UrbanGeekz

27/06/2024

Meet The 2024 Google for Startups Founders Funds Recipients

The Google for Startups Founders Funds provide cash awards — without giving up equity in return — and hands-on support to help underrepresented founders build thriving businesses.⁠
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Launched in June 2020, Google for Startups’ Black Founders Fund is part of Google’s $175 million racial equity commitment. With over $50 million, the Fund has empowered Black-led startups across Africa, Brazil, Europe, and the US, fueling funding, fostering communities, and driving generational change. ⁠
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Meet the 2024 Google for Startups Founders Funds recipients in the United States

25/06/2024

TestParty, an innovative AI-enabled digital accessibility compliance platform, announced an oversubscribed $4 million seed funding round today.⁠
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Harlem Capital and the Urban Innovation Fund co-led the financing, with participation from K Ventures, Soma Capital, and others. The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) has also backed the company.⁠
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Over 96% of the top million websites fail compliance testing for the Americans With Disabilities Act. This means people who require screen readers or other assistive devices to navigate the web can’t fully use and experience most of the Internet. ⁠
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Realizing this problem, Harvard-educated Bervell teamed up with Jason Tan in March 2023 to solve this problem. “Jason and I realized that this problem often starts with engineers who don’t know how to write accessible code or create accessible products,” Bervell said on his LinkedIn account. ⁠
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TestParty, a software compliance company powered by AI, announced a $4 million seed round today co-led by Harlem Capital and the Urban Innovation Fund.

25/06/2024

Nigerian Teenager Emmanuela Ilok Wins Scholarships To Ivy League Schools

Emmanuela Ilok, a remarkable Nigerian teenager, has been granted prestigious, fully funded scholarships to pursue Software Engineering at renowned institutions such as Stanford, MIT, Yale, UPenn, Princeton, and Columbia University. ⁠
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This remarkable feat is a testament to her exceptional talent and the recognition she has garnered.⁠
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Emmanuela Ilok’s journey to university scholarships began with her victory in the esteemed RISE program in 2022. Her winning project, ‘CodEd,’ Was a testament to her commitment to enhancing computer science education in public schools. ⁠
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Emmanuela Ilok, a Nigerian teenager, has been granted scholarships to pursue Software Engineering at Ivy League Schools

21/06/2024

French VC Breega Launch $75M Africa-Focused Fund

French VC firm Breega has launched a $75m (£59m) fund to invest in early-stage startups in Africa.⁠
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The London, Paris, and Barcelona-based investment firm will expand its reach by opening two new offices in Nigeria and Cape Town.⁠
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This is Breega’s first fund in Africa since closing its first fund in 2015, giving the VC firm a footprint in both Europe and Africa. Named “Breega Africa Seed I,” the fund received backing from institutions including Bpifrance and the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank, FMO.⁠
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French VC firm Breega has launched a $75m (£59m) fund to invest in early-stage startups in Africa.

20/06/2024

You’ve probably heard of MoviePass; maybe you’ve even used it or had a subscription at one point. The service had 3 million users in the U.S. at its peak. HBO Original’s documentary Moviepass, MovieCrash, by award-winning filmmaker Muta’Ali and produced by Mark Wahlberg, charts MoviePass’s astronomical ascent to become the fastest-growing subscription service since Spotify, through to its catastrophic bankruptcy, losing over $150 million in 2017 alone.⁠
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The documentary charts the company’s rights from the visionary beginnings of its entrepreneur co-founders to its impressive early success and early downfall. A cautionary tale about a wild ride of mismanagement and corporate greed, HBO’s new documentary delves straight into this story, which continues to be such an object of fascination.⁠
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HBO Original’s new documentary Moviepass, Moviecrash charts MoviePass’s astronomical ascent to become the fastest-growing subscription service since Spotify, through to its catastrophic bankruptcy, losing over $ 150 million in 2017 alone.

19/06/2024

The University of Pennsylvania Is the First Ivy to Offer an AI Master’s

The University of Pennsylvania School has introduced a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence, becoming the first Ivy League school to offer the program.⁠
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The Raj and Neera Singh Program in Artificial Intelligence Master of Science in Engineering in AI Online will empower students with both the practical skills and the ethical foundations to lead AI into the future. ⁠
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Building on the expertise of the school’s world-class faculty, the program will equip students with the mathematical and algorithmic foundation to develop groundbreaking AI systems and a broad perspective on deploying new technologies ethically and responsibly. ⁠
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The University of Pennsylvania has launched a Master’s Degree in Artificial Intelligence, becoming the first Ivy to offer the program.

