Black VC investor ‘Impact X’ – why people of colour and women founders in Europe are ripe for funding
Too often we have heard stories of minority-led businesses, in particular those within Europe, having their ideas sometimes treated with contempt or misled into thinking they are not investment-worthy. Well, this black-owned venture capital firm Impact X Capital, launched in 2018, is tired of discussing these problems and are actively funding people of colour and […]
Sierra Leone going plastic-free with entrepreneurship
Plastic waste usage continues to be on the rise in several parts of sub-Saharan Africa, with Sierra Leone being among them. So, how are they using entrepreneurship to work towards ending the use of plastic? I recently spent a month in the capital city Freetown, where I noticed when walking to the famous Sani Abacha […]
Facebook launches ‘Community Accelerator’ for leaders to boost the growth of their online groups
The newly launched Community Accelerator program will see Facebook invest up to $3 million – over £2 million – in the leaders of online communities making an impact in the world. Part of Facebook’s Community Leadership program, which invests in people building communities globally, the six-month initiative will train, mentor and fund 80 communities to […]
A student-led venture capital fund ‘Creator Fund’ are looking to invest in top European student founders – starting with the UK
Financed by Founders Factory – a tech startup accelerator program – the Creator Fund wants students to invest in other students – using its own unique ‘alternative route to growth’ for university-based startups. The Creator Fund will be using its own network of young VCs, made up of PhD, Masters and undergraduates students within 13 […]
Manufacturing in the UK vs China: The trials of getting a new product to market as a young startup
Although UK inventors may have been behind products such as the Dyson airblade hand dryer, the Brompton bicycle and the wind-up radio, the country’s manufacturing sector has declined significantly in recent years – However, it is still currently contributing 11% of GVA. Joanna Montgomery, whilst studying for a Master’s degree in digital media and interaction […]
The founder of this bioplastic cast for broken limbs – Cadget – wants to save money for doctors and reform patient experience
Cheaper and much lighter than both the 3D printed and current Orthopaedic casts which are made from plaster or fibreglass – Cadgets’ bioplastic material cuts down on operation time as it requires no extra casting equipment. This next-gen waterproof cast can easily be stretched like a sheet and individually moulded to each patient, which then hardens […]
Why I’m using my social enterprise profit to fight for social justice in sub-Saharan Africa
The world is changing and it’s time that we come together as one and at the forefront of this social change. With the desire to push for social justice, Will Adoasi launched his ethical watch company ‘Vitae London’ in 2015 and uses the profit – made from the sale of its own branded watches – […]
Central Research Laboratory – Accelerator 2020 Now Open To ‘Hardware Focused Startups’
The Central Research Laboratory (CRL) 6-month accelerator programme ‘Accelerator 2020’ is open – apply and receive £5k grant towards developing your early stage hardware-focused startup. Accelerator 2020, which runs from January to July 2020, is focused on product development, market validation, commercial strategy and investor readiness. The hands-on programme is open to early-stage startups looking for […]
UCL Innovation & Enterprise presents – Idea Exchange: where co-founders meet
Idea Exchange: where co-founders meet is a free open event helping founders expand their network and find a co-founder for their business. Hosted by University College London – Innovation and Enterprise, this networking event is an opportunity to tell someone about your business or social enterprise idea (without giving too much away) and meet someone […]
Faces Of The ‘often unsung’ Black Founders Nominated At The Black British Business Awards 2019
These are the faces of the British black founders competing in this year’s Black British Business Awards – representing the very best black rising stars across the UK’s diverse business sector. Now in its sixth year running, The Black British Business Awards (BBBAwards) aims to celebrate and spotlight the “often unsung contributions” of black business […]