Podcasts about black founders

WELCOME to Season 5 of the ⁠⁠WE GOT US NOW Podcast⁠⁠ series POWERED by ⁠⁠Chicago Beyond ⁠HOSTED by ⁠⁠Ebony Underwood⁠⁠For our 7th annual #KeepFamiliesConnected multimedia campaign series that runs from Mother's Day through Father's Day, WE spotlight voices from our community, and uplift our allies working across the field to create a just and equitable society that seeks to keep justice-impacted families connected.  S5 | EP5: MIKO UNDERWOOD ~ Fashion as a Bridge: Catalyzing Healing, Sustainability & Creative ExpressionMiko Underwood  is the award-winning  Founder / Designer of OAK & ACORN ~ Only for the Rebelles, the first sustainable brand in Harlem, NY.  A denim expert and innovator, with nearly twenty years of wash, product and brand development, Miko has become a leading voice in the sustainable denim space. She is committed to propelling the fashion industry into a more sustainable era where empowerment, cultural responsibility & accountability are at the forefront. She is passionate in telling a more inclusive American Denim story by shining a light on the UNTOLD HISTORY of the Indigenous American and the enslaved Africans contributions that have shaped American manufacturing and American Denim. Miko noticed firsthand the devastating environmental effects of manufacturing denim, inspiring her to research and innovate sustainable alternatives.Her work in Denim has won her industry accolades including a feature in VOGUE  & other global recognition. The CEO of Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Stephen Kolb, recommended Miko as WGSN Future Designer 2021.  And she was voted as one of the most influential people in denim for the Rivet 50 2021, an annual index of the most influential people in denim globally.  Miko is also the 2021 WINNER of RIVET + PROJECT AWARDS: Best Men Collection. She garnered support from fashion organizations like Harlem's Fashion Row, RAISEfashion & is a CFDA/Bethann Hardison Designer Hub Grant Recipient and Designer Hub Founding Member. OAK & ACORN was one of 6 brands featured in Nordstrom NYC's Black Founders x Center Stage Pop-Up in February 2020. The brand made history in Nordstrom as the first Black Designer Brand on the Designer 4th Floor in their New York City Flagship. OAK & ACORN ~ Only for the Rebelles has been listed as “Label to Watch” by The SPINOFF, HIGHSNOBIETY, HYPEBAE and most recently was highly recommended by Essence Magazine's, EssenceGu "Look to Shop" for BEYONCE's Cowboy Carter Tour. In this episode, Miko takes us along her personal journey and shares who and what sparked fashion and denim design for her. She gives insights into the creative process of fashion design, the importance of sustainability, and how her passion for art & design has been a healing catalyst for spiritual, transformation and creative expression.This insightful episode is deeply introspective and inspiring!FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO: ⁠⁠WEGOTUSNOW.org⁠ ⁠|⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠ LISTEN to the WE GOT US NOW Podcast on ApplePodcasts , Spotify and all podcasts platforms.#WEGOTUSNOW #Fashion #Artist #Sustainability #Denim #History #OakandAcorn #OnlyFortheRebelles #ArtistisTheHealer #Designer #MikoUnderwood #Craftsmanship #Creative #CreativeExpression #Incarceration #Daughter #Father #Mother #Family #WeGotUsNowCommunity

In a candid and insightful conversation, Equitea founder and CEO Quentin Vennie and Greg Lowe II, the founder and CEO of coconut water brand 100 Coconuts, dive into the complexities of embracing their Black identity while navigating the business world.  As part of the conversation, they discuss the dual reality of finding support and facing systemic barriers, alongside the evolving landscape of DEI initiatives. They also explore the ongoing challenges Black founders face in accessing capital and the opportunities international markets offer Black-owned brands. Greg also shares the story of securing a major partnership with Disney, highlighting how creativity, culture, and agility set his brand apart from industry giants. He and Quentin also unpack misconceptions about DEI, the long road ahead for equal opportunities, and how their respective journeys are paving the way for other Black founders in CPG. Brands in this episode: Equitea, 100 Coconuts, Better Sour

Today more than 48 million Americans self-identify as black per Pew research. Representing 14.4% of the US population. As reported in TechCrunch, if funding share was in line with population, one would expect companies with a black founder or co-founder to attract more than 14.4% of all funding, given that startups commonly have more than one founder. Darren Dodson, founding partner and managing director at Lumen Capital, a venture fund operating on the basis that bias hinders optimal financial performance, says there's a lot of work to do on addressing issues of bias. The proportionately low funding totals demonstrate that investors appear to be passing on promising entrepreneurs due specifically to racial bias, and demographics support this.

In 2024, U.S. startup funding for companies with Black founders reached a multiyear low, with only $730 million, or 0.4%, of total funding directed toward these startups. This represents a decline of over two-thirds from three years prior. Funding primarily concentrated in a few large rounds, with notable amounts secured by startups like Twelve ($200 million), Zing Health ($140 million), Pyka ($40 million), Eleanor Health ($30 million), and FinQuery ($25 million). Despite an increase in the number of Black entrepreneurs, significant underrepresentation persists, and investment decisions reflect bias. Approximately 48 million Americans identify as Black, yet in 2022, no U.S. AI startups that raised over $100 million were founded by Black entrepreneurs. DEI efforts in funding face challenges amid a political climate that opposes diversity initiatives, leading some companies to reduce their DEI commitments. Legal challenges have emerged for diversity-focused investors, complicating their efforts. The future of funding for Black founders remains uncertain, with potential growth expected if representation in healthcare improves. Data sources focus on the U.S. market for minority-founded companies, acknowledging some gaps, especially in early-stage funding.Learn more on this news visit us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Steve Roest, CEO of PocDoc and host of the HealthTech Hour speaks to Lottie Whyte, the amazing CEO and founder of MyoMaster. Lottie bootstrapped MyoMaster from day 1 with her husband (a professional rugby player) and has seen explosive growth in the last two years - including coming through Dragon's Den and putting Steven Bartlett in his place - to become the UK's fastest growing health and wellness business. This is a great deep dive into what drives an entrepreneur on, but isn't sugar coated - Steve and Lottie get into the real deal of what it's like, warts and all. She built the business as a mother of a young child, with another on the way, working with her spouse - so her and Steve have quite a bit in common in this regard! Lottie feels strongly about advocating for change in the almost total lack of investment that goes to black and brown women and credits the Black Founders programme at Google for helping add rocket boosters under MyoMaster's 2023/24 growth.Lottie Whyte is the CEO and Co-Founder of MyoMaster, a sports recovery company. MyoMaster is one of the UK's fastest growing health and wellness businesses. She started the business alongside her professional rugby player husband, Joe Gray, following years of recurring injury.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For our guest Dmitri Julius, co-founder and president of House Dreamr Streetwear, his first step was cutting lawns as a youth, and his next was serving as a Sergeant in the Marines. A tale of transformation from military life to the world of social entrepreneurship, Dmitri's journey is a testament to the power of resilience, ambition, and continuous learning. He details how his time as a youth entrepreneur, then serving in the military, and working for the start-up Icon Homes conditioned him for success in entrepreneurship and shares the inspiring story of founding House of Dreamr and the Dreamer Foundation. In the heart of Austin, Texas, Dmitri has built space for community in a city with few Black folks, underlining the significance of collaboration, mentorship, and relationship building. He shares the challenges and rewards of being a Black entrepreneur in a predominantly white city and the importance of building social capital in such an environment. His insight into working with established entrepreneurs and his belief in uplifting the younger generation is truly inspiring. Buckle up as we traverse the terrain of Dmitri's personal life, his pursuit of a doctorate in psychology, and his commitment to passing down knowledge to budding entrepreneurs. We navigate through his transition from military service to civilian life, the pressure of catching up with peers on traditional paths, and the importance of mental health among veterans. As we round off our conversation, Dmitri recommends books such as "The Lean Startup," "The Pivot Year," and "Unreasonable Hospitality" for those embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to turn their dreams into reality: a testament to the power of knowledge, the value of mentorship, and the benefits of a community-focused mindset.Support the show

Anna Wood, Editor at Startups Magazine speaks to Yvonne Nagawa, Founding Member and COO at Black Seed Ventures all about the importance of networking for startups and VCs alike, ensuring authenticity as a founder, and the story behind founding Europe's first seed fund that invests in only black founders. 