18/06/2024

UrbanGeekz Chief Exec Joins Leaders on Main Stage at London Tech Week 2024

UrbanGeekz founder and CEO Kunbi Tinuoye joined a host of influential tech leaders on the main stage at London Tech Week.

Tinuoye, an award-winning BBC-trained journalist, moderated multiple sessions, including a highly anticipated fireside chat with Tara McGeehan, President of CGI UK and Australia.

The session titled, ‘Deep Tech from Wild West to Ethical East’, kicked off on the first day of the 5-day event. During the lively exchange, McGeehan shared her insights into how Deep Tech has the potential to solve some of the most challenging problems faced by society.

UrbanGeekz founder and CEO Kunbi Tinuoye joined a host of influential tech leaders on the main stage at London Tech Week.

14/06/2024

Finding a niche is key! It reduces competition, allows for targeted marketing, builds expertise, fosters customer loyalty, and boosts profits. 🌟📈

04/06/2024

Court of Appeals Rules Against Fearless Fund’s Grant For Black Women

An Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals panel has suspended Fearless Fund’s grant program for Black women with small businesses.⁠
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The judges, in a 2-1 ruling, said the Fearless Fund’s contest likely violates the federal Civil Rights Act of 1866, which prohibits using race in making contracts. They also stated that the Fearless Fund is unlikely to enjoy First Amendment protection and that its program inflicts irreparable harm.⁠
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The three-man judge panel consisted of two judges appointed by former President Donald Trump and another appointed by former President Barack Obama.⁠
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The case is one of the more prominent legal challenges on DEI programs in corporate America, and today’s ruling is a setback for supporters of those initiatives.⁠
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04/06/2024

Uncle Nearest Officially Surpasses $1B Valuation, According To Reports

Uncle Nearest, the fastest-growing American whiskey brand, is now $1.1 billion, according to Forbes.⁠
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Launched by Fawn Weaver in 2016, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey has rapidly gained global recognition. The brand was established to honor “Nearest” Green, a formerly enslaved man who taught Jack Daniel how to make whiskey.⁠
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As of November 2023, Weaver had raised $225 million in individual support. According to Forbes, the business is backed by 163 individual investors, each contributing an average check of $500,000.⁠
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“The most difficult thing in starting any business. It’s always the capital,” Weaver told AFROTECH. “Nobody really wants to invest until you’re already successful, but you can’t get successful without the investment.” '⁠
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Uncle Nearest, the fastest-growing American whiskey brand, is now $1.1 billion, according to Forbes.

30/05/2024

10 Black-Owned Startups To Watch (Outside Silicon Valley) According To Investors

Silicon Valley has always been considered one of the most prominent tech hubs in the world. The Bay Area is still the most significant tech epicenter globally and the only ecosystem to reach above $4 billion deal value in 2023 Q4.⁠
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However, as LinkedIn’s founder Reid Hoffman once said, “Silicon Valley is a mindset, not a location.” Outside the disruptive ecosystem in the Valley, there are thriving technology sectors all across the U.S. ⁠
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In this article, UrbanGeekz spotlights 11 Black-owned, non-Silicon Valley-based startups that have caught the eye of investors. These companies span diverse industries and showcase the thriving tech landscape and its potential for further growth. From innovative FinTech solutions to groundbreaking health innovations, these startups are poised to significantly impact their respective industries.⁠
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We asked VCs from MaC Venture Capital, Symphonic Capital, Zeal Capital Partners, and Techstars Washington DC to find⁠
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UrbanGeekz.com asked four venture capitalists to find out the top 10 Black-Owned startups to watch out for

29/05/2024

Google Launches FitBit Ace LTE Smartwatch For Kids
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Parents want nothing more than to see their children gain independence while keeping them healthy and safe. And that’s no easy task in today’s ever-changing, fast-paced world of technology and apps.⁠
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This is why Google is introducing Fitbit Ace LTE — a new, first-of-its-kind connected smartwatch for kids ages 7+. Ace LTE transforms exercise into play while giving families peace of mind with reliable calling, messaging, and location sharing.⁠
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The Fitbit Ace LTE has six unique bands, each more than just a fashion statement. When attached for the first time, these bands are interactive and unlock different items, styles, rooms, and Noodles. It’s like having a mini-game cartridge on your wrist.⁠
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Here are 10 key things to note about Google’s new Fitbit Ace LTE smartwatch:⁠

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Google has launched a smartwatch, Fitbit Ace LTE, to help kids lead more active, independent lives.

