Sequoia Capital’s chief operating officer, Sumaiya Balbale, stepped down from her role after partner Shaun Maguire made comments she considered Islamophobic, the Financial Times reports. In July, Maguire posted comments on X about New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, stating he “comes from a culture that lies about everything. It’s literally a virtue to lie […] The post Sequoia COO Resigns After VC Firm Failed To Address Islamophobia appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Africa’s wealthiest individual, Aliko Dangote —the richest Black man in the world —has reached a net worth of $30 billion as of October 23, 2025. His net worth’s last valuation change is more than $430 million, according to Bloomberg’s index. A few weeks ago, Bloomberg index stated that Dangote’s net worth was $29.6 billion, $400 million […] The post World’s Richest Black Person Makes History As Net Worth Hits $30B appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Afua Kyei, Chief Financial Officer at the Bank of England, has been named as the most influential Black person in the UK. The annual list, conducted by Powerlist, highlights the most powerful people of African, African-Caribbean, and African-American heritage. As CFO, Kyei leads financial governance of the £1 trillion balance sheet, funding reforms, and upgrades […] The post Bank Of England CFO, Steven Bartlett, And Emma Grede Among Most Influential Black Brits appeared first on POCIT. Tel...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Target announced it will cut 1,800 corporate jobs after trying to grow following four years of roughly stagnant sales and boycotts amid DEI backlash. In a memo sent to staff, Target’s incoming CEO, Michael Fiddelke, said the eliminated roles include about 1,000 employee layoffs and about 800 positions that will no longer be filled. “This […] The post Target Cut 1,800 Corporate Jobs In Company Restructuring Amid DEI Backlash appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of th...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Trying to get your foot in the door in the corporate world as a Black woman isn’t easy. This becomes way more difficult when you’re also disabled. The employment rate for people with disabilities in the US reached 22.5% in 2023; the tech sector appears to have a lower rate. A survey of the global AWS […] The post Meet The Blind CEO Who Is Helping Companies Become More Inclusive appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
A hair-braiding robot invented by a startup has won a Harvard Innovation Labs competition. Harvard Business School inventors Yinka Ogunbiyi and David Afolabi, the creators of Halo Braid, aim to halve braiding time. With their innovative braiding robot, they hope to help both braiders and clients save time and money, making the process faster and […] The post Harvard Graduate’s Hair-Braiding Robot Takes Top Prize In Startup Competition appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoug...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Fawn and Keith Weaver, the founders of the Uncle Nearest whiskey brand, are opposing efforts to add more of their businesses that are already placed under judicial control. Nearest Green Distillery and the flagship Uncle Nearest whiskey brand have been under a receiver’s management since September, after lender Farm Credit Mid-America claimed the Weavers defaulted […] The post Uncle Nearest Founders Push Back as Court Seeks Greater Control in Receivership Fight appeared first on POCIT. Te...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Black and other minority-owned businesses are being severely affected by the federal government shutdown. A recent survey conducted by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) reveals that these firms are being adversely affected by the economic downturn caused by the shutdown. The closure, which began on October 1, is expected to be one of […] The post Government Shutdown Could Cost Black And Minority Businesses $450M appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoug...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
The reality for Black female founders in the UK is far from easy. 0.02% of venture capital in the UK went to Black female founders between 2009 and 2019. Over a third (37%) of Black female business owners reported making no profit in 2019 compared to 16% of White male business owners. The statistics are […] The post Inside the Vamp Power Brunch Empowering Black Women to Build, Lead, and Win appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Target is spotlighting its partnership with Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE), a program supporting Black small business founders with access, education, and community, amid ongoing boycotts over its decision to rollback DEI initiatives. In a press release published on October 20, 2025, Target detailed its partnership with RICE, which began in 2020 and was renewed […] The post Target Spotlights Black Business Partnership Amid DEI Backlash and CEO Exit appeared first on POC...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Ebony Women Health Corp, a Charlotte-based health equity firm, has launched the EchoHer Community App, a new digital platform that amplifies the experiences of Black women and birthing people navigating pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. The app aims to turn those stories into data that can drive accountability and change in healthcare systems. A digital […] The post This New App Turns Black Maternity Experiences Into Actionable Insights appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Women make up 47% of STEM graduates in Africa, according to a recent McKinsey study —a higher share than in Europe (42%), Asia (41%), and South America (41%). Additionally, in sub-Saharan Africa, as much as 30% of roles in STEM sectors are held by women. However, less than 20% of top tech roles are held […] The post Africa Leads The World In Female STEM Graduates, Yet Few Hold Top Tech Roles appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Elly Savatia, a Kenyan inventor and social entrepreneur, has won the Africa 2025 Engineering Innovation Prize founded by the UK’s Royal Academy of Engineering. He won the award for Terp 360, an AI-powered app that translates speech into sign language using lifelike 3D avatars, along with a £50,000 ($67,000) grant. Terp 360: A Sign Language Translation App […] The post Kenyan Innovator Wins Prestigous Engineering Prize For Sign Language Translation App appeared first on POCIT. Telling t...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Join our Patreon for extra-long episodes and ad-free content: https://www.patreon.com/techish Techish host Michael Berhane and TechCrunch reporter Dominic-Madori Davis unpack what’s really going on with funding for Black founders — and why so many are heading back to the 9-to-5. They also get into Elon Musk’s clash with X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, Meta’s […] The post Why Black Founders Are Facing An Uphill Battle In Tech ft. Dominic-Madori Davis – Techish Podcast appeared ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
