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Startups

Two entertainment powerhouses, SpringHill Company and Fulwell 73, have announced a merger, combining their expertise in film, television, documentaries, live events, and branded content.  This union aims to position the newly formed company as a formidable player in the global entertainment industry. A Merger of Equals SpringHill, co-founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter, is known for producing projects such as the HBO series The Shop, Netflix’s Hustle, and the upcoming docuseries On the Rise: JuJu Watkins.  Fulwell 73 was established nearly two decades ago by Ben Winston, Leo Pearlman,

FightCamp, the at-home boxing and kickboxing fitness company backed by Mike Tyson and Usher, has revealed its new kick tracking technology.  FightCamp’s Kick Tracking Tech Known for its real-time punch tracking, the platform now allows users to measure the speed, quantity, and intensity of their kicks, adding a new dimension to full-body workouts. “When you can track your progress, whether through punches or kicks, it pushes you to set and break personal records,” said CEO Khalil Zahar, who founded FightCamp to improve his own training. “Fitness becomes a challenge you

Ada Ventures, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm, has launched AdaGPT, an AI tool designed to assist startup founders in perfecting their pitch decks.  The free and anonymous platform promises to provide instant feedback on pitches, helping entrepreneurs address potential gaps and align their materials with investor expectations before formal submissions. Addressing the Challenges of Pitch Feedback The traditional startup pitching process often leaves founders waiting for extended periods, only to receive feedback that may highlight fundamental errors.  AdaGPT seeks to eliminate this inefficiency by offering immediate, actionable insights.  Founders

Hannah Bronfman, the wellness entrepreneur turned prolific angel investor, has revealed her plans to launch her own investment fund during an event at AFROTECH Conference, as first reported by TechCrunch. Known for her portfolio of angel investments in over 70 companies—including Black-founded beauty brands like Topicals and Sienna Naturals—Bronfman now aims to manage an institutional fund. From Angel Investor to Institutional Visionary Bronfman, who previously founded the wellness and beauty platform HBFIT, shared her experiences with an audience of young Black professionals and tech executives.  She highlighted how community and

Legal AI innovator Robin AI has raised an additional $25 million in a unique extension of its Series B funding round.  This fresh infusion of capital reflects growing confidence in Robin’s AI-driven solutions, with customers like Cambridge University joining existing backers to support the company. Customers Turned Investors: A Vote of Confidence Robin AI, which serves 13 Fortune 500 companies, has carved out a leading position in the enterprise market. Its high-profile clients include UBS, Pfizer, and PepsiCo, underscoring the versatility of its AI-powered legal tools. Notably, some of its

The Shawn Carter Foundation, in partnership with Toyota Motor North America, has introduced a financial education program designed to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  Called Champions for Financial Legacy (CFFL), the initiative aims to equip students and their surrounding communities with essential financial skills. Bridging Knowledge Gaps to Build Wealth CFFL, developed in collaboration with the Wharton School’s Coalition for Equity and Opportunity, is based on an existing curriculum by Dr. Keith Weigelt –  the Marks-Darivoff Family Professor of Strategy at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium (Southern Black Girls) has launched the Dream Investment Program to empower Black girls and women entrepreneurs across the South.  The Dream Investment Program This initiative will support 25 current and aspiring business owners with financial investments, training, and mentorship, in partnership with Kindred Futures and supported by a grant from the Kellogg Foundation. “This program is a dream come true,” LaTosha Brown, Founder of Southern Black Girls, said in a press statement. “It’s about giving Black girls and women the resources and opportunities

Since 2016, JaMichael Mitchell’s digital marketing agency, EraBright, has been helping Black-owned businesses succeed in a competitive digital landscape.  With a mission rooted in cultural understanding, EraBright provides tailored strategies—like SEO, social media marketing, and targeted ads—to help Black businesses reach the right audiences and grow sustainably. From Corporate Marketer to Black Business Advocate Mitchell’s experience spans over a decade in digital marketing, beginning with roles at top national agencies and campaigns for high-profile brands.  With degrees from Fayetteville State University and Full Sail University, and certifications in Google Analytics,

SocialCrowd, co-founded by Raphael Akinsipe, has successfully raised $2.5 million in a seed funding round led by Bread and Butter Ventures and Augment Ventures. This latest investment, which also saw participation from VC 414, Serac Ventures and FullCircle will support SocialCrowd’s expansion, following a $1.6 million pre-seed round in February. The startup seeks to elevate performance and engagement among frontline and shift-based workers across industries. “Fitbit for work” Platform Founded in 2022, SocialCrowd has carved a niche in helping industries with high turnover rates, such as retail, manufacturing, and hospitality,

Visa has announced investments in four African fintech startups that recently graduated from its Africa Fintech Accelerator program. While Visa did not disclose specific investment amounts, the initiative reflects its ongoing efforts to drive financial inclusion and support digital innovation in Africa. Supporting Fintech Innovation Across Africa The four startups—Oze, Workpay, OkHi, and ORDA—each offer digital solutions tailored to address key financial and logistical challenges in African markets.  By backing these companies, Visa is betting on a diverse range of technologies to enhance access to financial services for small businesses,

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