29/05/2024

10 Books Every Founder Must Read

With millions of books on how to be the best you can imagine you can be, it can be intimidating even to know where to start with the literature. Tellingly, 88% of the wealthiest people in the world spend at least 30 minutes of their day reading: reading expands our perspectives and our minds.⁠
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We’ve rounded up the ten books every founder needs on their nightstand to help them become better startup founders, leaders, thinkers, and habit makers. ⁠

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We’ve rounded up the ten books every founder needs on their nightstand to help them become better startup founders, leaders, thinkers, and habit makers.

28/05/2024

Harlem Capital Is Raising $150 Million Fund To Support Diverse-Led Startups

Harlem Capital, a Black-led venture capital firm, is raising a $150 million fund, according to documents filed with the SEC. ⁠
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Founded in 2015 by Henri Pierre-Jacques and Jarrid Tingle, Harlem Capital is not just a venture firm, but a catalyst for change in the entrepreneurial landscape. Its mission to invest in 1,000 diverse founders is a bold step towards reshaping the face of entrepreneurship.⁠
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If raised, this new fund, the firm’s third, would be its largest to date. In 2021, Harlem Capital raised an oversubscribed $134 million, much more than the $40 million it raised for its inaugural fund in 2019. ⁠
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Harlem Capital, a Black-led venture capital firm, is raising a $150 million fund, according to documents filed with the SEC.

27/05/2024

Apple Hires Cynthia Bowman As New Diversity Chief

Apple Inc. has hired Cynthia Bowman as its new diversity chief as the iPhone maker seeks to make its workforce more inclusive.⁠
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Banking veteran Cynthia Bowman will succeed Barbara Whye as vice president of inclusion and diversity. She will be the fourth executive to hold this position in recent years.⁠
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“We are excited that Cynthia Bowman will serve as Apple’s next Vice-President of inclusion and diversity,” an Apple spokesperson said in a statement.⁠
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Apple Inc. has hired Cynthia Bowman as its new diversity chief as the iPhone maker seeks to make its workforce more inclusive.

21/05/2024

Seven Venture Capital Companies form Diversity Data Alliance

Seven venture capital organizations focused on diversifying the tech ecosystem have joined forces to form the Diversity Data Alliance. ⁠
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The alliance, comprising Diversity VC, ​All Raise, ​2Gether-International, ​BLCK VC, ​Somos VC, ​StartOut, and Vets in Tech, has taken a pioneering step by releasing a whitepaper that sets a standard for demographic data collection.⁠
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This alliance was created because ​the venture capital and entrepreneurship communities remain fairly homogenous, with limited representation of historically marginalized persons with regard to race/ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, educational attainment, religious and military affiliation, and more. ⁠
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Seven venture capital organizations focused on diversifying the tech ecosystem have joined forces to form the Diversity Data Alliance.

21/05/2024

ALTR: Viola Davis, Joy Reid, Charlamagne tha God, Team Up For Self-Help App

Viola Davis, Joy Reid, and Charlamagne Tha God are among the partners backing David A. Wilson’s launch of ALTR, a mindset App—for the Black community.

ALTR is a personal development and learning subscription app that will launch later in 2024 and feature short-form audiobooks by Black cultural icons and authors.

New York-based ALTR was co-founded by CEO David A. Wilson, creator of Black news site theGrio (now part of Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios), and CTO Brandon John-Freso, who previously worked as a software engineer at WeWork and OkCupid.

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Viola Davis and Charlamagne Tha God are among the investors backing David A. Wilson's launch of ALTR, a mindset App—for the Black community.

16/05/2024

10 Black Women Making Waves in AI

Over the past year, there has been endless interest in and discussion about Artificial Intelligence (AI). The conversation will only increase as tools evolve and more AI products come to market.⁠
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Indeed, the global AI market is expected to reach $15.7 trillion by the end of 2030, representing an untapped lucrative industry. Although there is a clear gender gap and bias in machine learning tools, a group of phenomenal women are actively contributing to the advancement of AI.⁠
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These remarkable women are using AI technologies to build innovative tools alongside disruptive platforms that challenge bias in decision-making software.⁠
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Check out our list of 10 women worldwide who are actively reshaping the narrative around those who create and have access to AI.⁠
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These 10 remarkable women are using AI technology to create innovative products and drive globally.