Stephen Grootes speaks to Abongile Mashele, Head of Government, about Google's funding program for Black founders in South Africa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On great beautiful Tuesday episode of the Black Tech Building Program. Discussing Twin Cities Start Up Week from Black Professionals. Later, Doing an demo on IS-IS Filtering. Lastly, The last tech news hashtag#blackexcellence hashtag#blacktech hashtag#cisco hashtag#windows https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/xbox-design-lab-introduces-new-transparent-cipher-options-for-elite-controllers-heres-what-you-need-to-know https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/hp-might-have-just-made-its-workstation-pcs-the-best-platform-for-ai-development https://www.pcworld.com/article/2467778/windows-11-is-making-it-easier-to-manage-all-your-shared-files.html Recorded on 9/24/2024

Today on the Black Tech Building Show. I'm going to discuss Twin Cities Start Up Week w/ Black Founders, Professionals, and Enthusiasts Recorded on 9/13/2024 https://www.techradar.com/pro/more-than-half-of-vmware-customers-are-reportedly-looking-to-move-following-recent-unrest https://www.techspot.com/news/104705-music-industry-latest-problem-archived-hard-drives-90s.html https://www.techspot.com/news/104698-microsoft-activision-buyout-forces-elimination-another-650-gaming.html

In my conversation with Evan Poncelet, we discussed his shift from the tech industry to community work after George Floyd's murder. He joined his family's nonprofit, Africatown Community Land Trust, to build an economic engine for the Black diaspora in Seattle. Evan started an angel investing syndicate and is developing a VC fund to support Black founders and investors.We explored challenges Black founders face, like assuming demand without validation, overspending on development prematurely, and limited fundraising networks. Evan stressed conducting customer discovery, building a minimum viable product, and leveraging community resources for traction. He shared Dreamward Ventures investment criteria, prioritizing strong teams, technical abilities, coach-ability, market potential, and a clear path forward.LinksBecome a Mini-MillionaireConnect with Kahlil on LinkedIn!Subscribe to the UNSTUCKKD NewsletterDownload the 1AND1 App in the App Store (FREE, iOS only)Free The CEOConnect with Evan

This week on Equity, we discussed some big news that really matters: How Black founders are addressing the diversity gap in AI chatbots. We've all noticed how OpenAI's ChatGPT and other AI chatbot tools struggle with cultural nuance, often coming up with answers that reflect a largely Euro-centric worldview. Now, a handful of Black-owned chatbots and ChatGPT versions – like Latimer.AI, ChatBlackGPT and Spark Plug – have cropped up to ensure Black POVs are included in the AI conversation, and that Black founders get a cut of this trillion-dollar industry.That's not all Rebecca talked about on Monday's show. We also looked at how different social media companies are playing around with what's real and what isn't, an increasingly salient topic in the age of AI. On the one hand, we've got TikTok's introduction of generative AI avatars, which creators and brands can use to speed up ad campaigns and spread them out to a global audience. And on the other hand, YouTube is experimenting with a “Notes” feature that lets users add context to videos. It's an attempt to combat misinformation as AI threatens to inundate us all with deepfake and misleading political content in the lead up to the 2024 presidential election. In IPO Land, Rebecca touched on Tempus's 9% rise and $441 million raise on its Nasdaq debut last Friday. The genomic testing and data analysis company, started by Groupon's founder, need have only hinted at its future genAI integrations for investors to throw money at it. Meanwhile, Chinese e-commerce giant Shein is struggling to get Beijing to approve its London IPO, reports the Financial Times. Shein's executive chair reportedly angered Chinese regulators last month by saying its corporate values meant it “could be considered a US company,” so now the retailer is trying to walk back on those comments. Shein is trying to raise £50 billion (US$64 billion) from its London IPO, and it needs Beijing on its side to do so.   Haje closed out today's show with a teardown of Kinnect's $250K angel deck. Founded just last year, the digital archive startup is already making waves with $100,000 in funding from Techstar's Rising Stars program. Hit play to hear how they did it!Equity is TechCrunch's flagship podcast, produced by Theresa Loconsolo, and posts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. You also can follow Equity on X and Threads, at @EquityPod. For the full episode transcript, for those who prefer reading over listening, check out our full archive of episodes over at Simplecast. Credits: Equity is produced by Theresa Loconsolo with editing by Kell. Bryce Durbin is our Illustrator. We'd also like to thank the audience development team and Henry Pickavet, who manages TechCrunch audio products.

Brand new Techish! In this episode, host Michael Berhane is joined by TechCrunch reporter Dominic-Madori Davis to break down:• HBO's Movie, Pass Movie Crash (0:35) • Will Smith was never cancelled (7:05)• Edward Blum's anti-DEI lawsuit against Fearless Fund (10:50)———————————————————— Extra Reading & Resources • Fearless Fund: Appeals Court Rules Against Grants For Black Women [POCIT] • Conservative Activists Behind Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Decision Sues VC Fund For WOC [POCIT] •  Pre-Seed Round Investing For Black Founders. [Michael Berhane] Plus you can connect with Dom on social media (@dominicmadori) and subsubscribe to her newsletter, The Black Cat! ———————————————————— Use the hashtag #Techish on X/Twitter & IG Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@techishpod/ Support Techish at https://www.patreon.com/techish Advertise on Techish: https://goo.gl/forms/MY0F79gkRG6Jp8dJ2 ———————————————————— Stay In Touch: https://www.twitter.com/michaelberhane_ https://www.twitter.com/abadesi https://www.twitter.com/hustlecrewlive https://twitter.com/techishpod Email us at techishpod@gmail.com #techish How to Start a Podcast Guide: The Complete GuideLearn how to plan, record, and launch your podcast with this illustrated guide.

In this episode we speak with Marlon Nichols, co-founder of MaC Ventures Capital, who discusses his diverse career path from starting as an early employee at an enterprise software company, moving into consulting, and ultimately venturing into the world of venture capital. He explains the founding and growth of MaC Ventures Capital, sharing insights into their investment thesis, sector focus, and the types of companies they seek to partner with. Marlon also provides invaluable advice for new fund managers and entrepreneurs, touching on the current fundraising landscape, strategies for success, and the importance of aligning with a firm's culture and team dynamics   MaC Ventures Capital is a seed-stage venture firm that invests primarily in North America, with a focus on California. While the firm does not have a specific sector focus, it considers itself a generalist firm run by sector experts. Marlon explains that the common thread among their investments is a focus on popular culture and future trends. The firm seeks to identify emerging behaviors and trends early on and invest in companies that align with these shifts. This approach allows MaC Ventures Capital to invest in a wide range of sectors, including fintech, B2B SaaS, digital health, and space and defense.   If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.  Founder Bio: Marlon Nichols is the co-founder and managing general partner at MaC Venture Capital, a seed-stage venture capital firm that invests in visionary founders building the future that the world wants to see. Marlon has an extensive background in technology, private equity, media and entertainment. His unique eye for global and cultural trends, along with shifts in consumer behavior, has helped him uplift and accelerate entrepreneurs and companies that are on the verge of their breakthrough moment. Some of his current and previous portfolio companies include Blavity, Faze Clan, FINESSE, Gimlet Media, LIT Videobooks, Mansa, MongoDB, Pipe, PureStream, Ryff, Solo Funds, Spill, Thrive Market, Wonderschool and others. Thanks to his background as a professional athlete, Marlon utilizes sports leadership philosophy when working closely with CEOs to build the ventures of tomorrow. His diverse network of media and entertainment industry leaders, tech entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 executives and sports professionals helps him develop strategic partnerships and promote brand expansions for his portfolio companies.Marlon serves on the board of directors for the Kauffman Fellows program, where he has been instrumental in growing the representation of underrepresented minorities. He also serves on the advisory board for Los Angeles Mayor's office's PledgeLA. Marlon has been honored on the LA500 in 2022, 2023 and 2024, and ranked among top early stage investors on Business Insider's Seed 100 for three consecutive years. He was also named Pitchbook's 25 Black Founders and VCs to Watch for the last six years. Marlon has been featured in Axios, CNBC, Cheddar, The Information, Crunchbase News, Fortune, Yahoo! Finance and more. Prior to MaC Venture Capital, Marlon was co-founder of Cross Culture Ventures. He eventually enacted the merger with Adrian Fenty's M Ventures that resulted in MaC Venture Capital as it stands today. Prior to Cross Culture Ventures, he served as an Investment Director at Intel Capital and earned hands-on experience as an operator himself. Marlon earned his Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from Northeastern University and an MBA from the SC Johnson College of Business at Cornell University, where he was also adjunct faculty in entrepreneurship and venture capital.   Time Stamps:   02:57 Marlon's journey from early operator to VC founder 08:55 Venture capital as a path to diversity and strategic engagement 12:14 MaC ventures Capital investment thesis and strategies 16:25 Fundraising challenges and advice for new founders 21:04 Strategies for First-Time fund managers targeting LPs 23:25 Fundraising realities for new VC managers 26:18 The multifaceted role of a founding general partner 28:56 Strategies for startups targeting successful exits 31:42 Evaluating seed stage investments 34:03 Venture capital's shift to sustainable investment strategies 38:25 The impact of AI on business 41:40 What is coming up in 2024 and how to get in contact with MaC Ventures Capital team   Resources   Company website: https://MaCventurecapital.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MaCventurecap/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/MaC-venture-capital/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaCVentureCap

