Primary Venture Partners has partnered with over 25 leading New York-based venture firms and startups to introduce the Factor Fellowship. This program will tackle the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) challenges head-on by connecting the city’s VC-backed startups with top talent from underrepresented groups. Addressing Diversity in Venture Capital and Startups The data on diversity within the venture capital and startup landscape shows that only about 13% of venture capital decision-makers are women. Funding for Black founders also declined in 2023, failing to reach the $1 billion mark for the first time since 2016.
Campus, an community college startup that connects students with top-tier professors from universities such as UCLA, Princeton, and NYU, has raised a $23 million Series A extension round. The community college startup In American higher education, community colleges serve as gateways for students aiming to transfer to four-year universities. However, only 16% of these students achieve a bachelor’s degree within six years. Campus operates on a model that rethinks the approach to college education. It is reportedly the first fully accredited, nationally focused community college built on a network of adjunct professors
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
