UrbanGeekz has unveiled its 2nd annual UrbanGeekz 50: Gamechangers in Tech, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship List, which recognizes fifty outstanding leaders in tech, venture, entrepreneurship, and the innovation economy.

Drawing on UrbanGeekz’s work and recommendations from independent industry experts, we have sourced a trailblazing selection of innovators in various industries across three continents. Using a unique set of data points, we accessed each honoree’s reach, influence, and significance of their work.

Top Stories 📰

Story 1: The 2024 UG 50 list celebrates brilliant technologists, founders who’ve raised millions of dollars, and exceptional leaders of Black-led unicorns. This year’s listicle is curated into ten verticals that highlight mainly, but not exclusively, tech.

Story 2: Your favorite digital platform, UrbanGeekz, has been ranked among the Top 10 Best Tech Blogs on Ranker’s list of the internet's most impactful technology news sites.

Story 3: As 2025 kicks off, UrbanGeekz has rounded up a list of stellar startups that have the potential to accelerate to new heights this year. These businesses are simplifying cross-border logistics, reimagining shopping, and using AI to create industry-disrupting models.

Hot News 🔥

1. South African-based fintech Tyme Group has attained unicorn status after securing $250 million in a Series D funding round.

2. Arlan Hamilton, the founder of Backstage Capital, has announced her decision to step down from the company and take on an advisory role.

3. As CES 2025 has kicked off, we wrote a piece highlighting a glimpse into what to expect from the annual premier technology showcase.

4. British-Nigerian scientists have participated in inventing the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery capable of power for thousands of years.

5. Former NFL player Mark Clayton has secured $1 million for his LIVV Audio

Opportunities - Accelerators/Funding, Events, and Jobs💼 

Accelerators 🚀

1. Y Combinator is accepting applications for the Winter 2025 Batch funding cycle, which 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. The Conscious Venture Lab is a 14-week accelerator program for early-stage, purpose-driven companies using innovation to break down barriers to access and create a more equitable society.

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

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

6. 757 Accelerate is a 9-week-long mentorship-driven, milestone-based program.

    Grants💰

1. $150k Investment | Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation aims to find social entrepreneurs with dynamic ideas and nurture them at the early stages with maximum leverage and total commitment.

   🗓️ Apply on a rolling basis:

2. Up to $6k | The Ford Philanthropy Mobility Fellowship empowers dedicated mobility and transportation-focused entrepreneurs to amplify their mobility-based businesses.

   🗓️ Apply by 1/12: 

3. Up to $200k | The national a2 Pilot Awards competition is hosted annually by the a2 Collective | a2PilotAwards.ai and funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, through the Artificial Intelligence and Technology Collaboratories (AITC) for Aging Research program.

   🗓️ Apply by 1/15: 

4. Up to $150k | The Focal Point Impact Grant exists to accelerate high-potential, innovative ideas by investing in nonprofit leaders who can bring those ideas to life. 🗓️ Apply by 1/17:

5. Up to $500k | The Community Empowerment Small Grants are awarded to community-based organizations to scale their work and deepen their impact. 🗓️ Apply by 1/17:

   Events🎟️

With Samsung introducing new AI features and technologies, this event highlights opportunities for creators, developers, and entrepreneurs to leverage cutting-edge tools. It’s also a chance to explore how global tech leaders are integrating AI into everyday products.

Date: January 22, 2025

Location: San Jose, Califonia

Africa Tech Summit brings together African tech entrepreneurs, investors, and global partners, focusing on innovation and scaling African-led solutions.

Date: February 12 and 13, 2025

Location: Nairobi Kenya

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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Written by Stephen Oluwadara and produced by Gugu Nxumalo