Hey Tech Geek!

We have an exciting offer for you. Interested in partnering with UrbanGeekz to boost your brand awareness to a growing and increasingly significant demographic?

Well, that’s what you get if you team up with us to sponsor our upcoming UrbanGeekz 50 2024 List. Our inaugural UG 50 2023 listicle (and associated coverage) gained significant traction among LinkedIn decision-makers, extensive coverage on top-tier media outlets, and high engagement on popular social media pages.

So why don’t you join forces with us this time around? For more deets, drop an email to [email protected] with ‘UG 50 2024’ in the subject box.

Now, let’s dive into today’s updates. 

Top Stories 📰

Story 1: Africa is estimated to account for one-third of the world’s languages. Yet, of the top 34 languages used on the Internet globally, not one is African. Language processing AI often struggles with African languages, favoring Western languages and limiting access to essential services. InkubaLM, is a newly launched large language model, designed for five African languages: Swahili, Yoruba, isiXhosa, Hausa, and isiZulu.

Story 2: Losing a baby at any stage of pregnancy can be devastating. Some people slip into depression; others avoid the issue, and there are those that immerse themselves in grief. This inspirational Femtech founder, however, turned her pain into purpose.

Story 3: Cody Coleman is one of nine diverse entrepreneurs sharing stories of triumph, perseverance, and innovation in the three-part Comcast docuseries, 'Culture Capital' via Xfinity, Peacock, and Xumoplay. From being born in prison to leading a fast-growing startup, Coleman’s life is a testimony of hard work, resilience, and sheer determination.

Hot News 🔥

1. Nigerian-born Ibukun Olubiyi is the enterprising owner-operator behind Chick-fil-A’s first franchise in Canada’s capital, Ottawa.

2. AI-driven personalized hair care brand MYAVANA has raised $5.9 million in seed funding to advance its technology. 

3. Meet the ultra-talented Black women who’ve made the annual Forbes 50 over 50 list.

4. Beyoncé has partnered with Moët Hennessy to launch her whisky brand, SirDavis, in honor of her paternal great-grandfather.

Opportunities - Accelerators/Funding, Events, and Jobs💼

Accelerators 🚀

1. The Resource Initiative Accelerator: This program offers community-led Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in the U.S. Southeast curated mentorship, in-person and virtual programming, and USD 25K in unrestricted grant funding. Applications are open until August 31st.

2. The Berlin Innovation Agency (BIA) Accelerator is an 8-month pre-seed program for Berlin-based founders working in climate tech, smart city & urban innovation.

3. Retail Brand Accelerator: The Retail Brand Accelerator provides tailored education, mentorship, and resources that prepare diverse founders to break through and succeed in mass retail.

4. Centrepolis Accelerator: Opportunity to apply to the C3 Accelerator, a program focused on commercialization for Cleantech, Climatech, and Circular Economy companies.

 Grants💰

1. $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:

2. $250K | The Sync-Ithra Global Impact Challenge offers founders groundbreaking ideas to address the global challenges of misinformation, cyberbullying, and social disconnection. Apply by 9/1

3. $150K-$25K | QUBIC Labs has opened applications for its R&D Innovation program, which supports the development of ideas and concepts related to blockchain and Web3. Apply by 9/1

4. Up to $10K | Accion Opportunity Fund LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G-League have joined forces to provide entrepreneurs nationwide with grants and LegalZoom services to support their small businesses. Apply by 9/13

5. $10K | SoGal Foundation offers grants and tactical help to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs who want to scale their businesses.

   Rolling application

Events🎟️

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]

Join industry leaders and innovators at the International Conference on Engineering & Technology (ICET-24). Network, learn, and contribute to the future of Engineering & Technology in a collaborative environment designed to inspire and connect.

Date: August 27th-28th, 2024

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Join us at BITCON 2024, the premier tech conference of the year. Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with top industry leaders and explore cutting-edge innovations.

UrbanGeekz newsletter readers can register now with our exclusive Promo Code: BITCON-ATL. Stay tuned - we always have these!

Date: 2-6 September 2024

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

 Don’t forget to tune into the Culture Capital series. The powerful docuseries highlights dynamic leaders sharing stories of success, opportunities, and inevitable challenges.

Thank you for joining us for this edition of Geekz Insider. We hope the stories and opportunities shared ignite your passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. Whether you’re inspired by groundbreaking founders, cutting-edge AI developments, or impactful grants, there’s something here for everyone looking to make their mark.

Love what you read? Spread the word by sharing our newsletter with your network so they can subscribe here and stay ahead in the tech and business world.

Interested in partnering with us? For sponsorship inquiries, reach out at [email protected]. Until next time, keep breaking barriers and turning your ideas into reality!

The Geekz Insider Team