Author: Elan
Editor’s note: This article is the first in a three-part series on the state of venture investment to Black-founded startups in 2026. Driving these reports is data from Crunchbase’s Diversity Spotlight feature, which offers insight into diversity in startups’ and investment firms’ leadership teams. Parts 2 and 3 in this series will be published in June. The share of U.S. venture funding going to companies with Black founders in 2025 remained low, even as overall startup investment ticked slightly higher, Crunchbase data shows. Only around $942 million — or just 0.32% of total U.S. venture funding — went to startups…
Not lost in translation: training AI to speak African languages – African Business Not lost in translation: training AI to speak African languages – African Business
Ripple is pushing its dollar-backed stablecoin into Turkey, betting that one of the world’s most active digital-asset markets is ready for a more regulated version of the digital dollars already used to navigate currency weakness and limited access to traditional dollar savings.On June 2, the Brad Garlinghouse-led company announced that its US dollar-pegged stablecoin, RLUSD, is now available to institutional clients in Turkey through integration agreements with local cryptocurrency platforms BiLira, Bitexen, and Bitlo.The stakes for capturing market share are exceptionally high. Turkey handled nearly $200 billion in annual crypto transactions, almost four times the United Arab Emirates’ $53 billion,…
Uganda’s central bank has imposed new limits on over-the-counter cash withdrawals and slashed cheque transaction thresholds in a sweeping push to accelerate the country’s transition to a cashless economy. In a May 29 circular sent to commercial banks, credit institutions, and microfinance deposit-taking institutions, the Bank of Uganda (BoU) said individual customers will only be allowed to withdraw up to UGX50 million ($13,700) daily and UGX250 million ($68,500) weekly in cash over the counter. The new rules will take effect from January 1, 2027. Businesses and corporate customers will face daily withdrawal caps of UGX500 million ($137,000) and weekly limits…
Smart TVs are not just display panels with input selectors. Manufacturers have turned them into tracking networks built to log what you’re looking at. These TVs use Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) software to take constant visual or acoustic screenshots of your screen. Running this in the background makes the processor work harder than it needs to, and you get delayed remote commands and slow menus as a result. You need to turn it off as soon as you can. Related Your smart TV is snitching on your watch history — here’s how to stop it completely I’m really not down…
As businesses across Africa continue to adapt to hybrid work models and increasingly diverse teams, fostering strong workplace relationships has become a strategic priority. While digital collaboration tools play an important role in modern organizations, face-to-face interaction remains essential for building trust, improving communication, and strengthening company culture. One of the most effective ways to achieve these goals is through Outdoor Team Building Activities. By taking employees out of their usual work environment and engaging them in shared experiences, organizations can enhance teamwork, boost morale, and improve overall productivity. 1. Scavenger Hunts That Encourage Collaboration Scavenger hunts remain one of…
By PwCPwC has released its latest report, Decoding ROI from AI in Africa, which examines how organisations can translate AI investment into tangible business outcomes.The findings suggest that many organisations across Africa are at a pivotal point: while AI adoption is widespread, value creation remains uneven due to challenges in scaling and execution.Key findings from the report include:Scale gap: 82% of organisations are running AI pilots, but few have scaled enterprise-wide adoptionInvestment gap: Average investment is 2% of revenue vs. 5% among global leaders; only 32% believe investment is sufficientGrowth vs efficiency: AI in Africa is focused on cost savings,…
Interview with Eka ObaigbenaFOUNDER, TOASTIES Lives in: Lagos, Nigeria Eka Obaigbena noticed a gap in Nigeria’s restaurant market for fast-casual chains – such as Chipotle, Shake Shack, and Pret a Manger – she had grown accustomed to while living abroad. To fill it, she launched Toasties, which offers sandwiches, salads and other items that blend local ingredients with international flavour profiles. How we made it in Africa editor-in-chief Jaco Maritz spoke to her about leaving Michelin-starred kitchens overseas to build the business in Lagos. Topics discussed during the interview include: The differences between operating a restaurant in Nigeria and the…
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An early Ether (ETH) investor sold their ETH holdings over the past week as the price headed toward $2,000, sparking fears of further losses. However, onchain data tells a different story as traders speculate where ETH/USD might bottom.Key takeaways:An early Ethereum whale sold $136 million in ETH, adding pressure as Ether trades below the $2,000 level.Onchain data shows no evidence that older ETH investors are selling en masse.Analysts warn the ETH price could fall further toward the $1,500 support.Ethereum OG whale sells $136 million ETHAn old Ethereum whale, an early investor holding tokens since the network’s first years, sold 55,000…