16/05/2024

Most Exciting Google AI Updates From I/O 2024 Conference

Google’s biggest annual event, the I/O developer conference, was held on May 14, 2024.⁠
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The company typically uses the Google I/O keynote to announce new software updates and the occasional hunk of hardware. ⁠
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The I/O 2024 conference celebrated the past 12 months of rapid AI evolution. This included smart assistants, generative systems of images, words, music, and speech, and large language models trained on areas of specificity like coding or medical knowledge. ⁠

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Google's biggest annual event, the I/O developer conference, was held on May 14 2024.

15/05/2024

Senegalese B2B E-Commerce Platform, Maad Secures $3.2 Million Seed Funding

Maad, a B2B e-commerce platform for informal retailers in Senegal, has secured a $3.2 million seed funding round to bolster its growth and explore fresh opportunities in the Francophone region. ⁠
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Ventures Platform led the seed round, which included Alumni Ventures, Oui Capital, Launch Africa, Voltron Capital, Reflect Ventures, and Seedstars International Ventures. The company also raised $900,000 in debt financing from French DFI Proparco and local banks.⁠
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Maad, a B2B e-commerce platform for informal retailers in Senegal, has secured a $3.2 million seed funding round to bolster its growth and explore fresh opportunities in the Francophone region.

14/05/2024

Backpack, An AI-Powered Healthcare Company Raises $14M for Expansion

Backpack, an AI-powered company that provides virtual mental health care to children, has raised $14 million in Series A funding.⁠
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“The funding we have raised underscores the US healthcare system’s need for more inclusive, tech-enabled solutions to tackle the growing pediatric mental health crisis,” CEO Hafeezah Muhammad said. “This milestone will help us deliver on our commitment to breaking down barriers and ensuring equitable access to mental health support for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status.”⁠
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Backpack, an AI-powered company that provides virtual mental health care to children, has raised $14 million in Series A funding.

09/05/2024

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Backed-Owned Startup Secures $2 Million Seed Funding

Axmed, a B2B marketplace that addresses healthcare supply chain fragmentation, has secured $2 million in seed funding from Founderful Ventures to fuel its plan.

Axmed lowers the barriers to patients and providers accessing costly medicines while enabling manufacturers to expand their footprint in underserved markets.

The Swiss-based platform was co-founded by Emmanuel Akpakwu , Felix Ohnmacht, and Sofia Radley-Searle.

“We are not merely developing a medicines platform, Emmanuel Akpakwu, the Co-founder and CEO of Axmed said. “We are creating a bold new vision for the future of medicine accessibility. This vision not only empowers buyers but also unlocks the full potential of growth markets, allowing suppliers to compete effectively.”

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Axmed, a B2B marketplace has secured $2 million in seed funding from Founderful Ventures to fuel its plan.

07/05/2024

American actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae has launched Ensemble, a new company that connects brands with diverse creators. ⁠
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Ensemble brings world-class production and distribution infrastructure to a diverse collective of talented and influential creators. The company collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content that shapes culture, engages audiences, and moves products.⁠
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Ensemble’s mission is to close the pay gap between creators of color and white creators by making the creator economy more equitable. Research shows that Black creators made 35% less than their white counterparts. ⁠

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American actress, writer, and producer Issa Rae has launched Ensemble, a new company that connects brands with diverse creators.

07/05/2024

Ethiopian Startup Kubik Secures $5.2M to Expand Climate and Sustainability Solutions

Kubik, an African tech startup, has achieved a significant milestone by raising an impressive $5.2 million in a seed round. ⁠
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The seed funding round, which has propelled Kubik’s mission forward, was made possible by the support of key investors. These include East African venture capital firm African Renaissance Partners, Endgame Capital, and King Philanthropies. ⁠
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“We are thrilled to close our $5.2 million seed funding round and welcome our stellar new investors,” Kidus Asfaw, Co-founder and CEO of Kubik, said. “They have seen Kubik’s compelling market opportunity, our delivery against our strategy to date, and share our purpose-driven vision – to build sustainably and affordably to a brighter, greener future.”⁠
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Kubik, an African tech startup, has achieved a significant milestone by raising an impressive $5.2 million in a seed round.

