by Pharron Fields | Sep 5, 2023 | Business News, Latest, Tech News |
Image Credit: Photo by Per Lööv on Unsplash
Teamshares: A Novel Approach to Business
First on our list is an intriguing venture by Teamshares. This startup has been attracting a substantial amount of capital and has embarked on an ambitious mission of acquiring numerous small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). However, this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Teamshares also plans to offer its employees the opportunity to earn stock through prolonged service, while simultaneously providing centralized fintech services to all its subsidiary companies. This novel business model has ignited much discussion in the startup community.
MoonPay: Stepping into the Venture Game
Next, we turn our attention to MoonPay, a crypto payment infrastructure company that is venturing into the world of investments. MoonPay is setting its sights particularly on crypto, gaming, and fintech. The confluence of these three sectors invariably leads to crypto games. We are keenly observing MoonPay’s investment decisions, as new funds that are crypto-themed or crypto-adjacent are becoming increasingly scarce. Therefore, MoonPay’s entry into the market is indeed exciting news.
Rent Butter and Kiki: Revitalizing Renting
With the zero interest rate era drawing to a close and the experimental phase of building new iBuying and mortgage service startups partially concluded, renting is back in vogue. Consequently, startups that focus on rentals are also gaining traction. Two such startups are Rent Butter and Kiki, both of which are making waves in the rental market.
The Elusive Tech IPOs
The long-awaited tech IPOs have been more elusive than anticipated. Using data from Crunchbase, we have noted the extended wait for authentic tech IPOs. The good news, however, is that they are gradually making a comeback.
Lean Startup Ideology Meets AI
Lastly, we explore what happens when the lean startup ideology infiltrates the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As it turns out, this combination leads to an abundance of experiments.
And with that, our roundup of this week’s most significant startup and tech news concludes. Please note that due to an American holiday, our next episode of Equity will be broadcasted on Tuesday instead of Monday. Until then, keep innovating and stay tuned!
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jan 5, 2022 | Black Girl Magic, Black Owned Business, Business News |
How Black Entrepreneurs are Generating Wealth in Technology for Generations to Come
Modern-day black entrepreneurs are disrupting major industries across the world, from Silicon Valley to Hollywood. In this article created for our Entrepreneur Spotlight Series, we aim to find out more about how these influencers have been able to generate so much business for themselves and others in the technology industry.
How technology has impacted the black community in the past
While there’s been a surge in the number of black-owned tech companies, technology hasn’t always been good for the black community. In fact, it was at one point destroying it–perhaps not on purpose, but still. There was a time when black Americans were very dependent on information and data from newspaper and media outlets to inform them and make decisions about everything from healthcare to how they spent their money. Today we have the platforms we need to access this content ourselves and learn more about what we want and how to achieve it.
Technology isn’t just a means of spreading information. It’s become a brand and a tool that has enabled many to be innovative in ways never seen before, including those working on the sidelines of media.
The black community is more conscious about representation in media, entrepreneurship in the content creation space, and information about black culture than ever before.
Black entrepreneurs are generating wealth in technology for generations to come
Black entrepreneurs are fighting to redirect the negative stigmas that surround them. These recent graduates are no longer content with being on welfare or cutting on means; they are forging new opportunities to develop security for themselves and their communities on their own terms.
Technology is one of many tools these entrepreneurs are utilizing to create this change, developing innovative products and solutions via mobile phone apps, cloud computing, drones, sensors, 3D printers are just some of the topics discussed during the 21st Century African-American Entrepreneur Awards event hosted by Heineken on June 13th.
Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in economic prosperity
Black entrepreneurship is a significant and essential vehicle for economic prosperity, both now and into the future. Black-owned businesses generate approximately $34 billion in sales but hold only one percent of general contracting jobs. That statistic demonstrates the necessity of following up on roots, opposed to placing all one’s business eggs in baskets outside of oneself.
For many African Americans, entrepreneurship is the best way to obtain economic prosperity. It gives you complete control of your resources and what you are producing, but it also allows you to set your own goals. This can make a big difference in achieving goals mainly because it will be defined by the entrepreneur’s true desires. For African American entrepreneurs who choose business ownership, food service or retail are two of the most popular industries.
It’s a little-known fact that well over half of tech start-ups today are founded by women, despite the statistics that tech is no longer a field mostly dominated by men. Operating out of Silicon Valley to tech meccas like Detroit and New York City, tech sector entrepreneurship has been rising as an area of interest for many disparities. Tech entrepreneurs now make up the third-largest economic sector in Detroit alone.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Pharron Fields | Jun 7, 2021 | Business News, Digital Mogul, Latest |
FORMERLY THROWN AWAY AT A DUMPSTER, FREDDIE FIGGERS BECAME A MILLIONAIRE TECH ENTREPRENEUR DESPITE ALL ODDS
It doesn’t have to be your circumstances that define you.
