surpassing Netflix’s 1.8 million, Showmax’s rise signifies a significant change in the region’s media consumption habits. Showmax Showmax is an online subscription video-on-demand service that launched in South Africa in August 2015. Its majority owner is MultiChoice, which owns 70% of the Showmax group, while NBCUniversal owns 30% in all territories except Nigeria. The platform’s content strategy, which focuses heavily on

Employees globally are voicing a need for more diverse and equitable workplaces despite the recent backlash against DEI initiatives, a survey has found. The How to Talk About Diversity With Employees to Achieve Your Company’s Objectives survey by Catalyst had over 6000 employees across 11 countries reveal their thoughts. A Call For Vocal DEI Efforts The survey revealed that 9 in 10 (93%) employees believe it’s crucial for organizations to be vocal about their DEI efforts.  Additionally, 3 in 4 (76%) of the respondents claimed that organizations should actively strive

The 2024 Allstate HBCU Legacy Bowl Career Fair is set to open doors of tech opportunities for students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Scheduled for February 22nd and 23rd at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the event is specifically designed to bridge the gap between graduation and careers for HBCU students. Opening Avenues In Tech And Beyond The HBCU Legacy Bowl Fair is an initiative presented by the New Orleans Saints. The exclusive event is limited to juniors, seniors, and recent graduates (classes of 2022,

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

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