The Nigerian government is working with Google and Apolitical, a global learning platform for government innovation, to launch a training initiative for public servants. The initiative, called the AI Government Campus, will be implemented through the Apolitical Government AI Campus. It aims to train thousands of public servants and government leaders to understand and apply […] The post Google And Nigeria Launch AI Campus To Train Public Servants appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Cactus Jack Foundation, a non-profit founded by rapper Travis Scott, has launched a new initative for students with Space Center Houston. As reported by Complex, the program will allow Houston Independent School District students to engage in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)-enriched curriculum. Cactus Jack Foundation’s new initative The program will teach students […] The post Travis Scott’s Foundation Partners With Space Center Houston To Inspire STEM Student...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Moniepoint has raised another $90 million in an extension of its Series C round, bringing its total to $200 million after its initial $110 million raise in 2024. The round included investors such as Visa, Development Partners International LLP, Leapfrog, and Alphabet Inc.’s Google Africa Investment Fund, Ross Strike, according to Bloomberg. “We will not rest on our laurels,” co-founder […] The post Nigeria’s Billion-Dollar Fintech Moniepoint Raises An Additional $90M From Visa,...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Social media star Tareasa “Reesa Teesa” Johsnon, who went viral after posting her Who TF Did I Marry? series on TikTok, Johnson has signed a book deal. Storehouse Voices, an imprint within the Crown Publishing Group, acquired the book, which is titled What (TF) Do I Do Now? Not Just a Memoir, It’s a Survival […] The post Viral TikTok Creator Reesa Teesa Signs Book Deal appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
VIBE has merged with Rolling Stone, according to Billboard. The merger will allow Rolling Stone to expand its hip-hop coverage and take a deeper dive into the genre. Additionally, VIBE will release exclusive collector’s edition issues of the magazine and debut a new interview series featuring in-depth conversations with leading figures across music, sports, and […] The post Rolling Stone Merges With VIBE To Expand Its Hip-Hop And R&B Content appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories an...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
OpenAI has paused video generations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on its new Sora 2 app after backlash over disrespectful AI-generated depictions of the civil rights leader. The company announced the decision on X on Sunday, confirming it had reached a resolution with King, Inc., the organization representing the late Dr. King’s estate. The […] The post OpenAI Pauses AI Videos Of Martin Luther King Jr. After Backlash appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underre...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Coaching and digital education company Career Love LLC is launching a free Career Love Community, a digital space helping Black women who have been laid off from their jobs. Founded by career coach and DEI Mercedes Swan, the initiative aims to provide a space where Black women can access resources, network, and support after experiencing […] The post This Founder Is Launching A Digital Space To Help Black Women Navigate Job Loss appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of t...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams signed Executive Order 57, creating the New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain — the first mayor-led office of its kind in the US. This move aims to make New York a global leader in digital assets like cryptocurrency and blockchain. Mayor Adams has also appointed Moises […] The post Mayor Adams Launches Initiative to Establish New York City As A Global Hub For Digital Assets appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the unde...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Black-owned media company BOMESI has partnered with Black-owned marketing and tech platform Breakr to launch SASA. The new payment and financing platform is designed to give Black-owned publishers and creators access to real-time compensation and campaign liquidity. The rollout supports BOMESI’s mission to build sustainable financial systems for diverse-owned media and address one of the industry’s biggest challenges: slow […] The post Black-Owned Companies Launch New Platform To He...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Epiminds, an agentic AI company, has raised $6.6 million in funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners, EWOR, Entourage, and leading angels such as the former CMO of Booking.com, according to Tech Funding News reports. The Swedish startup, founded in 2025 by Mo Elkhidir (CEO) and Elias Malm, aims to reinvent how marketing agencies work by using […] The post Black Founder Secures $6.6M For His AI Startup Helping Marketers Focus On Creativity, Not Admin appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stor...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Nigerian men are using AI to create fake nude images of women, according to Gst. On X, Nigerian men are using AI to create fake photos of women; some users are tagging Grok and commenting “remove her clothes” under women’s photos. After a few minutes, the manipulated images are posted under the original user’s post. […] The post Nigerian Men Are Using AI To Digitally Undress Women appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Tanya Morris, founder of Mom Your Business (MYB), is teaming up with Baltimore-based EcoMap Technologies to launch Foundery PHL, as reported by Technical.ly. The platform will help founders access the necessary tools needed to expand their businesses. Foundery PHL will host organizations like Enterprise Center, Startup Leader, and Women’s Opportunities Resource Center, providing resources and support for entreprenuers. Black women-led Businesses […] The post Founder Launches Platfor...