Despite major strides taken by a new generation of bold entrepreneurs and brands, Black-owned food and beverage companies still face persistent headwinds getting on the shelves of mainstream supermarkets, finding significant investment,and scaling long-term. From a consumer and an equity standpoint, this is untenable. A significant slice – 14% – of American consumers are Black. We know that there are Black founders out there but they are not necessarily making their way into our consciousness or on the radar of much of the established CPG structure.  As a resource for all founders, Taste Radio, in collaboration with Quentin Vennie, the co-founder and CEO of beverage brand Equitea, has developed a special series that highlights conversations on various aspects of the challenges felt by all entrepreneurs filtered through the experience of Black founders. We also discuss the ways that the environment has changed, and how it has not, as well as identifying resources that our founders may not yet realize exist.  In this first edition of the series, we sat down with Quentin, Partake Foods founder Denise Woodard and Ibraheem Basir, the founder of A Dozen Cousins, for a roundtable discussion that explores the foundational reasons that each started their brands, how modern Black-owned brands are extending a legacy of Black entrepreneurship, ways in which they are building their companies' culture to reflect their own, and the impact of Black-owned and ethnic-themed brands in expanding the audience for natural and organic foods. Show notes: 0:35: Quentin Vennie, Equitea; Denise Woodard, Partake Foods; Ibraheem Basir, A Dozen Cousins – Quentin discusses the origins of the special series and the goals he hopes to achieve; Ibraheem and Denise talk about their respective families history in entrepreneurship, before Quentin explains how the creation of Equitea is partly rooted in his inability to find products that represented him or his culture. Ibraheem and Denise discuss the impact of their experience in corporate CPG companies in the development of their brands; they also explain what gave investors and retailers confidence to “place a bet” on their brands. The trio also talk about how the ebb and flow in how the CPG industry supports Black founders via diversity initiatives and why Quentin was unable to benefit from an initiative intended to support BIPOC entrepreneurship. Ibraheem explains how culture influences all aspects of A Dozen Cousins; Denise talks about incorporating a holistic perspective on culture into Partake Foods; Quentin discusses how black founders in food & beverage can collectively and independently help each other be successful. Ibraheem talks about “the sticky part” of racism and how it affects fundraising; Denise highlights the challenges faced by investment funds that are focused on women- and minority-owned businesses and the trickle down effect on brands like hers; and all three founders explain what they hope to leave as a legacy. Brands in this episode: Equitea, Partake Foods, A Dozen Cousins

At the heart of the "promise" of the American Revolution and the new republic's claim to be the last, best hope of earth, is the assertion in the Declaration of Independence that "all men are created equal". How did Black Americans react to the Declaration? How did they seek to shape the character of the new Republic? And what was the relationship between the Black struggle for freedom and equality and the American Revolution? To examine this once-hidden history of Black Americans in the founding era, Adam is joined by Professor James Basker, the President of the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History and the Richard Gilder Professor of Literary History at Barnard College. Jim is the editor, with Nicole Seary, of a remarkable new collection published by the Library of America called “Black Writers of the Founding Era” which contains texts – most previously unpublished – by more than 120 Black Americans.Readings in this episode were performed by Chelsi Campbell and Darius Jackson. Producer: Emily Williams. Presenter: Adam Smith. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matthew Skic from the Museum of the American Revolution and I talk about their exhibit Black Founders:  The Forten Family of Philadelphia .  9-year old James Forten heard the Declaration of Independence read in July of 1776, and never forgot its promise of liberty and equality.  At the age of 14 he signed aboard a privateer, was captured, taken to New York where a British officer offered to release him and send him to England.  He refused rather than betray his country.  Back in Philadelphia after the war he became a successful businessman--a sail maker--one of the wealthiest Black men in the country, and the chief benefactor of William Lloyd Garrison's newspaper The Liberator.  Join us to hear more about James Forten and his family's story--and for more on Forten, read Julie Winch's great book Gentleman of Color.Tell us what you think! Send us a text message!

When it comes to fundraising, storytelling is a crucial element that can make or break a founder's success. It goes beyond presenting information and numbers; it's about creating a narrative that captivates investors and showcases the potential of the opportunity. Black founders should leverage their unique experiences and perspectives to craft a powerful story that resonates with investors, highlighting their journey, the problem they're solving, and the impact they can make can help differentiate them in a crowded market. In this episode we sit with James Norman, co-founder Black Ops, who shares valuable insights on building successful tech companies and raising venture capital as a black founder. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling and the power of a compelling narrative when pitching to investors. James also offers advice on navigating the fundraising process and highlights the need for black founders to focus on building a strong network and finding mentors who can provide guidance and support. Overall, he provides valuable advice for black founders looking to succeed in the tech industry. If your company is looking to scale its AI initiatives, head over to Tesoro AI (www.tesoroai.com). We are experts in AI strategy, staff augmentation, and AI product development.  Founder Bio: James Norman is a serial entrepreneur who built his first company at the age of 16, an aftermarket automotive e-commerce site called MJH Sound.com. While previously he may have been known as a visionary in automotive product planning, over the past 7 years in the media and entertainment industry he has become a thought leader in over-the-top media and consumer video consumption behaviors. His latest venture is Pilotly, a consumer insights platform that enables content creators to get feedback from audiences at scale. Time Stamps: 02:25 Introduction and background of James Norman 10:02 Hiring the right engineer to build a product 13:46 The continuous learning process in technology 15:09 Funding challenges for non-profit organizations 17:27 How Black Ops program born out of the experience of founder support 21:13 Shifting power dynamics when fundraising as a founder 24:39 Building a Strong VC Network 26:11 Articulating the unique value and experience of the fund 30:38 Considerations for fund size and raising a first fund 33:19 Financial modeling and decision-making for portfolio construction 35:05 Importance of having a term sheet to raise a Series A 36:21 The power of storytelling in convincing investors and supporters 41:25 Addressing Gaps in Accelerators for Black Founders 46:21 What is coming up in the 2024 Resources Company website: https://www.blackopsvc.com/Twitter: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-ops-vc/ LinkedIn: https://twitter.com/BlackOpsVC  

Innovators and entrepreneurs from across Florida and the Southeast will attend the two-day Black Founders' Innovation Summit on April 19-20,  in Pensacola. The summit kicks off with a welcome reception at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 19, at the Kukua Institute. Speakers, workshops, and panel discussions will be held on Saturday, April 20, beginning at 9 a.m. at DeVilliers Square. The summit is free and open to the public with required registration at bfis.kukuainstitute.org.

