AFROTECH

Timnit Gebru is shaping the future of tomorrow. In 2020, Gebru was fired from Google as a result of a research paper she had written on the dangers of large language models, the underlying technology behind what would later form platforms like ChatGPT (launched in 2022), and other similar systems. After she was fired, Gebru received the backing of other company members and letters from Congress. She regrouped and launched the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR), which is continuing the research that was frowned upon. Gebru’s contributions to her field landed her among AFROTECH™’s 2025 Legacy Leaders in the Future Maker category. Our Legacy Leaders have already set the standard for impact, vision, and excellence for the Future 50. Submit to be considered ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e8M5JaP6 #AFROTECH

While fans are focused on new music, Cardi B is focused on creating generational wealth. Cardi B has aligned herself with various endorsement deals over the years from Pepsi, Reebok, NYX Professional Makeup, and Fashion Nova, which she worked with earlier on in her career. In April 2024, she revealed she was earning over $5 million from brand deals. Cardi B is now entering into new territory as co-founder of a new venture. She will be launching apparel and beauty brands under Revolve Group’s portfolio. The California-based fashion and lifestyle retailer projects it could become a billion-dollar fashion and lifestyle brand through the joint venture. Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/emhnPQdj #AFROTECH

AFROTECH Fam, you owe us NOTHING! 🥹🙌🏾 The MEETUP 2025 sponsored by Prudential was a hit— so much so that we SOLD OUT! It was an amazing night filled with powerful networking, vibes, and a book signing from Blavity & AFROTECH CEO, Morgan DeBaun who recently released her new book “Rewrite Your Rules.” Want to know if The MEETUP is pulling up to your city? 👀 Tap in to see where we’re headed next and how you can be in the building ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eFwmKBMU #AFROTECH #TheMEETUP

LA, TODAY IS THE DAY! 🎉 THE MEETUP is going down in Los Angeles—and trust us, you don’t want to miss this. 👀 This is more than a link-up—it’s where culture meets connections. 🗣️ Whether you're looking to network, level up, or just vibe with the community, the room is waiting for you. 🎟️ Last chance to secure your spot ➡️ 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eFwmKBMU #AFROTECH #THEMEETUP

Companies are increasingly blending storytelling, commerce, and technology in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. One such company is pgLang, the multidisciplinary agency founded in 2020 by Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free. While it has often been described as a creative agency, pgLang operates across multiple industries and platforms — from music and film to brand partnerships and live events — positioning itself as a hybrid model within the broader creative economy. pgLang describes itself as a “multilingual” company, referencing its spoken language component and ability to communicate across forms: music, television, film, books, podcasts, and visual media. Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e9EAqz9z #AFROTECH

Cost of Doing Business, the holding company has acquired premium haircare brand Bread Beauty Supply. Cost of Doing Business, co-founded by Topicals CEO Olamide Olowe and President Sochi Mbadugha, has acquired Bread Beauty Supply to support Black-owned haircare brands amid declining DEI efforts. Founded in 2020 by Maeva Heim, Bread specializes in products for all Black hair textures and will expand into Ulta Beauty and more Sephora locations. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/efntBMiz #AFROTECH

Costco’s consumer base is on the rise. Costco has seen 13 consecutive weeks of increased foot traffic after upholding its DEI commitments, despite pressure to dismantle such programs. Led by Rev. Al Sharpton, a “buy-cott” movement encouraged consumers to support Costco, contrasting with companies like Target, which faced boycotts and declining traffic after rolling back DEI policies. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/etZ49UQd #AFROTECH

Now accepting submissions for the 2025 AFROTECH™️ Future 50! The annual list celebrates innovators, founders, investors, and changemakers shaping the future of tech, business, and culture! We’re honoring Black leaders driving growth, breaking barriers, and creating lasting impact. Whether you're a visionary founder scaling new heights or a dynamic investor empowering diverse founders, this is your chance to be recognized among the industry’s most influential leaders in technology. Submit to be considered before April 11! #2025Future50 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e8M5JaP6

Success comes with its moments, and Pinky Cole Hayes knows this firsthand. Cole Hayes is the mastermind behind Slutty Vegan restaurant, with seven locations, primarily in Georgia. The company’s market value was estimated at nearly $100 million by 2022, which included $25 million from a Series A funding round. Over the years, the company’s triumphs included expanding to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Spelman College, although the location at the HBCU has since closed.  On Feb. 13, 2025, Slutty Vegan went through a global restructuring, resulting in her no longer owning the company. “The last couple of months, it’s probably been the most incredibly difficult of my entrepreneurial life. As of Feb. 13, the company went through a global restructure. And as a result of that, that meant that I no longer own the company,” she said in a video shared on Instagram. Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eyxf5Mx5

Amazon, owned by Jeff Bezos, has placed a bid to acquire TikTok. The app owned by ByteDance is facing a ban in the United States due to its association with China — although TikTok states it is not tied to the Chinese government. The app will only avoid a ban if it is sold to a company based in the United States. With the ban’s deadline just days away, no deal has been made at the time of this writing. Still, President Trump states there is “tremendous interest in TikTok” and he would like for the platform to “remain alive.” Interest has recently come from Amazon, which reportedly placed a bid just three days ahead of the deadline to acquire the app, per The New York Times. The offer was in the form of a letter and was addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/edAqdvDN #AFROTECH