Happy Thursday!

As we anticipate the launch of our 2nd annual UrbanGeekz 50 list, we invite you to check the 2023 list and consider sponsoring the list. If you’d like to, kindly send an email to [email protected]

Now, let’s get into today’s updates.

Top Stories 📰

Story 1: Fearless Fund has agreed to shut down its Strivers Grant program, a significant blow to the diversity, equity, and inclusion movement.

Story 2: This early-stage venture capital firm, rooted in economic inclusion, has announced the close of its $100 million Fund II.

Story 3: These eight business operators helm some of the largest U.S. legacy companies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and making data-driven decisions.

Hot News 🔥

1. These Black influencers making their mark in Artificial Intelligence made the 2024 TIME100 AI list.

2. Follow four African American families as they reverse migrate from the U.S. to rediscover their roots in Africa in Max’s new docuseries Coming From America.

3. Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, has announced Mitesh Popat as its Chief Financial Officer.

Opportunities - Accelerators/Funding, Events, and Jobs💼 

Accelerators 🚀

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

2. FoundersBoost, a global pre-accelerator program, is an equity-free opportunity to take your business to the next level.

3. Antler program backs the world’s most driven founders, from day zero to greatness.

4. Westchester County Biosciences Accelerator: WCBA provides first-time founders with a six-month program of personalized entrepreneurial education in Westchester.

 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. $5000-$10,000 | The Black Founder Startup Grant program provides grants of up to $10,000 to Black and multiracial women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. Apply now

3. $25K | Gucci’s Changemakers Impact Fund will grant up to $1M to 12 community-based 501(c)(3) organizations in select change makers cities through 2024. Apply here: by 9/30

4. Up to $10K | The Mama Ladder has opened applications for its High Five Grant for Moms program, which provides resources to mom-owned companies. Apply here: by 9/30

5. $10K | Amber Grants allows women founders to receive $10K in grants to fund their businesses. Apply here: by 9/30

6. $50K | The Veteran Shark Tank hosts a national pitch competition for veteran entrepreneurs. Five finalists will pitch their idea for the chance to win a $50k cash prize. Apply here: by 10/6

Events🎟️

Venture Atlanta is widely recognized as one of the largest and most prestigious venture capital conferences in the U.S. Every year, the event brings together over 1,500 attendees, including 450 top investment funds, resulting in an impressive $17 billion in successful exits and funding deals. This event is a must-attend for entrepreneurs!

Date: October 8 and 9, 2024

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

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.

Explore the future of cloud data management at the Snowflake World Tour Atlanta. Engage for free with experts, discover cutting-edge solutions, and enhance your data strategy in an interactive setting.

Date: October 3rd, 2024

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Join the ultimate gathering for creative entrepreneurs and culture shapers at CultureCon NYC 2024. This dynamic event offers a blend of thought-provoking panels, workshops, and networking opportunities with top influencers and industry leaders. With a focus on innovation and cultural impact, it's a can’t-miss experience for those looking to connect and collaborate.

Date: October 5-6, 2024

Location: New York City​

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.

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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