Step into the dynamic world of Season 2 of the So Ambitious podcast, an electrifying exploration of stories driven by our community of Black Founders and Entrepreneurs. Founded by Pharrell Williams, Black Ambition has unleashed a wave of impact, propelling nearly 100 entrepreneurs with unique tales of tenacity and innovation.  Launching on 26 February 2024, join us in Season 2 of the So Ambitious Podcast as we celebrate the audacity to dream and build. This new season promises an unfiltered dive into the minds of visionary founders, navigating challenges and seizing opportunities, all while crafting a legacy where ambition reigns supreme. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of inspiration as we decode the secrets of success and amplify the voices of those who refuse to be interrupted on their journey to greatness.  Season 2 of the So Ambitious Podcast launches 26 February, 2024 - we'll see you there.  RESOURCES: Black Ambition IG | @blackambitionprize So Ambitious is produced by EPYC Media 

Techish is back with another episode! Hosts Abadesi and Michael break down:PwC boss tells Gen Z to return to office in age of AI (0:29)Career success vs soft life (6:00)Dating icks and short kings (12:35)Haggling your bills and subscription costs (20:35)Who wins when Black founders sell their companies? (24:50)—————————————————————  Extra Reading:   Gen Z employees who want to succeed in the age of AI should come to the office more, accounting giant U.K. boss says [Fortune]Beatrice Dixon's The Honey Pot Co. Secures Monumental $380M Investment [POCIT]This Isn't The Brand I Started: Why I'm Saying Goodbye To Afrocenchix After 15 Years [Black Ballad] ————————————————————  This episode is sponsored by Intuit: https://intuit.com/pocit ————————————————————  Use the hashtag #Techish on X/Twitter & IGWatch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@techishpod/Support Techish at https://www.patreon.com/techish  Advertise on Techish: https://goo.gl/forms/MY0F79gkRG6Jp8dJ2  ————————————————————  Stay In Touch:  https://www.twitter.com/michaelberhane_ https://www.twitter.com/abadesi https://www.twitter.com/hustlecrewlive  https://twitter.com/techishpod  Email us at techishpod@gmail.com

To get the latest from Lorine Pendleton, you can follow her below!LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorinependleton/https://www.portfolia.co/https://125ventures.vc Sign up for Marcia's newsletter to receive tips and the latest on Angel Investing!Website: www.marciadawood.com And don't forget to follow us wherever you are!Apple Podcasts: https://pod.link/1586445642.appleSpotify: https://pod.link/1586445642.spotifyLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/angel-next-door-podcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theangelnextdoorpodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marciadawood

Have you ever witnessed a moment where ambition and innovation collide? Uthman Alibalogun, the co-founder of Monocle, an innovative social e-reading app, joins us to share his journey from a Nigerian immigrant to an entrepreneurial innovator in the tech industry. Our conversation with Uthman isn't just about technology; it's a deeper exploration of personal development through his experience as a college student at North Carolina A&T, Tech Co-founder, and Graduate Student at UC Berkeley.   Plus, we celebrate the team of Black men behind Monocle as they forge a new narrative in the ed-tech space, fostering pride and a strong sense of community.Wrapping up, Uthman lays out his vision for Monocle - a tool that promises to weave readers into a tightly-knit shared knowledge and discourse fabric. From its potential in academic peer reviews to chipping away at intellectual stereotypes, Monocle is poised to make waves in the educational landscape. We end on a personal note, sharing Uthman's inspiring climb of Mount Fuji, a testament to how life's unplanned routes can lead to fulfilling dreams. It's a session that's as much about the transformative power of reading as it is about the milestones on the entrepreneurship journey. Join us for an episode that's bound to ignite a spark within, whether you're a book lover, a tech enthusiast, or a dreamer looking to leave your mark on the world.Support the show

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to transform a solitary activity like reading into a vibrant, intellectual community experience? Leslie Winston III, the mind behind the Monocle, joins us to unravel just that. From his roots in a family that valued social consciousness and black history, Leslie's remarkable journey through architecture and technology has created a platform redefining how we engage with literature and each other.This episode is a tapestry of ambition and innovation, weaving together Leslie's architectural precision with his drive to foster a knowledge-sharing society. We journey through Leslie's formative years, the influence of his HBCU-educated parents, and the pivotal switch from crafting buildings to coding apps. Leslie's story is a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the impact of HBCU networks and the resilience required to navigate the world of innovation.As Leslie shares, the future of reading and human connection lies in platforms like Monocle, which encourage thoughtful discourse and counteract the polarization plaguing our digital interactions. Our conversation ventures into Monocle's potential to enrich the reading experience by integrating social elements, allowing readers to connect and share insights. Leslie leaves us with a powerful message on authenticity and the collective potential for positive change. Tune in for a narrative bound to inspire readers, thinkers, and creators to see the possibilities at the intersection of technology, community, and literature.Support the show

Brooke Hart Jones is a Hampton University Graduate, HBCU Alum and creator of HBCyoU Dolls (a Purpose Toys brand). Through HBCyoU Dolls Brooke shares the magic and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities with children far and wide. Partnered with Purpose Toys, Brooke joins “A Community of Black Founders, Executives and Creatives,” who support one another by providing the infrastructure and resources needed to succeed in business. Our motto at Purpose is to provide “Products with a Purpose,” which Brooke proudly delivers with HBCyoU Dolls. More on HBCyoU Dolls: https://linktr.ee/hbcyoudolls? More: Show your Historically Black College and University pride with the HBCyoU Student Body President Doll, Hope. Dressed in her school's varsity jacket, this gorgeous doll features curly hair, light brown skin tone, and 5 points of articulation for lots of energetic poses. She comes wearing a removable HBCyoU varsity jacket, sneakers, jeans, and logo T-shirt. Just as HBCUs inspire future generations, this 18-inch doll encourages children to dream big, work hard, and achieve their goals. Hope - and the other HBCyoU dolls make great gifts for supporters, fans, alumni, and future generations of HBCU students (each sold separately). An inspiring doll for kids ages 3 years and up. ► Luxury Women Handbag Discounts: https://www.theofficialathena.... ► Become an Equus Coach®: https://equuscoach.com/?rfsn=7... ► For $5 in ride credit, download the Lyft app using my referral link: https://www.lyft.com/ici/ASH58... ► Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/po... ► Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSa... ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1lov... ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ► Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blogBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/show/feeling-some-type-of-way/support.

Are you ready to meet an innovator of social entrepreneurship? That's right - we're talking about Esther Ladipo, the Nigerian-American co-founder of Ranowo. With her determination, Esther transformed her interest in Black World Studies and marketing into a platform that revolutionizes how we donate. Ranowo not only increases transparency in philanthropy but also enables individuals to see exactly where their donations go and what tangible items are required by nonprofits. With Esther, we navigate the demanding journey of founding a startup. She recounts how she secured a technical co-founder and how they have been managing a team diverse in ideas, backgrounds, and skills. Tuning in, you'll get an insider's view of how Esther balances her full-time job with the responsibilities of her startup. She shares her secret weapons: self-care, strategic networking, and time-blocking.As we step into the vibrant city of Austin, Esther guides us through her personal experiences of building and navigating community spaces. She passionately discusses Black Austin's unique culture and her connections with the Notley Fellowship. We delve into the future of Ranowo, shedding light on Esther's aspiration to move away from the "trauma porn" associated with philanthropy. Instead, she envisions a model that matches donors with causes they genuinely care about.Support the show

Hello, and welcome back to Equity, the podcast about the business of startups, where we unpack the numbers and nuance behind the headlines.Our Monday show covers the latest in tech news from the weekend and what's making headlines early in the week. Here's what we got into today:Stocks are down around the world, while the value of crypto tokens is heading higher. Crypto trading volume is also trending north.It's a huge week for earnings with names like Microsoft, Alphabet, Spotify, Snap, Meta, IBM, Amazon and Mobileye reporting, among others.Apple is spending big on generative AI, and TechCrunch has notes on just where the company intends to bring the tech.ZenML is proof that startups are not dropping the ball when it comes to generative AI more generally.Foxconn is under investigation, which is notable for its timing.And venture capital raised by Black American founders has fallen sharply in recent quarters.And that's that! We have a cracking episode coming on Wednesday, so stay tuned!For episode transcripts and more, head to Equity's Simplecast website.Equity drops at 7 a.m. PT every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. TechCrunch also has a great show on crypto, a show that interviews founders and more!