Freddie Figgers found out when he was eight that his biological mother abandoned him near a dumpster shortly after he was born, according to BBC News.
“Listen, Fred, I’m going to tell you the truth. I adopted you out of foster care because I didn’t wish to send you through foster care.” Freddie recalls his father telling him, “You are my son.” Your biological mother threw you away, and you and Betty Mae adopted you out of foster care.
He describes the thoughts that went through his mind after finding out that his adopted parents found him near a dumpster.
He told me that and I felt unwanted and that made me feel trash.” said Freddie. I remember he grabbed my shoulder and said, “Listen, don’t ever let that bother you.'”
Although Freddie continued to be plagued by the circumstances surrounding his adoption throughout his youth, he persevered.
I was called a lot of names when I was younger, including ‘dumpster baby,’ ‘trash can boy,’ ‘who wants you,’ and ‘you’re dirty.'” said Freddie.
In 1989, Nathan and Betty Mae were living in Quincy, a rural community in North Florida, when Freddie was born.
After fostering many children, they chose to adopt Freddie when he was just two days old.
It was always my father’s intention to help others, stopping by the roadside to help strangers and feeding the homeless, he said. The reason I wanted to be like him was because he adopted and raised me.”
In the meantime, Freddie and Nathan would do “dumpster diving” on the weekends, looking for old things that could still be useful.
Freddie wanted a computer.
“I was always fascinated by computers, and there is an old saying that ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. During that time, gateway computers weren’t in our budget.”
At the age of nine, Freddie found a broken Mac while browsing in a Goodwill store with his father. The rest is history.
“When I got home and the computer wouldn’t turn on, I took it apart,” said Freddie.
His determination would not let up until he was able to get the computer up again.
“When I inspected it, I found some damaged capacitors. Using parts I had from my father’s radio alarm clock, I built a circuit board.” I used my father’s soldering gun and I also had radios and alarm clocks.
A few attempts later, the computer powered on, and Freddie was convinced that technology was what he wanted to do the rest of his life.
In today’s world, Freddie Figgers is a millionaire inventor of inventions that include a GPS tracker, designed as a result of the Alzheimer’s disease his father, Natham, suffered from.
Within a month of selling the tracker rights, he lost his father.
Freddie continues to break into the tech industry, and he is married to attorney Natlie Figgers. Instilling this advice into their daughter is something he says he will do together as a couple.
The world may seem cold, but you must never give up.
The trajectory of Freddie Figgers’ life could’ve been very different if he’d given up.
He also offers this piece of advice for others: “Don’t allow your circumstances to define you.”
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Jonathan P-Wright | May 26, 2021
by Jonathan P-Wright | May 15, 2024 | Uncategorized |
Image credit: Leonard Zhukovsky / Shutterstock.com
The high-profile hip-hop rivalry between acclaimed rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake has transcended the music sphere, captivating audiences across diverse walks of life. In a surprising twist, tennis superstar Naomi Osaka found herself drawn into the heated exchange, offering her candid perspective on the ongoing lyrical battle.
A Pacifist Stance, Yet Allegiance to Lamar’s Artistry
In the aftermath of her triumphant victory over Clara Burel at the Italian Open on Wednesday, Osaka was unexpectedly quizzed about the rap feud that has dominated headlines. With a diplomatic approach, the four-time Grand Slam champion initially declared herself a “pacifist” and a “neutral party” in the beef, seeking to maintain a balanced stance.
However, her admiration for Kendrick Lamar’s artistry ultimately swayed her allegiance. “Kendrick dropped some heat, that last song,” Osaka remarked, referring to Lamar’s recent release, “Not Like Us.” She praised the track as “amazing,” revealing that she had even incorporated it into her pre-match ritual, playing it while walking onto the court.
Endorsing Lamar’s Potential Retaliation
When questioned about the possibility of Lamar releasing another retaliatory track, Osaka’s response was unequivocal: “Yeah. Sorry.” Her apologetic tone hinted at her understanding of the implications such a move might have on the already heated exchange.
Delving deeper into the intricacies of the rap battle, Osaka demonstrated a keen grasp of the lyrical volleys exchanged thus far. “Technically, Kendrick dropped that song, then Drake dropped ‘The Heart Part 6,’ so technically Kendrick could drop another two if he wanted to,” the 26-year-old tennis star astutely observed.
A Fan’s Perspective on the Feud’s Benefits
Osaka’s analysis didn’t stop there. She astutely referenced a poignant line from Drake’s “The Heart Part 6,” in which the Toronto-based rapper reflected on the feud, acknowledging that Kendrick’s fans “are getting some raps out of you,” and expressing his contentment at being able to “motivate you.”
Echoing this sentiment, Osaka, a self-professed Kendrick Lamar enthusiast, expressed her delight at the unexpected surge of new music from her favorite artist. “Me being a Kendrick fan, I haven’t gotten this many Kendrick songs in a very long time,” she confessed. “So, you know, if he wants to keep dropping.”
