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When passion exuded by investors matches that of the founders, it could be a win-win situation. On the latest episode of AfroTech’s Black Tech Green Money (BTGM), Blavity COO Aaron Samuels is joined by Slauson & Co. founders Austin Clements and Ajay Relan to discuss all things venture capital, which includes sharing their expertise on the world of investing. As an early-stage venture capital firm, Slauson & Co. invests in the tools and platforms of people to grow and expand small businesses. Their belief is rooted in the power of entrepreneurship with a focus on empowering founders regardless of their proximity to the traditional venture capital ecosystem. They truly believe that intentionality and inclusivity will take investors a long way when it comes to finding the best pool of founders to partner with. “There are a lot of diversity funds popping up, or a lot of people that are going after those markets and the question that comes with that is — ‘Is it too crowded or too niche...
Dr. Dre represented for South LA when he showcased the records that have shaped his legendary career this past Super Bowl Sunday and the proof showed in the numbers. AfroTech previously reported that the Dr.Dre and Snoop Dogg -laced track, “Still D.R.E.” hit over a billion views on YouTube after their halftime performance. The record was released in 1999 and for more than two decades it’s re-appeared on the Billboard charts. While sitting in the wins of still being a long-standing force in the industry, now, he’s helping the next generation break the mold with a new partnership. The music mogul has teamed up with adidas and PENSOLE Design Academy to launch an innovative school program “that blends fashion, technology, and entrepreneurship,” according to Rolling Stone. Joining him to teach the young entrepreneurs is his longtime business and music partner Jimmy Iovine. Students located in LA County will be offered a new curriculum spearheaded by the Iovine and Young Academy, the USC...
Following her being a temporary Airbnb host through Valentine’s Day weekend, according to our sister site Travel Noire, Issa Rae has joined the company for a new initiative to support South LA. According to a press release, the Inglewood native has partnered with Airbnb, along with Nasdaq, to announce a $100,000 donation to LeadersUp, a nonprofit organization that works to help create an inclusive, antiracist economy — per its website. The press release shares that the new donation will go toward creating an impact fund for South LA residents to be provided access to educational, mental health and wellness, and technological resources. The collaborative effort to support underrepresented communities is also financially assisting LA-based organizations Central Neighborhood Health Foundation and Brotherhood Crusade.
This organization teamed up with NBA superstar Russell Westbrook to help bring hundreds of jobs to the community in South LA. LeadersUp has always been on a mission to empower and uplift the community which made them a match made in heaven during Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation’s (WNF) Coming Home Event last month. During the single-day activation, the event celebrated Westbrook’s return to Los Angeles as a Laker while also providing community members with immediate on-the-spot health services, educational services, and job training. “Being from the inner city, I understand the resources, access, and opportunities that are needed for young people,” said Westbrook, according to a press release. “It’s a privilege to be able to help the South LA community and beyond, whether it’s through education or job creation.” Jeffery Wallace, LeadersUp President and CEO, also shared the same sentiments in a statement: “I applaud Russell Westbrook’s leadership and strategic philanthropic...
Crop Swap LA™ hasn’t stopped yet when it comes to its mission of ending food insecurity. The company has announced that it will receive $4 million from The California Budget Act of 2021. The selection is a major move for Crop Swap LA™ as it continues to work to eradicate food insecurity and create hyper-local access to organically grown food through the use of sustainable agriculture practices. “Our team and supporters are thrilled to see this commitment of confidence, funds, and opportunity to the urgent need to grow nutrient-rich food directly within our communities,” continued Crop Swap LA Founder, Jamiah E. Hargins in the statement. “The funds will enable Crop Swap LA to continue its mission, widen its impact, and deepen its resolve. The people of California who contributed through these funds can feel satisfied knowing that our team is committed to redefining the spirit and intention of community-sourced food production. Senator Kamlager has made a direct investment in the...
Plug In South LA has been using its platform to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, founders, emerging talent, and more for networking that focuses on creating a hub for innovation for years. As they gear up for their third annual Urban Tech Connect Conference, we had the chance to sit down with founder and LA native, Derek Smith to discuss what attendees can expect for their “Forward 2020” theme this year! For the first time ever this year’s conference will be completely virtual. From Sept. 15-17, attendees will have the opportunity to hear keynotes, talks, and panels on the virtual mainstage, plus attend virtual one-on-one office hours with venture capitalists, angel investors, and tech executives to learn more about opportunities in tech. Smith gives us a sneak peek as to what attendees can expect and the “why” that continues to drive him to create spaces like these for Black and Brown communities that need it the most. How He Got His Start in the Tech Space “My passion has...