Darrian and Devyn Mikell grew up in central Indiana, played sports, went to college, tried a few things to get their careers started and ultimately launched a tech firm together. They have some juicy stories from their early days of griding that would resonate with other tech founders: starting with the wrong sales strategy, struggling for months without revenue and slowly building a base of investors. There are a few things that are relatively unique: First, they're brothers, and we all know that it's often not easy for family members to work together. Second, they recently reached an important milestone with a $4.5 million fundraising round. Third, they are among the few company founders in any industry sector who are Black. Businesses majority-owned by Black or African American people accounted for only 3% of all U.S. firms that were classifiable by the race and ethnicity of their owners in 2020, according to the Pew Research Center. And the Mikells have made hiring people from underrepresented populations a priority at their company, called Qualifi. The issues of diversity and inclusion dovetail into the mission of Qualifi, which sells software that helps employers automate the hiring process and avoid biases that could slip into the interview process. In this week's edition of the IBJ Podcast, the Mikells join host Mason King for an in-depth interview about how they work together as brothers; the inspiration they've received from their family (including an older brother with a Pro Bowl career in the NFL); how they handle the rollercoaster of startup life; obstacles that Black entrepreneurs face; and the importance to them of diversity as they grow the company. The IBJ Podcast is brought to you by Taft.

This week, Dominic-Madori Davis came back on the show to chat with Mary Ann and Alex about two of her latest pieces:A lawsuit targeting a grant program that provided small checks to Black women small-business owners. The context here is that there's a movement in the United States to curtail programs that seek to provide access, or opportunity to underrepresented peoples in business and education. Given venture's somewhat embarrassing investment demographics, we struggled to understand the seeming animus behind the suit.Some countries are taking a different track, including the United Kingdom. Dom has more on that topic here.Equity is back on Friday with our weekly news roundup! Talk to you then!For episode transcripts and more, head to Equity's Simplecast website.Equity drops at 7 a.m. PT every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. TechCrunch also has a great show on crypto, a show that interviews founders and more!

Join us for an extraordinary dialogue with Preston James, founder of DivInc, a trailblazer in accelerating Black, minority, and women-owned businesses. We get an exclusive peek into his inspirational journey, exploring his commendable stint in the tech industry spanning a quarter-century and his transformative leadership as the co-founder and CEO of DivInc. Get swept away by Preston's fascinating narrative filled with compelling insights as he unveils how Divinc spawned 73 startups, created a platform for 100 founders, and churned out a whopping $4.8 million in revenue!Tune in as we trace Preston's extraordinary career transition from American Online, Dell, to DivInc, revealing his epiphanies about the lack of Black angel investors in the tech startup sphere and how this spurred him to become an investor himself.We also tackle critical themes like entrepreneurship, equity, and racial wealth disparity. Join us as we dissect the crucial role of homeownership, equity assets, investments, and business ownership in wealth accumulation. We address the prospects and predicaments in broadening capital accessibility for Black-owned businesses and the urgent need for government and financial institutions to pave the way for innovative individuals. Get ready for a thought-provoking discussion as we explore emerging opportunities in tech companies.Support the show

Curious about how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics can take a business from good to great? We've got Teasha Cable, CEO and co-founder of C-Model, with us, offering an inside look at how these technologies can provide personalized growth recommendations to businesses. Born in New Orleans, Teasha walks us through her career trajectory from sales operations to revenue operations and finally to the creation of her brainchild, C-Model.Did you know that C-Model can fuel growth for small businesses, content creators, tech founders, and organizations with revenues ranging from 10 to 100 million? Teasha breaks down how C-Model can be a game-changer for these sectors. We also venture into her dynamic family business as she reveals her unique partnership with her stepdaughter Jasmine, who is also her co-founder. The conversation gets more intriguing as we navigate through the tremendous influence of Singularity University on Teasha's career and her belief in the transformative potential of exponential technology.As we round off, Teasha candidly shares her enriching experience with Techstars, Build in Tulsa, and the AWS Impact Accelerator. She emphasizes the immense value of community in the entrepreneurial journey, attributing much of her growth to these platforms. Drawing from her experiences, she throws light on how the core principles of AWS have become the bedrock of her startup, C-Model. If you're interested in leveraging technology for business, cultivating a thriving community, and learning from an entrepreneurial journey, this episode is for you.Support the show

In this episode of Entrepreneurial Appetite, we bring you a conversation with Anthony Kinslow Jr., founder of Gemini Energy Solutions, a start-up committed to equitably accelerating and scaling energy efficiency, electrification, and decarbonization in small commercial buildings,  using a community-based, people-powered, and partnership-driven approach.Support the show

In this episode, we delve into the power of storytelling for black startup founders. Join us as we explore how crafting a compelling narrative can help you connect with your audience, build trust, and differentiate your brand. Discover the art of sharing your personal journey, conveying your mission, and leveraging storytelling in marketing, pitching, and overall business growth. Unleash the potential of your story and embark on a captivating entrepreneurial journey.#Storytelling #BlackFounders #StartupJourney #BrandNarrative #BeyondNormalhttps://www.beyondnormalmedia.comSupport the showFollow us on: Twitter | https://twitter.com/Beyond_Normal_ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/beyondnormalmedia/ Linkedin | https:/https://www.facebook.com/BeyondNormalPodcast/

John Finch Of major importance to Dialpad is the breaking of the $200 million dollar revenue milestone. A lot of credit can be given to Ai technology. For the last five years or more, Dialpad has been focusing on Ai at the core of their product offering. John Finch, Senior Vice President of Marketing with Dialpad discussed the Ai and its impact on the Dialpad product. To demonstrate the importance of Ai to the company, they are in the midst of releasing 12 new Ai enhanced products at the rate of one product a month. Clearly an aggressive pace which is reflective of the organization and their goals. Listen in to hear about their Ai products, why they are unique, what lessons Dialpad has learned, and what are the key benefits to their customers and their enhanced experience. THEIR MISSION: They're on a mission to completely transform how the world works together. What they're building: Dialpad designs groundbreaking, truly unified products—all powered by the most advanced communications Ai in the world. They make it easy for teams big and small to call, message, meet, and support their customers in one beautiful workspace. They're connecting teams across the planet Dialpad for Good has championed over 650 businesses through the Dialpad for Startups, Tech for Black Founders, and Nonprofit programs. They're dedicated to transforming the way everyone can work together. For more information, go to: https://www.dialpad.com

Duval Schools doesn't know what to do with discarded books; solar power could help during a hurricane; Black Founders Forum will bring together entrepreneurs and investors; a new round of Untold Stories is set for this week.