02/05/2024

Nigeria’s YC-Backed Chowdeck Secures $2.5 Million Seed Funding To Fuel Growth

Nigeria’s on-demand delivery platform, Chowdeck, has raised $2.5 million in seed funding to optimize its operations and support expansion into more cities nationwide.⁠
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YCombinator, Goodwater Capital, FounderX Ventures, HoaQ Fund, Levare Ventures, True Culture Funds, and Haleakala Ventures were some of the investors who participated in the round. ⁠
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The seed round attracted founders like Simon Borrero and Juan Pablo Ortega (Rappi), Shola Akinlade, and Ezra Olubi (Paystack). Sudeep Ramani (Sportybet), Ayo Arikawe (Thrive Agric), and Karthik Ramakrishnan (Amazon) also participated as angels.⁠
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Nigeria’s on-demand delivery platform, Chowdeck, has raised $2.5 million in seed funding to optimize its operations and support expansion.

02/05/2024

Lamar and Ronnie Tyler: The Power Couple Helping Black Founders Build Generational Wealth
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Driven by a passion for advancing the Black community, the power couple has built from the ground up the internationally recognized company, Tyler New Media. The ever-evolving brand is the parent company of two groundbreaking entities: one to uplift Black families and the other to help Black entrepreneurs create generational wealth.⁠
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“We want to show that successful black families, doing great work that honors their clients and delivers 5-star service, exist,” Lamar Tyler told UrbanGeekz in an exclusive interview. The power couple is telling the positive stories of the Black community rather than waiting for outsiders.⁠
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Lamar and Ronnie Tyler are determined to uplift, support, and strengthen Black American families and businesses.

30/04/2024

You can now access UrbanGeekz news on the go on the Black-Owned Ridesharing App Moovn, thanks to this Groundbreaking Content Syndication partnership!

29/04/2024

Award-winning digital news brand UrbanGeekz has teamed up with Black-owned ride-hailing app Moovn to share its content with passengers on the move.

The wide-reaching syndication deal gives riders across the globe direct access to UrbanGeekz content right in the comfort of Moovn ridesharing cars. Embedded in the interface design, the Moovn mobile app empowers passengers to read, watch, and engage with UrbanGeekz during trips. Click link in bio to learn more about the partnership!


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29/04/2024

Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila Has Awarded $1M to Black and Latinx Businesses
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“As an entrepreneur myself,” Kevin Hart, co-founder of Gran Coramino Tequila, noted. “I’ve seen how early financial support can impact the business’s long-term success. The Coramino Fund was created to support some of the hardest working people out there — entrepreneurs and small business owners,” he continued.⁠
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“Small businesses are the economic backbone of communities,” Michael T. Pugh, LISC president and CEO, said, “but many owners lack fair access to the capital and services they need to grow. We are grateful to Gran Coramino for recognizing the systemic barriers that impact the success of underrepresented entrepreneurs and developing a give-back strategy to help address them. When we invest in these businesses,” he added, “we are also investing in the well-being of the communities where they operate.”⁠
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Kevin Hart’s Gran Coramino Tequila has disbursed over $1 million to over 100 Black and Latinx small business owners.

25/04/2024

UrbanGeekz Inks Groundbreaking Content Syndication Deal with Black-Owned Ridesharing App Moovn⁠
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Award-winning digital news brand UrbanGeekz has teamed up with Black-owned ride-hailing app Moovn to share its content with passengers on the move.⁠
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The wide-reaching syndication deal gives riders across the globe direct access to UrbanGeekz content right in the comfort of Moovn ridesharing cars. Embedded in the interface design, the Moovn mobile app empowers passengers to read, watch, and engage with UrbanGeekz during trips.⁠
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“I’ve always been someone who thinks outside the box,” said UrbanGeekz founder and CEO Kunbi Tinuoye. “For years, I’ve had this huge vision to showcase our content to a captive audience of passengers sitting in the back seat of rideshares. We just needed to find alignment with the right partner, and that’s why we are so excited to collaborate with Moovn.”⁠
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UrbanGeekz has teamed up with Black-owned ride-hailing app Moovn to share its content with passengers on the move.