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Campus, a Black-owned community college startup, has acquired Sizzle AI, an AI learning platform founded by former Meta AI chief Jerome Pesenti, who will join as Chief Technology Officer. “Acquiring Sizzle accelerates our engineering roadmap by 2-3 years,” said Tade Oyerinde, founder and Chancellor of Campus, in a press release. “They’ve built the best AI […] The post Black-Owned College Startup Campus Acquires Ex-Meta Chief’s AI Platform appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stori...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Join our Patreon for extra-long episodes and ad-free content: https://www.patreon.com/techish Techish is back! In this week’s episode, hosts Michael and Abadesi break down Gen Z’s job market struggles, from AI shaking up entry-level roles to companies cutting costs and outsourcing instead of hiring fresh talent. They dig into why degrees aren’t translating into jobs, how […] The post The Gen Z Job-pocalypse! Is It Really All Because Of AI? – Techish Podcast appeared first on POCIT. ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Every year, on the second Monday in October, the US commemorates Indigenous Peoples’ Day to honor and celebrate Indigenous communities’ rich cultures, traditions, and contributions. Here, we shine a spotlight on some remarkable Indigenous leaders, past and present, who are pushing the boundaries of tech and inspiring the next generation. 1. Mary Golda Ross Mary […] The post 4 Tech Leaders You Should Know About This Indigenous Peoples’ Day appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories a...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Dr. Bernice A. King, daughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., has raised concerns over the use of AI to recreate deceased public figures. Users have been generating AI videos of celebrities through OpenAI’s Sora app. The app, which launched in September, Sora 2 allows users to create videos from simple text prompts. The app was downloaded […] The post MLK And Malcolm X’s Daughters Slam AI Depictions Of The Dead As OpenAI’s Sora Soars In Popularity appeared first on POCIT. Telling the...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Jaden and Willow Smith are partnering with Black-owned media company studio N LITE to produce and voice roles in upcoming films. The anime studio, which is based in the US and Tokyo, was founded by Christiano Malik Terry, a creative entrepreneur and filmmaker. “We are honored to collaborate with Jaden and Willow,” Terry told The […] The post Jaden And Willow Smith To Produce And Star In New Films From Black-Owned Anime Studio appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told his employees that the company will continue to sponsor H-1B visas and cover all associated costs after President Donald Trump’s new executive order imposed $100,000 fee on each new application. A H-1B visa allows employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in “specialty occupations” that require a degree or its equivalent. […] The post Nvidia’s CEO Will Cover Visa Fees, Telling Staff ‘Legal Immigration Remains Essential’ appeared first on POCIT....| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Black women only make up 0.7% of the UK’s technology workforce, according to the Tech Talent Charter Diversity in Tech Report 2023. With statistics being that low, it’s hard for Black women to believe that they can make space in an industry where they are often not seen. Nevertheless, Black women in tech do exist, and many […] The post This Is Why Some Black Women Are Leaving The Tech Industry appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
On Friday, October 9, Black Tech Fest (BTF) hosted its fifth annual festival, which brings tech professionals, creatives, and academics. BTF hosts a range of workshops and talks by some of the biggest names in the tech and creative industry. For the first time since its existence, the UK government declined BTF’s invitation to speak […] The post UK Government Declined To Speak At Black Tech Fest For The First Time appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepre...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Pinky Cole Hayes has announced that Slutty Vegan is welcoming people to become franchisees of the company. Once a business becomes a franchise, it allows other people to sell goods through a licensing relationship. It also grants rights from one party to another. The new move will allow the business to expand. Cole hired former […] The post Slutty Vegan Founder Pinky Cole Bought Back Her Company, Now She’s Inviting Others To Grow It With Her appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories an...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Founders + senior tech leaders, don't miss these two exclusive events. Free entry, limited spaces. RSVP today! This October, as the tech and startup world descends on Houston, POCIT is hosting two exclusive events designed to deepen connections, foster leadership, and elevate voices across the tech ecosystem: the Breaking Bread Founder Dinner and the INNOV8 Tech Leadership Brunch. […] The post In Houston This October? Don’t Miss These 2 POCIT Events For Founders And Tech Leaders appear...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Uncle Nearest whisky company remains viable and should continue operating, according to the first quarterly report filed by a court-appointed receiver. “The Company has significant value and can be reorganized, as a going concern,” he wrote, emphasizing that a fire-sale liquidation is unnecessary. The lawsuit against Uncle Nearest The Black-owned brand was in dire straits, […] The post Black Woman-Owned Uncle Nearest Is Viable And Has “Significant Value,” Report Says appeared first ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Two Black-owned health and wellness startups are teaming up to close the gap in menopause care for Black women. Black Girl Vitamins, a Chicago-based wellness brand, and Jayla Health, a hormonal health telehealth startup, are collaborating to offer free virtual consultations for menopause and perimenopause to Black women in New York, California, and Florida. The […] The post Two Black Women–Owned Startups Team Up On Free Telehealth Initiative To Improve Menopause Care appeared first on POC...