Devin: What do you see as your superpower?Tawana: I genuinely care about people at their core.The 10K Project CEO, Tawana Rivers, is passionate about investing in the Black community. She sees it as a driver of wealth creation for both the investors and the entrepreneurs.The 10K Project is an association of investors actively working to back Black founders. Not only does this help to address the challenges these entrepreneurs face, but it does so in a way that creates value for the investors, too.AI Summary* Tawana Rivers, CEO of the Ten-K Project, supports black founders via investment crowdfunding.* The Ten-K Project teaches alternative ways to build wealth and invest in startups.* Tawana highlights the need for community support for black founders who often struggle to receive funding.* Accreditation rules that limit equal opportunities need to be reconsidered.* Tawana's superpower is her 30-year experience in HR.* She hopes to inspire others to adopt the ability to care about people genuinely, even with their flaws.* Tawana emphasizes the importance of caring for others and being of service to them.* When one leads with a servant leadership mindset, it makes them think of others organically.* Our society needs to start caring about each other more to avoid devastating incidents such as shootings.* The Ten-K Project's website and social media platforms have more information about their work in supporting black founders.“We are a thriving community of entrepreneurs and investors,” Tawana says of The 10K Project. “We're teaching the community how to build wealth, and we do it in really creative ways.”“We're looking at alternative investments,” she says. “There are enough people out there teaching people how to do traditional investments, but there are a lot of ways to make money in this amazing country that we live in.”“We're also big equity crowdfunding supporters,” Tawana says, highlighting one of her favorite alternative investments. “We believe in what the law is allowing everyday investors the opportunity to do, and so we're teaching the community about that in hopes that we are able to make a difference with founders who are looking to seek capital.”“We focus on the black founder because there are so many challenges with the Black founder getting the funding that they need to get these projects off the ground and to the next phase of success,” she says.Tawana responded with an appropriate and soft scold when I expressed frustration at the lack of improvement in the data around venture capital funding for diverse founders. “If you're frustrated by the reality, imagine how the Black founders feel.”“They really need the community to rally around them, to lift them up, to love on them a little bit, to let them know they're not forgotten,” she says.Tawana doesn't see this as a one-way street or charity. “It also gives the investor the opportunity, a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a project that could end up being very, very successful.”Because she works to bring investors and entrepreneurs together, she sees herself as a “money matchmaker.”SuperCrowd23Tawana will speak at SuperCrowd23, joining a panel discussion on investing like a professional. Andrew Savikas of Yieldtalk will moderate the panel. Dan Devlin of Doriot, Eric Cox of Netcapital and author Karen Rands will complete the roster.“I want people to walk away from the event in its entirety, understanding investment crowdfunding and understanding that at all levels and from all demographics, founders need our support,” Tawana says. “Again, there's something in it for us as investors, right? It's not a one-sided deal. I love that about investment crowdfunding as well. It gives everyone an opportunity to grow, develop, to build.”Superpowers for Good readers can still get 50 off on tickets to the two-day virtual conference on May 10-11. Register now!In all her work, Tawana leverages her superpower. She cares about people.How to Develop Caring About People As a Superpower“I love people, and I understand the needs of people,” Tawana says. “Many of them come to us in broken states or without motivation. Some of them are overly confident, and you need to tame that a little bit because it's not realistic. But I genuinely understand and care about people.”She shared a powerful example of how caring for an individual made a big difference in a person's life:I had to fire someone one time. It was time. Like we all knew it was time, right? I brought her into my office. Her name is Barbara. I said, '“Miss Barbara, we need to talk.”She said, “Okay.” She took a deep breath.I said, “We've talked to you about this. We've had several conversations. It's just not working out. Don't think this is a good fit for you. she looked at me and she started crying and she said, “Thank you so much.” She said, “I hate this job, but I never would have left on my own. So, thank you so much. I realize I need to be doing something else. I keep taking jobs like this, like in customer service. I keep taking these customer service jobs, even though they're not good for me, and I don't like them at all. Thank you so much.”We hugged at the end of that conversation and we sat there for probably another hour and a half talking about what kind of job she should apply for. We then talked about the strengths and the things that she did well and ended up helping her rewrite her resume to highlight those strengths. I was a reference when she went to get another job that was not in customer service. Each day, she chats with me. We will touch we will reach out to each other on social media, and we keep in touch. She's thriving. She's found something that she loves to do. That is one of those things that started with a very difficult conversation that many before me had really been afraid to have because those difficult conversations are not easy. I think that moment was pivotal in her life because she is living her best life now“This is an acquired superpower,” Tawana said when I asked her to share some tips for learning to care about people, implying that we can all learn to do it better.“Humans tend to be a little self-absorbed,” she began. Step one, she says, is to accept that we should care. “It's looking at the fact that we should be of service to others.”Tawana sees it as a leadership skill. “When we think of ourselves in a servant leadership manner, it makes us organically think of others. And if you lead with that, then you can't go wrong.”She offers two additional tips:* Stop and talk to people to get to know them a little better.* When you ask people how they're doing in their day, really mean it.By following Tawana's example and advice, you can make caring about others a skill you can develop into a superpower enabling you to do more good in the world.Guest-Provided ProfileTawana Rivers (she/her):CEO, The 10K Project, Inc.About The 10K Project, Inc.: The 10K Project is a thriving community of wealth builders comprised of entrepreneurs and investors. We educate the community on various alternative investment strategies to assist them in finding their passion. We are particularly fond of investment crowdfunding as a way for both parties to come together to build wealth.Website: The10kproject.comFacebook Group: fb.com/groups/black10kgroupTwitter Handle: @black10KprojectInstagram Handle: @black10kproject.comBiographical Information: Tawana Rivers is an entrepreneur, serial investor and 30-year HR professional. She is the CEO of The 10K Project, a thriving community of Wealth Builders. We focus on raising capital for Black Founders, educating Black investors and curating deal flow. She is the President of Blockchain Investor Group International and the Founder of OEO Holdings, a micro private equity firm that focuses on buying profitable cash-flowing businesses. She plans to spend this next phase of her life building wealth for people that have not only been underrepresented but also for those who‘ve been unseen.Other URL: Roadtocrowdfunding.com Get full access to Superpowers for Good at devinthorpe.substack.com/subscribe

Introduction: Welcome to Five & Thrive: a weekly podcast highlighting the Southeast's most interesting news, entrepreneurs, and information of the week, all under 5 minutes.  My name is Jon Birdsong and I'm with Atlanta Ventures Companies Worth Applying To: Keyfactor, headquartered out of Independence, Ohio has a large and strong presence in Atlanta starting with their CEO Jordan Rackie and they are hiring. Keyfactor is hiring a remote sales manager among several roles. Keyfactor issues, manages, and protects machine identities across 1500+ businesses to ensure digital trust throughout every machine and transaction. We have put a link to their jobs. Event of the Week: Mark your calendars for June 15th. Jim Stallings of PS27 out of Jacksonville is hosting the Black Founders Forum at the University of North Florida. It is a full day event with keynote speakers, a pitch competition, panels, networking and more. Who should attend? Investors, angels, African American entrepreneurs, and professional services providers as well. Jim and the PS27 team are top notch so mark your calendars today.   Podcasts of the Week: If you are trying to wrap your head around AI and more specifically ChatGPT, Cal Newport, the author of Deep Work, has a fantastic episode on his Deep Questions podcast. Some of the questions asked and explored include:  How does ChatGPT work? (And should we worry about it?) Is there anything AI won't do better than humans? How will AI end up disrupting knowledge work? Should I quit web development before AI eliminates the industry? Will AI create mass job loss in the next five years? The TLDR in all of these is no, it's not coming for all of our jobs…at least for awhile. All of these questions and more are discussed and explored in this highly recommended podcast. We put the link in the show notes.  Feature Launch of the Week: While some of the specific feature launches are less headline worthy, I love them. Here's why, because these are the mini-milestones that lead to the headlines. It's fun to highlight raises, exits, and events, but the day to day grind is demonstrated through mini-milestones and one of those include features launched. We covered FlowPath a few weeks ago and here they are again with a major product enhancement around mapping and layouts. As a quick reminder, FlowPath makes facilities management software simple and this enhancement now allows their customers to visualize their work orders and upload floor plans, images, and more to create detailed maps of their facilities. Check out the extensive blog post with product demo in the show notes.   Raise a Glass: We have two of them this week out of the Carolinas. The first comes out of Greenville, South Carolina with the company called ScopeStack led by COO Andy Vanasse and CEO Jon Scott. Cultivation Capital, co-founded by Cliff Holekamp, led the $1.5M round. ScopeStack was founded in 2018 and ScopeStack provides a B2B platform that manages scoping and pricing for IT services. Likely a company hiring very soon as well. Congratulations to all involved on the next chapter of the story.  The next raise of the week comes out of the Raleigh-Durham triangle with Levitate raising $14M in their Series C. This round was led by Bull City Venture Partners. Levitate is a communications platform that streamlines anything from email, texting, calendars, notes, and more into one platform to manage it all. They have 4000 customers and $10M in ARR. Congrats to founder, Jesse Lipson on the next phase of the business.   Annnnnd that's five minutes! Companies Worth Applying To: Keyfactor  Event of the Week: Black Founders Forum Podcast of the Week: Cal Newport's Deep Questions: Thoughts on ChatGPT Product Feature Launch of the Week: FlowPath's Mapping and Building Layouts Raise of the Week: ScopeStack, Levitate

