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California tops WalletHub’s 2025 diversity rankings, earning the title of the most diverse state in America. The state leads the nation in language diversity and ranks high across several other data points.

The Golden State solidifies its position with strong shows in educational attainment, household size diversity, and industry representation. These layers of diversity position California as both a cultural melting pot and an economic engine, according to the newly released report.

Let’s dive in.

Top Stories 📰

Story 1: This American State is the most diverse, according to WalletHub’s 2025 diversity rankings

Story 2: These Black billionaires are not just shaping their own destinies but are crucial in reshaping the American business landscape for the better

Story 3: Shaquille O’Neal partners with Carvana to launch “Shaqbot,” an AI-powered assistant designed to streamline the car-buying process

Story 4: MacKenzie Scott Gifts $70M to Boost HBCU Endowments

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? Apply here

Hot News 🔥

1. Y Combinator-backed Rulebase has raised $2.1 million in funding to build an AI agent coworker platform that automates back-office workflows.

2. Neo-bank Shield has raised a $5 million seed round to help facilitate international business transactions in crypto.

3. NAACP Image Award–nominated author Sabrina Lamb has launched the first Black woman-owned global investing app.

4. Nigerian fintech startup Kredete has raised $22 million to help African immigrants access financial services.

5. Black Tech Saturdays has received a $2 million grant from The Knight Foundation to support arts, technology, public spaces, and more in Detroit.

Opportunities - Accelerators/Funding, Events.💼 

1. Y Combinator is accepting applications for the Fall 2025 Batch funding cycle, which will occur from October to November 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 Alchemist Accelerator is a venture-backed initiative focused on accelerating the development of early-stage ventures that monetize from enterprises.

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

Grants💰

• $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 gives 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:

• $50K | Apply now for the AT&T Small Business Contest for a chance to win $50,000 and the support of a growing community of over 20 athletes and entrepreneurs!🗓️ Apply by 9/30

• 💰 $25K | The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant aims to empower Black entrepreneurs and businesses through funding and resources.📅 Apply by November 1, 2025

  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:

Events🎟️

Join the Xcelerator Business Summit to learn, network, and accelerate the growth of your business!

Date: October 7 and 8

Location: Illinois USA

Moonshot by TechCabal is more than a conference; it’s where Africa’s tech ecosystem gathers to network, collaborate, share insights, and celebrate the innovation shaping Africa's future.

Don’t miss the chance to connect with and learn from the boldest founders, investors, and business leaders building the continent’s most transformative ideas at Moonshot by TechCabal this October.

Visit moonshot.techcabal.com to reserve your seat now

Date: October 15 and 16, 2025

Location: Lagos, Nigeria

TechCrunch 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 27 – 29

Location: San Francisco, USA

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. 

If you're interested in sponsoring our newsletter, drop us a line at [email protected] with ‘Geekz Insider’ in the subject box. Until next time, keep hustling and making those geeky dreams come true!

Written by Stephen Oluwadara and produced by Gugu Nxumalo