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Burberry, a British fashion house, has cut Geoffrey Williams, the head of diversity, from his role. “As part of a wider restructure, Burberry has chosen to integrate responsibility for diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organization,” Williams wrote in a LinkedIn post. He continued: “This reflects a belief that DEI should be embedded throughout the […] The post Burberry Scraps Head Of Diversity Role Amid Company Reshuffle appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoug...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Black-owned businesses faced the highest rejection rate for loans in 2024, according to a recent analysis by LendingTree. Nearly 2 in 5 (39%) of Black founders were denied when applying for loans, lines of credit, or merchant cash advances. Hispanic business owners also faced high levels of rejection, with a 29% rejection rate. Comparatively, only […] The post 2 In 5 Black-Owned Business Loan Applications Were Denied, Study Finds appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Dating in 2025 is tough, and it’s even harder if you’re hoping to meet someone who shares your cultural background. The same can be said for building friendships and finding community. While social media offers endless possibilities, it’s rarely easy to filter for genuine connection. And on dating apps, your options are limited. Currently, the […] The post Inside HUE: The New App Helping People Of Color Find Love And Connection appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Meta and the Nigerian government have reached an out-of-court settlement to resolve a $32.8 million fine issued by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC). In February, the NDPC issued the fine, stating that Meta had violated Nigeria’s Data Protection Act by practicing behavioral advertising on Facebook and Instagram, according to Techpoint Africa. The regulator claimed […] The post Meta To Settle $32.8M Data Privacy Fine From Nigerian Regulator appeared first on POCIT. Telling the...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Apple has removed ICEBlock and several similar apps from its App Store after government officials raised concerns about safety risks linked to tools that let users track US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The growth of ICE-Tracking Apps A growing number of mobile apps are helping immigrants stay safe amid ICE deportations, providing critical information such as “Know […] The post Apple And Google Remove Apps Tracking ICE Agents appeared first on POCIT. Telling the st...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Tabitha Brown says her business has taken a “major hit” following boycotts of Target earlier this year. The backlash came after Target announced in January 2025 that it would end its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, including programs supporting Black- and minority-owned brands. Brown, who sold home décor and hair care lines through the […] The post Tabitha Brown Says Business Took ‘Major Hit’ After Target DEI Rollback Boycotts appeared first on POCIT. Telling th...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Breni is an AI-powered learning app that simplifies learning by providing students with personalised content tailored to different learning styles and languages. The app launched in August and has already attracted over 3,000 users from more than 20 countries worldwide, with 90% of them outside Nigeria, according to TechPoint Africa. Founders Sadiq Umar and Bilal […] The post This Nigerian AI-Powered App Has 90% Of Its Users Outside Of Nigeria appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories an...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
The Root, an online news and media website, will be owned by a Black woman for the first time. Democratic political strategist and CNN commentator, Ashley Allison, announced that she is acquiring The Root from G/O Media, a digital media holding company controlled by a private equity firm. CNN reported that Allison said she will […] The post Democratic Political Strategist Buys The Root, Making It A Black-Owned Publication appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the unde...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
The Fearless Fund has launched a new initiative one year after settling a lawsuit with the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER). The announcement of Fearless Global Initiative was made at an event hosted by The Fearless Fund, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “This is (as) good for the white Kentucky coal miner as it […] The post Fearless Fund Launches New Global Initiative One Year After Anti-DEI Lawsuit appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the u...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
NBA MVP Russell Westbrook, NBA All-Star Kemba Walker, and NCAA champion Donnell Beverly Jr. recently launched Eazewell, a tech startup that helps ease the burden of funeral planning. The startup is now launching its AI-Powered Care Transitions Platform. The platform aims to support families, hospices, senior living communities, and life insurers with the administrative tasks at […] The post NBA All-Stars Launch New AI Platform To Simplify End-Of-Life Admin appeared first on POCIT. Telling ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Most of us have a LinkedIn profile. We use it to connect with our industry peers, find new jobs, and update our portfolios. But how can we utilize LinkedIn to its full potential? With 57% of the web’s job traffic coming from LinkedIn, it can be a game-changer for your career — if you know […] The post How To Use Your LinkedIn Profile To Your Advantage And Make The Right Connections appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