On this week's show, Kamz is joined by Nina Blankenship and Lisa Francoeur, co-founders of Crypto Tutors.These two influential women are on a mission to simplify cryptocurrency through e-learning and 1:1 tutoring to educate and transform knowledge into wealth.We went crazy over time while we were recording but we're bringing you some incredible mic-drop insights. Nina BlankenshipNina Blankenship is the CEO and co-founder of Crypto Tutors, a privately held, profitable and award-winning crypto education startup. Crypto Tutors' B2B model specializes in upskilling corporate employees (internal) and their customer communities (external e.g., Ambitious Girl HBCU Tour with Cash App). Nina is a media sales guru and was one of the top-ranking global media sales execs at Linkedin throughout her award winning 5+ year career there. Nina is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor who authored the popular “Video Strategies for High Engagement.” Leveraging her award-winning marketing strategies, Crypto Tutors' team of animators, illustrators, videographers and sound engineers work in concert to create original, high-quality content ranging from eLearning, the ”Crypto Couch” YouTube show to crypto rap. Since redirecting her entrepreneurial prowess to Crypto Tutors, Nina has scaled this lean startup to a seven-figure valuation in less than 18 months without external funding during an economic downturn. Nina is a staunch advocate for diversity, and her company Crypto Tutors organizes the world's largest diversity crypto conference. The Crypto For The Culture Conference featured in Forbes unites the most progressive, forward-thinking, diverse trailblazers in Web3. Leaders at Fidelity, the London Stock Exchange, A16z are among those who educate the crypto curious, crypto enthusiasts and crypto job seekers about how companies as well as individuals can best navigate the digital landscape. Nina holds a BA in Finance from the University of Florida, is an active crypto trader and is the CEO of Let's Brainstorm, a viral video production and marketing company. A Florida native, Nina is an animal lover who just adopted her foster dog, Ben, and believes you must ask, believe and achieve in order to receive. Lisa FrancoeurLisa Francoeur is a proud Haitian American and former fashion stylist who is presently co-founder and chief revenue officer of Crypto Tutors, a privately held, profitable and award-winning Web3 education startup. Crypto Tutors' B2B model specializes in upskilling corporate employees (internal) and their customer communities. As a seasoned tech executive with 10+ years of enterprise sales experience, Lisa has a proven track record of driving exponential growth while navigating complex deal structures at Fortune 100 firms including LinkedIn and startups. At the helm of business development, Lisa has led two lean startups to seven-figure valuations in less than 18 months without external funding, just revenue!As a LinkedIn content creator on crypto, her thought leadership is in high demand, having spoken at Meta, Block, Cash App, Gemini, A16z's Culture Leadership Summit and Earn Your Leisure's (EYL) InvestFest. Lisa is a global champion of diversity and her company, Crypto Tutors, organizes the world's largest diversity conference in crypto, Crypto for the Culture. Lisa is ranked 30th on the list of Top 50 Most Influential People in Crypto in the world, 5th out of 7 Top Crypto Female CEOs and 5th out of 11 Black Founders driving innovation in Web3. Lisa is also founder/CEO of Fancyfied, an innovation lab of human engineering. As an instructional, motivational speaker Lisa has spoken at LinkedIn, Ghana Tech Summit, Doordash Splunk and is also a corporate trainer who has delivered her proprietary mind-set training “Authentic Intelligence – the New AIl” at Salesforce, AMC Networks and Microsoft.On this education-packed show, we discuss:

On this week's show, Kamz is joined by Nina Blankenship and Lisa Francoeur, co-founders of Crypto Tutors.These two influential women are on a mission to simplify cryptocurrency through e-learning and 1:1 tutoring to educate and transform knowledge into wealth.We went crazy over time while we were recording but we're bringing you some incredible mic-drop insights. Nina BlankenshipNina Blankenship is the CEO and co-founder of Crypto Tutors, a privately held, profitable and award-winning crypto education startup. Crypto Tutors' B2B model specializes in upskilling corporate employees (internal) and their customer communities (external e.g., Ambitious Girl HBCU Tour with Cash App). Nina is a media sales guru and was one of the top-ranking global media sales execs at Linkedin throughout her award winning 5+ year career there. Nina is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor who authored the popular “Video Strategies for High Engagement.” Leveraging her award-winning marketing strategies, Crypto Tutors' team of animators, illustrators, videographers and sound engineers work in concert to create original, high-quality content ranging from eLearning, the ”Crypto Couch” YouTube show to crypto rap. Since redirecting her entrepreneurial prowess to Crypto Tutors, Nina has scaled this lean startup to a seven-figure valuation in less than 18 months without external funding during an economic downturn. Nina is a staunch advocate for diversity, and her company Crypto Tutors organizes the world's largest diversity crypto conference. The Crypto For The Culture Conference featured in Forbes unites the most progressive, forward-thinking, diverse trailblazers in Web3. Leaders at Fidelity, the London Stock Exchange, A16z are among those who educate the crypto curious, crypto enthusiasts and crypto job seekers about how companies as well as individuals can best navigate the digital landscape. Nina holds a BA in Finance from the University of Florida, is an active crypto trader and is the CEO of Let's Brainstorm, a viral video production and marketing company. A Florida native, Nina is an animal lover who just adopted her foster dog, Ben, and believes you must ask, believe and achieve in order to receive. Lisa FrancoeurLisa Francoeur is a proud Haitian American and former fashion stylist who is presently co-founder and chief revenue officer of Crypto Tutors, a privately held, profitable and award-winning Web3 education startup. Crypto Tutors' B2B model specializes in upskilling corporate employees (internal) and their customer communities. As a seasoned tech executive with 10+ years of enterprise sales experience, Lisa has a proven track record of driving exponential growth while navigating complex deal structures at Fortune 100 firms including LinkedIn and startups. At the helm of business development, Lisa has led two lean startups to seven-figure valuations in less than 18 months without external funding, just revenue!As a LinkedIn content creator on crypto, her thought leadership is in high demand, having spoken at Meta, Block, Cash App, Gemini, A16z's Culture Leadership Summit and Earn Your Leisure's (EYL) InvestFest. Lisa is a global champion of diversity and her company, Crypto Tutors, organizes the world's largest diversity conference in crypto, Crypto for the Culture. Lisa is ranked 30th on the list of Top 50 Most Influential People in Crypto in the world, 5th out of 7 Top Crypto Female CEOs and 5th out of 11 Black Founders driving innovation in Web3. Lisa is also founder/CEO of Fancyfied, an innovation lab of human engineering. As an instructional, motivational speaker Lisa has spoken at LinkedIn, Ghana Tech Summit, Doordash Splunk and is also a corporate trainer who has delivered her proprietary mind-set training “Authentic Intelligence – the New AIl” at Salesforce, AMC Networks and Microsoft.On this education-packed show, we discuss:

Erica Davis and Catherine Carter founded The Sip, a tight-knit community where members receive curated sparkling wines from all over the world and learn more about the regions and ingredients behind their favorite bottles. For more on The Sip & show notes: https://www.shopify.com/blog/the-sip-representation-in-the-wine-industry%20?utm_campaign=shopifymasters&utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=podcast

“The little FAT girl is an Online Bakery based out of Harlem NYC that specializes in the BEST little FAT Brownies you'll EVER have. Coco & Melvin, owners of TLFG met at the Temple University in the Cafeteria, go figure!! Their mission is to make every foodie feels like they are welcome at their table.   Follow Sis & Bro  @thelittlefatgirl  Website: The Little Fat Girl  www.thelittlefatgirl.com 20% OFF YOUR PURCHASE  Use Code: Yosis  Follow the Aye Yo Sis! community on IG @ayeyosiscommunity www.ayeyosis.com  The Aye Yo Sis! Podcast is produced by PodBear

Culture Crawl ATX jumping right into the 56th episode discussing views and opinions on venture capitalism, funding, and the entrepreneurship journey for Black Founders.

