Hello There!

Last week, the world’s most-followed TikToker, Khaby Lame, signed a game-changing deal that could signal a major shift in the creator economy. Unlike traditional influencer partnerships, this transaction was focused on building a structured, equity-backed, and scalable business model.

Let’s dive in to explore more juicy insights on the deal and other exciting stories in this newsletter edition.

Top Stories 📰

Story 1: TikToker Khaby Lame lands historic $900 million creator economy deal.

Story 2: Zoe Saldaña has claimed Hollywood’s ultimate box-office crown, becoming the highest-grossing actor in cinema history. 

Story 3: Have you read our spotlight on Golden Globe Winner and Multimedia Mogul, Teyana Taylor?

Become an UrbanGeekz Ambassador!

UrbanGeekz is on a mission to amplify tech, startups, and culture. We’re looking for bold, visionary individuals to join our inaugural UrbanGeekz Ambassador Program.

As an ambassador, you’ll create content, share authentic stories, and be our voice in global innovation. In return, you'll get to be part of a vibrant tech/entrepreneurial community. We also have some exclusive tech products up for grabs. Interested?

Hot News 🔥

1. Here is an updated list of eight U.S. Black-led startups that have officially joined the unicorn ranks.

2. Yale University has announced an expansion of its financial aid program by offering free tuition to families with incomes below $200,000.

3. Former NFL star Colin Kaepernick has announced a new partnership with Nashville Public Schools through his tech company, Lumi Story AI.

4. The Gates Foundation and OpenAI have launched Horizon1000, a $50 million health initiative to boost the use of artificial intelligence in health care centers across Africa.

Opportunities - Accelerators/Funding, Events.

Grants💰

Up to $100K–$1M | Get up to $1 in the Trust in Practice Awards on new initiatives to build trust across local or virtual communities. 📅 Apply by Jan. 30, 2026

Up to $300M | The GM on Main Street grant program supports nonprofits and local governments in revitalizing commercial districts with innovative projects. 📅 Apply by Feb. 13, 2026

$150K Investment | The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation aims to identify social entrepreneurs with dynamic ideas and nurture them in their early stages with maximum leverage and total commitment. 🗓️ Application on a rolling basis:

$155K | The Da Vinci Fellowship offers an equity-free grant of €150 000 per fellow to young, contrarian Europeans. 🗓️ Application on a rolling basis

$100K | The Thiel Fellowship is a two-year program for young people who want to build new things. Fellows receive a $100,000 grant and support from the Thiel Foundation’s network of founders, investors, and scientists.🗓️ Application on a rolling basis:

$100k | Unity for Humanity empowers creators to make the world a better place by helping bring their visions to life and amplifying their impact. 🗓️ Feb 20, 2026

Up to $15K | The Catalyst Fund by The Roddenberry Foundation makes grants between $2.5k - $15k to anyone with an early-stage idea or project that addresses pressing global challenges  🗓️ Apply on a rolling basis:

Up to $10K | Each qualifying nonprofit has access to up to $10,000 per month in search ads shown on Google.com. Additional Google Ads may be purchased in a separate account.  🗓️ Apply on a rolling basis:

Accelerators 💼

1. Y Combinator is accepting applications for the Winter 2026 Batch funding cycle, which will occur from January to March in San Francisco.

2. Techstars Accelerator provides funding, mentorship, hands-on training, and access to Techstars' global network of VC investors, corporate partners, and alumni founders

3. The Propellant Labs is a startup accelerator offering different programs to help entrepreneurs launch and scale their businesses.

4. Northwestern Mutual Black Founder Accelerator® invests in up to ten companies per year (two cohorts of five) focused on fintech, insuretech, digital health, and data analytics.

5. Peachscore + Dealum hosts 12 cohorts annually, offering startup founders the flexibility to join immediately upon acceptance and receive up to $150k, regardless of when they apply.

6. The two-year Activate Fellowship provides early-stage science entrepreneurs with funding, technical resources, and unparalleled support from a network of scientists, engineers, investors, commercial partners, and fellow entrepreneurs. 

7. Forum Ventures' accelerator helps SaaS and AI startups grow with pre-seed funding, mentorship, and expert guidance.

Applications Are Open for Square One’s 10-Week Pre-Accelerator

We are proud to support Square One Startup School, a virtual pre-accelerator program helping founders accelerate their startup journey through community, curriculum, and coaching. 

Learn from startup experts on how to build your first product, land your first customer, and secure your first investment. APPLY TODAY! https://squareoneschool.com/apply 

Submit your application by Friday, February 13, 11:59 pm EST.

Events🎟️

NANOG 96 convenes network engineers, operators, and architects across North America for three days of peer-driven learning and collaboration.

The tech event focuses on real-world networking challenges and emerging technologies, with a spotlight on AI and network infrastructure for 2026. Attendees can join technical presentations, open dialogues, and structured opportunities to connect with peers.

Location: San Francisco, California

Date: 2 - 4 February 2026

Right of Boom is a vendor-agnostic cybersecurity conference purpose-built for MSPs and MSSPs. The event focuses on helping service providers strengthen cyber resilience, increase enterprise value, and upskill their teams through business and technical agendas. Designed by MSPs for MSPs, this conference delivers real-world insights to address today’s most pressing cybersecurity threats and challenges.

Location: Las Vegas, Navada

Date: 3-6 February 2026

Africa Tech Summit Nairobi connects tech leaders from the African ecosystem and international players under one roof. Network with key stakeholders, including tech corporates, mobile operators, fintechs, DeFi & crypto ventures, investors, leading startups, regulators, and industry stakeholders, driving business and investment forward.

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Date: 11 -12 February 2026

Founded by Glory Olamigoke and David Ogebe, the Tech Revolution Africa Conference connects the entire technology value chain in Africa. It gathers thousands of talented players and leaders from the African tech ecosystem to network, collaborate, and discuss the growth of technological innovation on the continent. It features innovative startups, products, ideas, and solutions through technology.

Founded by Glory Olamigoke and David Ogebe, The  Tech Revolution Africa Conference connects the entire technology value chain in Africa. It gathers thousands of talented players and leaders from the African tech ecosystem to network, collaborate, and discuss the growth of technological innovation on the continent. It features innovative startups, products, ideas, and solutions through technology.

Date: 30 - 31 January, 2026

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

Thank you for joining us in this edition of Geekz Insider. We hope that our shared stories and opportunities will ignite your career goals and entrepreneurial spirit, fueling your drive to innovate. From dynamic founders to transformative AI programs and life-changing grants, there’s something here to inspire everyone.

Enjoy our newsletter? Share it with your network and sign up here to stay informed about the latest in tech, business, and innovation.  Until next time, keep hustling and making those geeky dreams come true!

If you're interested in sponsoring our newsletter, drop us a line at [email protected] with ‘Geekz Insider’ in the subject box!

Written by Stephen Oluwadara and produced by Gugu Nxumalo