This article is sponsored by Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab The Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab (MSIVL) is proving that inclusion really does fuel innovation. Since 2017, Morgan Stanley’s in-house startup accelerator has helped over 100 companies raise over $200 million and reach a collective valuation of more than $1 billion. MSIVL provides early-stage technology and technology-enabled startups with $250,000, handpicked mentors, custom curriculums in finance, sales, and marketing, and a coveted opportunity to pitch to investors following their five-month accelerator participation on a Demo Day, setting founders up for
URAWarrior, a mental wellness platform founded by executive coach and TV personality Bershan Shaw, has launched a new mental wellness app designed to help users manage stress, anxiety, and mental health challenges. The app, released on National Suicide Prevention Day, is part of a partnership with the restaurant chain Founding Farmers. A New mental wellness app Bershan Shaw, a two-time cancer survivor known for her appearances on The Real Housewives of New York City, created URAWarrior as a safe space for individuals dealing with mental health struggles. The app offers
In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day 2024, it’s important to highlight the growing mental health needs within Black communities. Studies show that Black adults are 20% more likely to experience serious mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, compared to the general population. Despite this, only about 25% of Black individuals seek mental health care, largely due to stigma, cultural barriers, and lack of access to culturally competent providers. In response, several apps and startups are working to close this gap, offering tailored support to meet the mental
This Juneteenth, we want to celebrate some Black founders who have set out to uplift and support their communities. Commemorating Juneteenth Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day more than 250,000 enslaved Black people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned that slavery had been abolished – two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. The first Juneteenth was observed in 1866 and has been celebrated by Black Americans ever since. It is often referred to as the country’s second independence day and became an official federal holiday
Loop Health has raised over $120,000 in funding as 21-year-old co-founders Joshua Obasohan and Neto Nwogbo set themselves up for a seed round this summer. The Story Of Loop Health According to TechCrunch, founders Obasohan and Nwogbo were college students brainstorming business venture ideas. After having initial plans of starting companies in Nigeria that came with barriers, they pivoted their idea to a market they were already familiar with, the university healthcare space. Then, the duo, both 21, launched Loop Health, a telehealth startup that aims to improve primary healthcare
Pinterest has announced the Hidden Healing Fund, an initiative with diverse cultural healing practices to empower young people’s mental health. The Hidden Healing Fund Led by Pinterest and supported by SHOWTIME/MTV, the Hidden Healing Fund will pilot an initial investment of $1 million in community organizations that employ culturally led approaches to addressing youth mental health challenges. Brands committed to improving mental health have been invited to combine their resources to help bridge gaps in accessibility and aid solutions beyond traditional models of care. The initiative was inspired by an
Dr. Heliana Ramirez, a researcher of racial and LGBTQ related workplace trauma, created the Black Women Toxic Job Survivor Suicide Prevention Resource Guide following the tragic death of Dr. Antoinette Candia-Bailey following workplace bullying. Ramirez spoke with POCIT about Candia-Bailey’s life and legacy, creating the guide, and strategies for Black women experiencing workplace bullying. Remembering Dr. Candia-Bailey Candia-Bailey experienced severe workplace abuse from her supervisor when she worked as Vice President of Student Affairs at Lincoln University Oakland, leading to her suicide in January 2024. Concerned about Candia-Bailey’s anxiety and
Viola Davis, journalist Joy Reid, and radio host Charlamagne Tha God are among the partners that have teamed up with The Grio founder David A. Wilson and tech leader Brandon John-Freso to launch ALTR. ATLR pronounced ‘alter’, is a personal development app tailored to the Black community. A Collaborative Vision for Empowerment ATLR aims to provide short-form audiobooks by Black luminaries and authors. It is currently open for early access sign-ups and is scheduled for an official launch in late 2024. The development of ALTR is in collaboration with JuVee Productions, founded by Davis
Backpack Healthcare, an online pediatric mental healthcare provider, has announced a $14 million Series A funding round. Backpack Healthcare Backpack Healthcare, formerly Youme Healthcare, is a tech company that offers an app and teletherapy services designed to provide accessible and inclusive mental health support for young individuals. Led by founder and CEO Hafeezah Muhammad, Backpack Healthcare aims to make a positive impact on the lives of children and adolescents struggling with mental health challenges. With studies finding that 1 in 6 children have a mental, emotional or behavioural health disorder, along with more than
Digital health startup Acclinate has partnered with Quilt.AI to enhance its Black maternal health initiatives through AI and cultural understanding. Increasing Culturally Competent Healthcare Professionals Black women in the U.S. are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. Acclinate is a digital health startup focused on improving health equity through technology and community engagement, particularly within communities of color. Thanks to Acclinate’s NOWINCLUDED community platform, significant strides have been made in understanding the healthcare needs of Black mothers over the past year. Data from the Mommy Listening
