Hi there!

As far back as the early 2000s, predictions have been made about integrating robots into our everyday lives.

A few weeks ago, Tesla unveiled groundbreaking and futuristic new technology. With Tesla’s launch of the humanoid robots Optimus, Robovan, and Cybercap, that anticipated future is here.

Let’s dive into today’s stories.

Top Stories 📰

Story 1: We broke down Tesla’s ‘We, Robot’ event highlights, the evolution of Optimus, what it means for the future, and even some Twitter or X controversies surrounding the robot’s similarities to the 2004 I, Robot film.

Story 2: Our African reporter was live at Moonshot, TechCabal’s flagship tech conference. The event is one of Africa’s largest and most established venture conferences.

Story 3: Fearless Fund has invested seven figures in the e-commerce platform Zimi after settling a lawsuit with the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER).

Hot News 🔥

1. Black Girl Vitamins (BGV) has launched a $100,000 scholarship fund for Black women pursuing medical careers at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

2. Klasha, a Nigerian B2B payment startup, has raised $2 million in funding to drive its Asian expansion.

3. Jumia Technologies, an African e-commerce platform, is closing its operations in South Africa and Tunisia.

4. Zepz, the parent company of  WorldRemit, has successfully acquired $267 million in funding to expand its global cross-border remittance payment platform.

5. Perelel, a women’s health company, has acquired LOOM, a Black-led FemTech company, for an undisclosed amount.

Opportunities - Accelerators/Funding, Events, and Jobs💼 

Accelerators 🚀

1. Y Combinator is accepting applications for the Winter 2025 Batch funding cycle. The batch will take place 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. FoundersBoost, a global pre-accelerator program, is an equity-free opportunity to take your business to the next level. 

4. Marshalls has partnered with Luminary to provide access to resources that can help women achieve their goals, such as feeling financially empowered, supportive mentors, connections, and guidance on how to show up confidently.

5. Applications for the Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator Winter 2025 program are open! The companies selected to participate in the program will receive an investment of $150K on a 6% post-money SAFE.

 Grants💰

1. Up to $100k | Meta’s Llama solicits proposals from organizations that will use the program to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including improving education, environment, and health care outcomes. 🗓️ Apply by 11/22

2. $500-$2K | Wish is allocating grants and financial support to Black-owned small businesses to help promote equality and diversity in American business. 🗓️ Apply now:

3. $10K-$5K | The Black Founder Startup Grant program provides grants of up to $10,000 to Black and multi-racial women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. 🗓️ Apply now

4. $50k | The Southern California Job Creators $50,000 fund will invest in 10 diverse-led businesses in Southern California. 🗓️ Apply by 11/11

5. Up to $100k | The Panera Bread Foundation grant program awards non-profit organizations that provide access to education, opportunity, and mentorship to at-risk, underserved, or historically underrepresented youth. 🗓️ Apply by 10/27

Events🎟️

Disrupt is where you’ll find innovation for every stage of your startup journey. Whether you’re a budding founder with a revolutionary idea, a seasoned startup looking to scale, or an investor seeking the next big thing, Disrupt offers unparalleled resources, connections, and expert insights to propel your venture forward.

Date: October 28 - 30, 2024

Location: San Francisco

Did y’all get the chance to learn about the brilliant honorees on our inaugural UrbanGeekz 50 List? Well, if you haven't, check out the article here. The must-read listicle showcases trailblazing disruptors making waves in the innovation economy.

As we’re counting down to our second annual UrbanGeekz 50 list for 2024, we invite you to consider sponsoring the list. For more inquiries, kindly send an email to [email protected] with ‘UrbanGeekz 50’ in the subject box.

Africa Tech Festival is a jam-packed, energy-filled week that celebrates Africa’s vibrant tech scene. We bring a passionate community of 15,000+ movers and shakers and showcase the most inspiring examples of tech as a force for good.

Date: 12- 14 November, 2024

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

AFROTECH Conference is the Black tech conference of the year! Get ready to connect with a global community of 20,000+ Black tech innovators during a series of digital and in-person events filled with dynamic programming on emerging trends, networking opportunities with industry leaders and conversations with top tech recruiters.

Date: November 13 -16, 2024

Location: Houston Texas

Black Entrepreneurs Day is the ultimate celebration of Black business and entrepreneurship. Highlighted by insightful conversations with Black business icons including Charlamagne tha God, Flavor Flav, Kelly Rowland, Rashad Bilal, Troy Millings, Jordan Chiles, and many more, plus a live musical performance from global superstar 2 Chainz presented by Raising Cane’s. Black Entrepreneurs Day has quickly become one of the most impactful purpose-driven events in the world.

Created in 2020 by Daymond John, the founder and CEO of FUBU and Co-Star of ABC’s five-time Emmy Award-winning show Shark Tank, the event has raised over $1,000,000 in Black Business grants in partnership with the NAACP and inspired millions of fans!

Date: November 22, 2024

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Thank you for joining us in this edition of Geekz Insider. We hope our shared stories and opportunities ignite your entrepreneurial spirit and fuel your drive to innovate. From dynamic founders to transformative AI programs and life-changing grants, something here inspires everyone.

Enjoy our newsletter? Share it with your networks so they can sign up here to stay informed on the latest in tech, business, and innovation. 

If you're interested in sponsoring our newsletter, Geekz Insider. Until next time, keep hustling and making those geeky dreams come true!

Written by Stephen Oluwadara