During Mafiathon 3, Kai Cenat released a trailer for a movie featuring himself and comedians Kevin Hart and Druski. The movie will be a horror-comedy film about streamers titled “Livestream From Hell,” directed by David Janoff. Mafiathon is a series of month-long, non-stop live streaming events hosted by Cenat, where fans can subscribe to support […] The post Kai Cenat, Kevin Hart, And Druski Announce New “Livestream From Hell” Movie appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Vibe-coding startup Anything has raised $11 million in financing at a $100 million valuation, led by Footwork, with additional backing from Uncork, Bessemer Venture Partners, and M13. Founded by former Google colleagues Dhruv Amin and Marcus Lowe, the platform lets anyone build and monetize an app through vibe coding — a technique where users provide […] The post These Ex-Googlers’ AI App Builder Is Now Worth $100M appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underre...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Peter Iwuh, founder of Tykoon Sports Agency, the first Black-owned NIL marketing firm, has launched Tykoon AI, AfroTech reports. The new platform, created with Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer Omogbolade Ajayi and Chief Growth Officer Alexander Turner is designed to help underrepresented athletes at HBCUs, smaller schools and lesser-known conferences take advantage of name, image […] The post Black-Owned NIL Marketing Firm Launches AI Agent To Help HBCU Athletes Profit From Their Bran...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Shield, a crypto neo-bank, has raised a $5 million seed round led by Giant Ventures to help businesses send and receive money across borders more quickly and affordably. CEO Emmanuel Udotong told TechCrunch that he and his team launched Shield as mainstream uses for crypto were scarce, while “bad actors” were dominating the space. Shield’s […] The post Crypto Startup Raises $5M To Replace Costly, Slow International Wire Transfers appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and though...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Kai Cenat has become the first user on Twitch to reach over one million active subscribers, just days before finishing Mafiathon 3, his month-long subscriber marathon series. Cenat had previously achieved the record for the highest number of subscribers in December 2024 with his Mafiathon 2, surpassing 700k, and reached the one million milestone on […] The post Kai Cenat Breaks Twitch Record With 1M Subscribers appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresente...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
will.i.am is set to teach a 15-week AI course titled “The Agentic Self” in January 2026. The course will be taught at Arizona State University (ASU), a school focused on increasing the digital fluency of the next generation of learners. “This professorship marks a new chapter in my life,” will.i.am said in a press release. […] The post will.i.am To Teach AI Agentic Course At Arizona State University appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Paid, an AI agent startup, has raised $21.6 million in a seed round led by Lightspeed. The London-based startup recently raised €10 million ($11.7 million) in a pre-seed round, meaning the company has raised $33.3 million and hasn’t even reached its Series A yet. The startup’s valuation exceeds $100 million, according to a source familiar […] The post Latino Founder Raises $21M To Help AI Agent Makers Get Paid For Performance appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts o...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Solange Knowles’ Saint Heron has launched a free digital archival library of literature by Black and brown authors, poets, and artists. Readers can borrow rare and out-of-print books for up to 45 days, creating new pathways to access historically significant works. Improving access to Black archives Many historically significant Black material survives only in fragile, […] The post Solange Opens Free Digital Library Of Rare Black Books appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thou...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
On October 1, 2025, California will implement new rules on Automated Decision Systems (ADS). These regulations will enforce strict compliance obligations on employers that use AI in hiring, promotions, evaluations, and other employment decisions, according to Holland & Hart. This comes at a time when the federal court has authorized a nationwide class action against […] The post California Implements New Rules On Employers Using AI During Hiring Decisions appeared first on POCIT. Telling th...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Kredete, a Nigerian fintech company that helps African immigrants build credit, has raised $22 million in a series A funding round led by AfricInvest through its Cathay AfricInvest Innovation Fund (CAIF) and Financial Inclusion Vehicle (FIVE). This latest round, which also had participation from Polymorphic Capital and Partech, brings Kredete’s total funding to $24.75 million, […] The post Nigerian Fintech Raises $22M In Series A Round To Help African Immigrants Build Credit appeared firs...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
The 2Africa submarine cable is scheduled to launch in September 2025 in locations including London, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. Facebook reported that it will span 45,000 kilometers across nine landings, collectively known as the 2Africa Pearls. The subsea cable will directly connect Africa, Europe, and Asia. Upon its completion, the extension will make 2Africa […] The post Facebook-backed 2Africa Subsea Cable Set To Go Live In September 2025 appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stori...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Interested in cybersecurity? Join us for BUILT DIFFERENT, happening in London on October 2. Spaces are free but limited — RSVP now to secure your spot. Get to know the Black British cybersecurity professionals making big moves in the UK and beyond. From CEOs and academics to community builders and content creators, they’re shaping the future of cybersecurity while […] The post 6 Black Leaders Shaping Cybersecurity In The UK And Beyond appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Aliyah Jones went viral after going undercover on LinkedIn as a white woman named Emily to expose racial bias in corporate hiring. The digital storyteller documented the eight-month experiment in her Corporate Catfish docuseries, which resonated with hundreds of thousands online. Now, she’s expanding that work into a full-length documentary exploring what it truly means […] The post Her Fake LinkedIn Profile Exposed Hiring Bias, Now She’s Turning Her Viral Series Into A Documentary appe...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Black and Latine professionals navigating corporate America are often told to “find a mentor.” While mentorship can be helpful, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. What we really need is a personal board of advisors: a career dream team tailored to our unique goals, experiences, and ambitions. Sometimes referred to as a “Personal Board […] The post Why Every Black And Latine Professional Needs A Personal Board Of Advisors appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of t...