Parham Aarabi, a University of Toronto researcher, has developed an AI tool, named PRE, that could change how e-commerce sites cater to users with color vision deficiencies. AI-Powered Solutions for Improved Web Navigation “Around 8% to 10% of the population has a type of color-blindness,” said Aarabi according to Texh Xplore. “I wanted to see how this might impact web navigation.” Aarabi’s AI model simulates the browsing behaviors of virtual users, tracking interactions like page pauses, cart additions, and responses to discounts. The tool’s insights reveal that while colorful images typically attract users, those with color blindness respond differently, favoring monochrome imagery. By
In the US, African American women face higher mortality rates from major diseases like heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes compared to other demographics. These disparities are often due to systemic biases in healthcare, which can diminish or underestimate the pain and symptoms experienced by these women. The Promise of Predictive Healthcare in Personalized Medicine Predictive healthcare, however, marks an evolution in medical treatment, moving away from a generalized approach to a more individualized strategy. This approach uses advanced predictive analytics, which allows healthcare providers to identify potential health risks early and
Pennsylvania-based convenience store chain Sheetz is under scrutiny following a federal lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The suit accuses Sheetz of employing racially discriminatory hiring practices through its criminal background screening process, affecting Black, American Indian and multiracial job candidates since at least 2015. Disproportionate Impact on Minority Applicants According to the lawsuit, Sheetz’s hiring practices have disproportionately screened out minority applicants. Statistics reveal that while white applicants were denied employment due to their criminal records in about 8% of cases, the denial rates for Black applicants were significantly higher at
TLcom Capital, a venture capital firm that partners with African entrepreneurs, has successfully closed its second fund, TIDE Africa Fund II, reaching $154 million. TLcom Capital From fintech to healthcare, TLcom has remained focused on seed to Series A investments, supporting transformative businesses like Andela and FairMoney through multiple funding rounds. With a majority-female leadership team, the firm not only champions gender balance but also backs initiatives like FirstCheck Africa to support women-led startups. TLcom’s approach involves partnering with entrepreneurs from the outset, aiming to build ventures that can deliver substantial returns. TIDE Africa Fund
Diagon, a new startup founded by former Tesla supply chain expert Will Drewery, aims to revolutionize equipment procurement for small businesses using technology and industry insights. Drewery learned a lot about buying high-tech equipment while working for Tesla, a company famous for its innovative electric cars. After years of handling big purchases for Tesla factories, Drewery decided to use his skills to help smaller companies through his new venture, Diagon. Co-founded with Shri Muthu, a former engineering VP at Snackpass, Diagon aims to share Drewery’s insider knowledge to help businesses
Research has shown that Black adults experience higher rates of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, insomnia, and irregular sleep patterns, more frequently than other demographic groups. Dr. Ivor Horn, Google’s Chief Health Equity Officer, is at the forefront of addressing these health disparities using AI. Her role mainly involves bridging healthcare gaps by using technology to enhance healthcare equity, particularly for marginalized communities. Sleep Disorders With Black People Factors contributing to less sleep among Black individuals include location, environmental noise, light pollution, and broader socio-economic issues such as stress and racial discrimination.
Sundial Media Group (SMG), the parent company of Essence Ventures, has announced its decision to acquire Refinery29 from Vice Media. Refinery29, a prominent women’s lifestyle platform, has faced financial challenges in recent years but remains a key player with its distinct millennial women audience. This acquisition marks a major shift as SMG led by Richelieu Dennis, aims to broaden its reach and influence across the female-oriented digital landscape. Sundial Media Group Acquires Refinery29 Essence Ventures already has several prominent brands under its umbrella, including ESSENCE magazine, AFROPUNK, Girls United, and
American Student Assistance® (ASA), a nonprofit dedicated to transforming how students explore careers and prepare for the future, has announced a significant investment of $25 million. The nonprofit targets funds and companies with diverse founders and early-stage firms focusing on career education, postsecondary pathways, and workforce development. The move aims to expand access to essential skills and resources, helping middle and high school students navigate their career paths and achieve long-term success. A $25M Investment ASA’s investment strategy began in April 2022, and since then, it has directed over $40
Tangent, a technology platform founded by former LinkedIn employee Gary Izunwa and Joe Adams, has secured $1.1 million in funding and officially launched out of beta. Tangent, an employee referral platform aims to make referrals accessible to everyone by increasing tech career opportunities for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. A Vision For Inclusive Tech Tangent’s approach centers on starting with tech sales roles, engaging companies like Revolut, Stripe, and Amazon to support the transition of talent from diverse backgrounds into the tech ecosystem. This strategy aligns with the broader vision of Tangent—to democratize access to tech careers and create
Toku, a fintech startup that specializes in recurring payment solutions, has raised $9.3 million in its latest funding round. The funding round was led by Gradient Ventures and supported by existing investors including F-Prime Capital, Clocktower, Y Combinator, Wollef, and Funders Club. This latest investment has now pushed Toku’s total funding to nearly $20 million. Revolutionizing Payment Collections In Latin America Founded in 2020, Toku has become a leading player in the fintech sector by automating the entire payment processing lifecycle. Its platform offers varied payment options, handles customer outreach, and optimizes collection strategies using real-time data. This approach enhances the
