Walmart has recently decided to discontinue multiple diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in its workplaces. With 1.6 million employees, Walmart is one of the world’s largest retailers, meaning its decision on DEI has significant consequences for all retailers and corporations. Walmart rolls back DEI This plan to phase out DEI efforts was initially made public by anti-DEI conservative activist Robby Starbuck. Posting on X, Starbuck said, “Walmart is ending their woke policies. Last week, I told execs at [Walmart] that I was doing a story on wokeness there. Instead,
Colorintech has launched an initiative, “AI for Everyone,” backed by over $1 million in funding from the Juniper Networks Foundation. This program is set to provide accessible AI training and career opportunities for underrepresented communities across the UK. According to a press release shared with POCIT, the goal is to reach 30,000 individuals through awareness campaigns and train 5,000 people in AI skills by 2027. Training And Awareness To Close The AI Skills Gap Building on its eight-year history of promoting diversity in tech, Colorintech will develop a free AI
Fuze Fund has unveiled a $30 million venture capital fund aimed at empowering minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurs, seeking to bridge the equity gap in the startup ecosystem. The newly launched Fuze Venture Growth Fund I, LP is a Reg-D 506(c) fund recently approved by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund is currently in its subscription phase and invites accredited investors to contribute alongside offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and resources to ensure the success of underrepresented founders. A Mission Rooted in Advocacy and Impact Dr. T.J. Breeden,
Each year, the BBC honors 100 inspiring and influential women from around the globe, celebrating their contributions to society across various fields. This listicle highlights the women of color in tech who have earned a spot on the BBC 100 Women list this year. Gabriela Salas Cabrera, Mexico Gabriela Salas Cabrera is a programmer and data scientist whose work bridges technology and cultural preservation. When her mother tongue, Náhuatl, was missing from Google Translate, Salas took action. Collaborating with the tech giant, she helped integrate Náhuatl and other indigenous Mexican
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
Howard University PhD candidate Howard Prioleau has become the first student from a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) selected for the prestigious Google PhD Fellowship. The program supports exceptional graduate students advancing innovative research in computer science and related fields. Prioleau’s research focuses on using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to improve healthcare outcomes. A Passion Ignited Early Prioleau’s interest in technology dates back to childhood, inspired by early encounters with Google’s innovations, according to a press release. A defining moment came when he accidentally installed ransomware on his family’s
Intrapreneurship—the practice of creating ventures within existing organizations—could help bridge the resources gap Black founders face, recent new research suggests. Intrapreneurship: A Safer Space for Innovation While Black and white entrepreneurs start businesses at similar rates, Black-founded ventures are only half as likely to achieve financial viability. New research by Olenka Kacperczyk (London Business School) and Tiantian Yang (Wharton) shows Black intrapreneurs achieve financial outcomes nearly equal to white peers, with just a 2% gap over five years. One key factor? Researchers note that employers are already familiar with their
9fin, a London-based debt market intelligence startup, has secured $50 million in Series B funding led by Highland Europe, a prominent growth capital investor. As first reported by The Financial Times, this latest funding is expected to drive 9fin’s expansion, particularly in the United States, where the company’s growth is accelerating. It also marks a milestone in 9fin’s journey, bringing total funding to nearly $90 million since its inception in 2016. Aiming for Billion-Dollar Revenues Co-founded by Huss El-Sheikh and Steven Hunter, 9fin began as a response to the lack
Rebekah Kasumu is on a mission to level the playing field for first-time fund managers. With over 15 years of experience in private markets, she recently launched Flourish Partners, a firm dedicated to helping emerging fund managers navigate the complex world of launching and growing their funds. A Career Built on Experience Kasumu’s track record spans leadership roles at top-tier firms. Before starting Flourish Partners, she worked as Partner and Head of Finance at Localglobe, managing over $2 billion in assets across more than 15 funds. She also led finance and