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Dria Ventures has launched its first fund with $8 million to invest in pre-seed and seed-stage startups addressing America’s rising cost crisis. Led by Founder and Managing Partner Megan Maloney, the fund is targeting two sectors where “the math is broken”: healthcare and Main Street productivity. In healthcare, costs now make up nearly 20% of […] The post New $8M Fund Targets Healthcare And Main Street: “The Math Is Broken” appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thought...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is facing a lawsuit from 404 Media after failing to release details of a $2 million contract with Israeli spyware company Paragon. The investigative outlet filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request in September 2024 seeking records related to the deal but received no substantial response, despite federal law […] The post ICE Is Keeping Its $2M Spyware Contract Under Wraps – Now The Media Are Suing appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stori...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
R&B artist named Xania Monet has just inked a $3 million deal with Hallwood Media, the company led by former Interscope executive Neil Jacobson, Billboard reports. But Xania isn’t human. She’s the AI-powered creation of Telisha “Nikki” Jones, a 31-year-old poet and design studio owner from Olive Branch, Mississippi. Jones, who grew up singing in church, […] The post This New R&B Star Just Inked A $3M Deal – And She Was Created By A Black Woman Using AI appeared first on POCIT. Te...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
President Trump’s latest move on immigration is shaking up the tech industry and the global talent pipeline it relies on. On Friday, the White House announced that employers must now pay $100,000 for each new H-1B visa application, nearly 60 times the previous $215 lottery registration fee. The H-1B visa allows US companies to hire skilled foreign […] The post Trump’s New $100K Fee For Foreign Worker Visas Leaves Tech Industry Scrambling appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories an...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Wells Fargo has agreed to settle a federal class-action lawsuit over allegations that it misrepresented its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, The Charlotte Observer reports. The lawsuit followed reports that the bank held fake job interviews with women and people of color to satisfy internal DEI requirements, without a genuine intent to hire them. […] The post Wells Fargo To Settle DEI Lawsuit Over Sham Job Interviews appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts o...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Sisters Dr. Jacqueline Philips and Lorraine Phillips have launched Melanin Doctor, the first Black-owned telehealth service dedicated exclusively to Black women. Inspired by their mother’s struggle with diabetes and her life-changing results with GLP-1 medications, the sisters, who are both doctors, created the platform to expand access and care for Black women. Black women face […] The post Sisters Launch First Black-Owned Telehealth Service Designed For Black Women appeared first on POC...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Interested in product management or design? Join us for BUILT DIFFERENT, happening in London on October 2. Spaces are free but limited — RSVP now to secure your spot. Black women in tech are shaping the future of product development, strategy, and innovation across industries—from AI to fintech, media, and retail. They’re not just leading teams; they’re building ecosystems, […] The post 6 Black British Women Product Leaders You Should Know appeared first on POCIT. Telling the st...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Uncle Nearest, a Black-owned Tennessee whiskey brand, may be heading towards bankruptcy as disputes persist over which assets fall under a federal receivership, according to recent court filings reviewed by the Lexington Herald-Leader. The development came from a lawsuit filed by lender Farm Credit Mid-America, which claims Uncle Nearest, Nearest Green Distillery, and its founders, Keith […] The post Black Woman-Owned Uncle Nearest Whiskey, Once Worth $1.1B, Could Now Be At Risk Of Bankrup...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
We know that there aren’t enough Latina women in tech. They make up just 1.7% of women in the industry, hold less than 1% of leadership roles in Silicon Valley, and earn under half of what white, non-Hispanic men make. Many leave within a year, citing poor working conditions. When you look at these statistics, […] The post From Twitch To Netflix: Meet Two Latinas Taking Up Space In Tech appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Women-led startups continue to attract only a small portion of investment in Africa’s tech ecosystem. So far in 2025, male-led startups in Africa have received 75% of all funding raised. This leaves the remainder shared between women-led and mixed gender teams, according to the latest Africa Venture Pulse report by Briter, a research and business intelligence […] The post African Startups Raised $2B So Far This Year, Just 10% Went To Teams With A Female Founder appeared first on POCIT. T...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Ariel Alternatives has acquired Groome Industrial Service Group, a provider of industrial cleaning and maintenance solutions. JPMorgan Chase & Co. joined the deal with a minority stake through its asset management division. Founded by business leader Mellody Hobson, Ariel Alternatives is the private equity arm of Ariel Investments, one of the largest Black-owned money managers […] The post Black-Owned Investment Firm Buys Industrial Services Provider As Energy Demand Soars appeared first on...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