As the Global Co-Lead for Accenture's Black Founder's Development Program, Dujon's work with Accenture helps to level the playing field for Black technology startup founders and entrepreneurs through investment, mentorship, community, and support. Helping black-owned enterprise tech companies gain access to wealth creation, especially those who previously did not have a seat at the table.Formerly, Dujon acted as the Midwest Lead for Accenture Open Innovation, forming bridges between Global 2000 companies and the startup ecosystem. Dujon has traveled, worked, and studied in 55 countries and is passionate about connecting technology, culture, and education within communities. He operates professionally and personally at the intersection of his passion and purpose to create space for BIPOC entrepreneurs, creatives, and academics to thrive and grow. Dujon currently serves on the Global Inclusivity Board for Soho House (NYSE: MCG) and the University of Birmingham's Business School Advisory Board in the United Kingdom. He is a member of the Scenemaker's Board of the Goodman Theater and the YPC Board of Camp One Step and an active mentor in Chicago's startup community. Additionally, he is the Director of Development for Definition Theatre.Connect with Dujon C. Smith on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. For more info on Accenture's Black Founder's Development Program, click here. Connect with Tony Triumph: @tonytriumphofficial (IG), Tonytriumph10 (Twitter), LinkedInAudio Production: Jamal Bethea Music by: Yugy

This week, Natasha, Mary Ann, and Becca got on the mic about:Our deals of the week included a look at a large new fund focused on Africa, a startup raising big bucks to address the nursing shortage and Rebellyous raising in a crowded and struggling space toward its effort to 'rethink the nugget.'We took a few to chat through the latest around FTX, which is attempting to take back its political donations at the same time Robinhood is trying to buy back the 7.6% stake that an SBF entity acquired last year. We also marveled at how low Twitter Blue numbers really are.To throw it back for a second, Mary Ann walks us through the latest with Stripe AND all of our questions around its financial backing at the current moment. Becca reminds us that secondaries, dear friends, may be quiet but are livelier than ever.We end with notes on AI and inclusion, based on Dom's recent piece looking at the data behind the disparities. Reminder to use code EQUITY for 50% off annual TC+ memberships!Equity drops at 10:00 a.m. PT every Monday and at 7:00 a.m. PT on Wednesdays and Fridays, so subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotify and all the casts. TechCrunch also has a great show on crypto, a show that interviews founders, one that details how our stories come together and more!

There are rumors that a foldable iPad could be coming as soon as 2024, but would the price of such a device be cost-prohibitive?The venture capital scene got substantially worse for Black Founders in 2022. Their companies only received about 1% of the $215.9 billion raised last year, down from 1.3% in 2021.TikTok employees pick favorites with a “heat” button putting their thumbs on the scale for the content they want to go viral. Just another reason that creators need to control the distribution of their content and have a relationship with their biggest fans outside of social media platforms.We got all this and more for you in episode #68 of the Tech Jawn.Link to Show Notes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's what Natasha got into on today's Equity Monday:Big tech: Marqeta's nine-figure acquisition of a two-year-old fintech, and which bucket of deals I think it falls into. Plus, Stripe's whole 12-month timeline thing and my edit for your incoming thought pieces. Big idea: Natasha's latest Startups Weekly column is all about the latecomer advantage. She talks about the idea, and its nuance, in the context of building startup rivals.Big innovation: We end with a look at Atomos, which landed $16 million to tug vehicles through space, and a bright spot of an analysis, coming from the TC+ world, on Black Web3 founders. As always, follow us on Twitter for more @equitypod!Equity drops at 10:00 a.m. PT every Monday and at 7:00 a.m. PT on Wednesdays and Fridays, so subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Overcast, Spotifyand all the casts. TechCrunch also has a great show on crypto, a show that interviews founders, one that details how our stories come together, and more!

Kendra Cole is a mom of three kids, wife, IVF warrior and CEO of The CryptoMom App (https://www.thecryptomom.app), a cryptocurrency investment platform designed for those who identify as women and moms. As a mom to two daughters, her mission is to empower the next generation of female investors to leverage cryptocurrency as part of their wealth-building journey.  She created The CryptoMom App after realizing that current exchanges do not cater to the technology and lifestyle preferences of women and moms. Unlike any other investment platform that exists, her platform will allow users to buy and sell coin, allocate coin to college funds and other practical products, and give the gift of crypto for special occasions, like birthdays, graduations, and baby showers. She's so proud that her platform has captured the attention of Amazon, who selected us to participate in its Impact Accelerator for Black Founders, a prestigious program that supports underrepresented startup founders with the goal of building a more diverse cloud. Throughout her journey to launch, she has juggled two full-time jobs, multiple rounds of IVF, nursing a newborn, and a life-threatening sickle cell diagnosis for her daughter – all while pitching investors, securing funding, and building her startup from the ground up. Despite these trying experiences, these challenges have given her the grit, foresight and agility needed to succeed as a female founder in a heavily male-dominated tech industry.On the podcast we chatted about:-Her daughter who received her sickle cell donor from her sister with a 17% chance of her being a match.-What cryptocurrency is.-How and why she go into cryptocurrency.-Why women and moms should get into cryptocurrency now.-What women and moms will get from the cyrptomom app.And so much more!To find Kendra goto: www.instagram.com/thecryptomomappFollow me:www.instagram.com/stayathomemomyeahrightwww.facebook.com/stayathomemomyeahright-

Today on Fast Frontiers host Tim Schigel speaks with James Norman, a general partner at Black Operator Ventures, a venture fund that specifically empowers the entrepreneurship of people of color. James takes listeners on a deep dive of his growth and trajectory from Hollywood to venture capital, lessons learned in leadership, and how important networking and nurturing relationships are to customer acquisition. Key Takeaways: [00:09 - 00:58] Intro to James Norman and his venture projects[01:00 - 02:57] James' early life in Michigan and entrepreneurship inklings as a child[02:58 - 04:25] Building speaker systems for car audio[04:25 - 05:18] Transitioning from speaker systems to whole cars[05:18 - 07:58] Lessons learned doing private planning at Mitsubishi in LA[08:03 - 10:12] James' first tech company, Ubi, and lessons in leading[10:12 - 11:42] Growing his network and how NewME helped make connections[11:44 - 12:52] Heavy on product, heavy on execution[12:52 - 13:58] The stories we tell[14:04 - 15:42] How James realized his strength in building video platforms[15:44 - 18:09] Why diverse development teams are necessary, and navigating abrasive cultures as a person of color[18:10 - 20:55] The path to capital and realizations about next steps[20:55 - 23:12] Acquiring data and monetizing it with GroupFix and Pilotly[23:12 - 24:32] Working with Joe to build GroupFix and Pilotly[24:32 - 26:36] How Black Ops Ventures came about[26:36 - 28:13] Communicating better, and learning from icons like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk[28:14 - 28:57] Bias from investors and developing empathy[28:58 - 30:23] A golden opportunity to build a better resource for black founders[30:24 - 32:01] The Four Challenges for Venture Capital to Invest in Black Founders[32:01 - 34:01] Starting right now, and getting involved[34:04 - 35:06] Builders and leaders[35:06 - 36:42] Building relationships and holding yourself accountable to your identity as a leader[36:44 - 38:57] Customer acquisition and nurturing the relationship, and confidence in outcomes

Diversity hasn't always been a major part of the world of venture capital and startups.But founders of different ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds have started entering the market in a big way. As that's happened, it's been amazing to watch the ever-changing landscape of founders starting their own companies.In this special Funded episode, we look back and hear the stories of diverse founders we got to encounter the last two seasons: Erin Carpenter, Isharna Walsh, Nicole Emrani Green, and Kameale Terry.All of them had their own different challenges to overcome, but shared one thing in common: an uncommon drive to succeed. ---------- If you're looking for more fundraising content, grab my weekly newsletter packed full of strategies and insights around how to raise money: fundedpod.com/newsletter 

This week on Breaking Banks hosts Jason Henrichs and Brett King catch up with DIVINE, Victor Lombardi CEO & Founder, about his new startup Solvent, an AIO financial empowerment and wealth building platform for the system impacted, and Denise Quashie head of AWS Impact Accelerator for Black Founders, with Solvent one of 25 in this cohort, where black founders get the resources, training, tech and support needed to scale their startup faster, the accelerator works with startups in and out of the fintech space. Then Jason connects with Ben Borodach -- Co-Founder and CEO, April Tax and Ronen Assia, Managing Partner, Team8 Fintech on ways to make taxes, well, less taxing. https://youtu.be/SRoP-Px0Leg