Her remarks highlighted the potential positive outcomes of the rap feud, as it has seemingly inspired both artists to unleash a torrent of new material, much to the delight of their respective fanbases.
A Unique Perspective on a Cultural Phenomenon
Osaka’s candid insights into the rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake offer a refreshingly unique perspective on a cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences worldwide. Her ability to analyze the intricate lyrical exchanges while maintaining a neutral stance showcases her multifaceted interests and intellectual curiosity.
As the tennis star continues to cement her legacy on the court, her foray into the realm of hip-hop commentary has undoubtedly endeared her to a broader audience, solidifying her status as a multidimensional figure whose influence extends far beyond the boundaries of her sport.
The Rap Feud: A Catalyst for Artistic Expression
The ongoing rap feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake has proven to be more than a mere clash of egos; it has become a catalyst for artistic expression, igniting a creative spark within both artists. As the lyrical volleys continue to unfold, fans and observers alike eagerly anticipate the next salvo, eager to witness the evolution of this cultural phenomenon.
Naomi Osaka’s endorsement of Lamar’s potential retaliation underscores the widespread fascination with this rap battle, transcending traditional boundaries and capturing the attention of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
A Masterclass in Lyrical Dexterity
Each new release from Lamar and Drake serves as a masterclass in lyrical dexterity, showcasing their unparalleled wordsmithing abilities and their capacity to weave intricate narratives through their verses. The anticipation surrounding these tracks is palpable, as fans eagerly dissect every line, seeking hidden meanings and subtle jabs at the opposing camp.
Osaka’s endorsement of Lamar’s potential retaliation underscores the widespread fascination with this rap battle, transcending traditional boundaries and capturing the attention of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The Enduring Appeal of Hip-Hop Rivalries
Hip-hop has long been a breeding ground for rivalries, with artists engaging in lyrical jousts that have become the stuff of legend. From the iconic East Coast-West Coast feud of the 1990s to the more recent clashes between contemporary rap titans, these rivalries have played a pivotal role in shaping the genre’s evolution and captivating audiences worldwide.
The Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud is the latest chapter in this storied tradition, showcasing the enduring appeal of hip-hop rivalries and their ability to transcend generational and cultural boundaries.
Transcending Boundaries: Hip-Hop’s Universal Language
Naomi Osaka’s engagement with the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud is a testament to the universal language of hip-hop and its capacity to resonate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her insights highlight the genre’s ability to transcend traditional boundaries, appealing to audiences across various disciplines and walks of life.
As the feud continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the power of artistic expression and the enduring allure of lyrical battles, captivating audiences and inspiring artists to push the boundaries of their craft.
The Intersection of Sports and Music: A Symbiotic Relationship
Osaka’s commentary on the rap feud underscores the symbiotic relationship between sports and music, two cultural forces that have long been intertwined. Athletes have long drawn inspiration from the rhythms and lyrics of hip-hop, incorporating the genre’s energy and swagger into their pre-game rituals and post-victory celebrations.
Conversely, musicians have often looked to the world of sports for inspiration, drawing parallels between the competitive nature of their respective fields and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines both endeavors.
A Unifying Force: Hip-Hop’s Transcendent Impact
Hip-hop’s transcendent impact extends far beyond the confines of the music industry, permeating various aspects of popular culture and serving as a unifying force that brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds. Naomi Osaka’s engagement with the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud is a testament to this phenomenon, highlighting the genre’s ability to captivate audiences across the globe.
As the feud continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the power of artistic expression and the enduring allure of lyrical battles, captivating audiences and inspiring artists to push the boundaries of their craft.
The Enduring Legacy of Rap Feuds
While the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud may eventually fade into the annals of hip-hop history, its impact will undoubtedly reverberate for years to come. Rap feuds have a way of leaving an indelible mark on the genre, shaping the narratives and influencing the artistic trajectories of the artists involved.
The enduring legacy of these feuds lies in their ability to inspire future generations of rappers, igniting a passion for lyrical dexterity and the art of wordplay. As such, the Kendrick Lamar-Drake feud has the potential to become a touchstone for aspiring emcees, serving as a reminder of the power of artistic expression and the enduring allure of hip-hop rivalries.
Conclusion
Naomi Osaka’s insights into the Kendrick Lamar-Drake rap feud have provided a unique perspective on a cultural phenomenon that has captivated audiences worldwide. Her endorsement of Lamar’s potential retaliation underscores the widespread fascination with this lyrical battle, transcending traditional boundaries and capturing the attention of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
As the feud continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the power of artistic expression and the enduring allure of hip-hop rivalries, inspiring artists to push the boundaries of their craft and captivating audiences with their lyrical dexterity. Whether Lamar chooses to respond with another salvo remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this epic rap saga
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