This article is sponsored by Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures. Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures (MSISV) is supporting the future of innovation by backing early-stage startups and nonprofits with the capital and tools they need to scale. Building on the momentum of the Inclusive Ventures Lab and Sustainable Solutions Collaborative, MSISV has already distributed […] The post Meet 16 Founders Joining Morgan Stanley Inclusive & Sustainable Ventures appeared first ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Bleyt is helping immigrants transfer their credit history across countries. The company has a built-in money app that uses AI to obtain pull financial data from local credit providers and bureaus. It also features a multi-currency account and card, allowing immigrants to minimize delays when accessing financial services in new countries. Immigrants struggling to access […] The post This Fintech Is Helping Immigrants Transfer Their Credit History Across Borders appeared first on POCIT. Telli...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Former basketball star and serial entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal is partnering with used car retailer Carvana to launch an AI-powered assistant called the Shaqbot. “I’ve been buying and selling cars for years, and when I found Carvana, I really loved the ease and innovation of the brand. That’s what makes my partnership with Carvana so exciting,” O’Neal […] The post Shaq O’Neal Launches AI-Powered Assistant Called The Shaqbot With Carvana appeared first on POCIT. Telling the s...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
The current job market for Black women in the US is bleak. More than 300,000 Black women have exited the workforce in just a matter of months. 518,00 Black women have not returned to the labor force since the pandemic started, meaning their real unemployment rate is over 10%, according to gender economist Katica Roy’s […] The post How Black Women Can Protect Their Careers Amid Rising Unemployment appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
An Indigenous group in the Brazilian state of Ceará is taking TikTok to court over its planned data center, according to Rest of World. The Anacé has claimed the area where TikTok and Casa dos Ventos, a wind energy company that will power the data center, are to be built. Leaders of the community say […] The post An Indigenous Group In Brazil Is Planning To Take TikTok To Court Over Data Center appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Nearly 300,000 Black women left the workforce in just three months, according to gender economist Katica Roy’s analysis of federal data published in MSNBC. Black women were the only major female demographic to see significant job losses in the five-month period between February and July, with 319,000 leaving the workforce, The New York Times reports. […] The post Congresswoman Urges Federal Action After 300,000 Black Women Exit Workforce In Just 3 Months appeared first on POCIT. Telling t...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
AI is helping Latinos get on the property ladder. Latinos often face several barriers when trying to buy a home, such as meeting loan officers who don’t speak Spanish and not being able to fully understand what is being explained to them by loan officers. Federal housing agencies have started to switch to English-only services […] The post Mortgage Experts Are Using AI To Help Latinos Get On The Property Ladder appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresen...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation has awarded $19.8 million to 12 projects across Detroit. One of the recipients of the grant is Black Tech Saturdays, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. Black Tech Saturdays allows creatives and tech enthusiasts to learn, innovate, and collaborate. The group will receive $2 million to […] The post Black Tech Saturdays Receives $2M Grant From Knight Foundation appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in te...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Garage, an online marketplace selling specialized equipment commonly used in local government, raised $13.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Infinity Venture. Other investors included Benchstrength, Wayfinder Ventures, and FJ Labs, according to TechCrunch. Being a firefighter since age 15 meant that co-founder Martin Hunt knew the struggles of small communities with […] The post Ex-Firefighter Secures $13.4M For His YC-Backed Marketplace For Emergency Trucks And Gear appeared firs...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Lion Forge Entertainment, the Black-owned studio behind a growing slate of diverse film and TV projects, has secured a $30 million in a funding round led by HarbourView Equity Partners, as first reported by Bloomberg. The Los Angeles–based studio, founded by David Steward II, son of billionaire tech entrepreneur David Steward, will use the capital […] The post Tech Billionaire’s Son Behind Oscar-Winning Studio Raises $30M To Bring More Diverse Stories To The Screen appeared first on POC...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
A new social media platform designed for the Black community is set to launch. Byio – short for By Invite Only- is the first-ever SaaS, AI-forward social platform founded and owned by Black women, according to a press release. Byio is designed to build community. “Unlike traditional platforms that alienate and mistreat certain demographics, Byio […] The post The First-Ever Social Platform Founded And Owned By Black Women Is 100% Invite-Only appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories a...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Amid rising unemployment rates for Black women, many with disabilities are seeking self-employment, according to a new study from Georgia State University and Wayne State University. Published in June in the Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, the research analyzed US Census Bureau data, including responses from 91 Black women with physical or mental disabilities. […] The post Nearly Half Of Black Women With Disabilities Are Turning To Self-Employment appeared first on POCI...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Serena Ventures participated in a series B investment round for the 3-on-3 basketball league Unrivaled. The round was led by Bessemer Venture Partners, and other investors included Warner Bros. Discovery and Alex Morgan’s Trybe Ventures. This latest investment brings the value of Unrivaled to $340 million, which is a historic figure for a young league. The basketball league […] The post Serena Ventures Backs 3-On-3 Basketball League Now Valued At $340M appeared first on POCIT. Telling ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
ICE has recently spent approximately $4 million on facial recognition technology to investigate individuals it believes have harmed law enforcement officers, according to procurement records obtained by 404 Media. The records suggest that ICE is purchasing the technology to identify people who might assault the agency’s officers as they continue the Trump administration’s mass deportation […] The post ICE Spends Millions On Clearview AI Facial Recognition Tech appeared first on POCIT. T...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Iwnetim Abatek, an Ethiopian entrepreneur and assistant professor at MIT in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, has been named to the MIT 35 Innovators Under 35 list. The annual list, published by MIT Technology Review, celebrates the world’s most promising young creators in science and technology. Abatek’s research focuses on sodium-ion batteries, a […] The post Meet The Ethiopian Entrepreneur Who Made The MIT Innovators Under 35 List For 2025 appeared first on POCIT. ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Global advertising agency 72andSunny is facing backlash after launching a new app that critics say mimics Spill, a Black-owned next generation social platform designed to put culture first. According to Kenya T. Parham, Spill’s Chief Growth Officer, 72andSunny’s Amsterdam office unveiled an app called SPIL*, which shares striking similarities with Spill. In a now-deleted LinkedIn […] The post Black-Owned Social Network Spill Accuses Global Media Company Of Cloning Its Platform appeared ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Introducing BUILT DIFFERENT: a panel and mixer for product and cybersecurity professionals happening in London on October 2, 2025. Hosted by us at POCIT in partnership with GitLab, this event brings together industry leaders to tackle one of the most pressing issues of our time: building at speed without sacrificing trust. A panel and mixer […] The post The London Event Every Product And Cybersecurity Professional Should Know About appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts o...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Career Karma, the app and community that has helped thousands transition into tech careers, has been acquired by New York-based student platform Climb Credit. Ruben Harris founded Career Karma in 2018 alongside twin brothers Artur and Timur Meyster, building on the success of their earlier podcast that introduced newcomers to the tech industry. With this acquisition, […] The post Black-Owned Platform That Helps People Break Into Tech Gets Acquired appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stori...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
ICE will have access to Israeli-made spyware that can hack into any phone and view encrypted messages. The Department of Homeland Security first entered into a contract with Paragon Solutions in 2024. But the Biden Administration put the $2 million deal on pause as it faced compliance reviews related to privacy and security concerns. The […] The post ICE Revives Contract With Previously Banned Spyware Maker appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Serena and Venus Williams are launching the Williams Family Excellence Program, a new initiative to support under-resourced communities with academic support, career pathways, and mentorship. Launched in partnership with the USTA Foundation, the program will help young people prepare for their lives both on and off the court. “This initiative stands as a living legacy […] The post Venus And Serena Williams Will Launch An Initiative Helping Young People With Their Career Development appear...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
SRE.ai, an AI-powered automation platform, announced that it raised $7.2 million in a seed round led by Salesforce Ventures and Crane Venture Partners. The company will provide users with natural language AI agents that can perform complex enterprise DevOps workflows, such as continuous integration and testing, according to TechCrunch. “Instead of stitching together different low-code tools […] The post AI-Powered Automation Platform Raises $7.2M For DevOps AI Agents appeared first on PO...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Gilbert Family Foundation announced that it will grant over $4 million to Black Leaders Detroit (BLD) and the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA). The announcement made during Black Business Month detailed that the capital will be allocated towards several programs for Detroit business owners, including increasing access to capital, technical assistance, business coaching, and more. […] The post Gilbert Family Foundation Invests Over $4M To Detroit Business Ecosystem appeared first on P...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Lagos and San Francisco-based Compound AI has launched KidGPT, an AI agent specifically designed for children aged five to thirteen and their parents. The AI agent assists children in studying and learning various topics, including math, English, and even language learning. It gives children questions and additional prompts rather than giving them answers. “I’ll help you think […] The post This Lagos And San Francisco-Based Lab Has Launched An AI Agent For Children appeared first on P...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Black Tech Street (BTS) is bringing transformative AI innovation education to Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District with the help of microchip maker NVIDIA. The partnership aims to help Tulsa become a national model for tech-driven economic empowerment and community advancement. NVIDIA, the world’s most valuable company, will collaborate with the organization to lead efforts in integrating […] The post NVIDIA Partners With Black Tech Street To Advance AI Education In Tulsa appeared first ...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Kai Cenat recently confirmed plans for his Nigerian school after months of speculation and criticism from fans. In 2024, the streamer visited the Makoko Children Development Foundation School and Orphanage in Lagos, where he saw the dire conditions of the students and staff. After seeing the school’s sinking building, limited space, and the struggle to […] The post Streamer Kai Cenat Confirms $5M Project To Build School In Nigeria Following Online Pressure appeared first on POCIT. Telling...| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.
Layoffs are stressful for everyone, but they can hit Black and Latine workers especially hard. In June, the jobless rate for Black Americans rose to 6.8%, up from 6% in May, according to the Labor Department, as reported by CNN. Job hunting is already a full-time job, and the pressure intensifies when hundreds of people are competing […] The post How To Job Search During Layoffs And Uncertainty appeared first on POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech..| POCIT. Telling the stories and thoughts of the underrepresented in tech.