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After Becoming The Youngest And First Black Female Partner Ever At GV, Terri Burns Is Launching Her Own VC Firm

Back in 2020, Terri Burns made history at GV (formerly Google Ventures) as not only its first Black female partner but also its youngest-ever partner at age 26, as previously shared by AFROTECH™. The promotion came after she joined the investment arm of Alphabet in 2017. Now, the history-maker is spreading her wings to take on building out her own venture. Fortune reports that Burns is launching her firm, Type Capital. “To the next generation of founders… you’re exactly our type,” Burns wrote via Instagram when announcing her new firm. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Terri Burns (@tcburning) According to Fortune, the 30-year-old was moved to start Type Capital after seeing a trend of venture capitalists investing in companies only after seeing fellow VCs show interest first, which she describes as “heat.” Burns aims to change the status quo by taking the lead and pursuing risks “driven by true innovation,” not by other investors. “They’re talking to amazing investors,...

May 13, 2024

Terri Burns Makes History as First Black Female Partner at Alphabet-Backed VC Firm GV

GV, the company formerly known as Google Ventures, just got its first Black female partner. Fortune reports GV — an Alphabet-backed venture capital firm that has made investments in GitLab, Slack, and Uber — has just promoted Principal Terri Burns to investing partner. This title will grant her the ability to write checks and at age 26, Burns will make history as the firm’s youngest-ever partner. Burns, as a Black woman, is a unicorn in an industry long dominated by white men. In the VC world, slowly but surely some progress has been made. According to All Raise , the number of female decision-makers grew from 9 percent at the end of 2017 to 13 percent this past February. Only one Black woman has been named partner at any VC firm in 2019, per Fortune , and Black people made up just 0.67 percent of all entrants to the industry between 2010 and 2015. Prior to spending three years at GV as a principal, Burns was an associate product manager at Twitter and had already made out checks...

Oct 15, 2020

NBA Player Gary Payton II Invests In Black-Owned Water Bottle Brand SUPLMNT

The Black-owned water bottle brand SUPLMNT welcomes NBA player Gary Payton II as its latest investor. The brand was founded in 2020 by South Philadelphia, PA, native Jairus Morris, who aims to improve hydration in Black and brown communities. His journey as a founder was inspired by his mother, who took on multiple jobs to support the household of five children. “I grew up in a South Philly single-mother household with four siblings. My mother was my first inspiration and motivation to want to be an entrepreneur,” he said in an interview shared on Medium. “She always tried side hustles to bring in extra income for my family; whether it was selling Mary Kay or braiding hair, she did it. Moving us out of the ghetto in South Philly to a suburb in New Jersey was the best thing she could have done. It exposed me to see that there was so much more to life outside of the hood.” As an adult, he also mentioned recognizing disparities around health and wellness, which further inspired his...

Feb 18, 2025

Southern University and A&M College Students Win $5,000  Prize For Innovative Sports Tech Pitch During Super Bowl LIX Week

A group of HBCU students were awarded during the week of Super Bowl LIX for their innovative pitch in sports technology. Diverse Representation, a company focused on increasing the number of Black agents, attorneys, managers, and publicists across sports, hosted its inaugural HBCU Sports Business Pitch Competition in New Orleans, LA, in partnership with the talent agency William Morris Endeavor (WME) on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, during Super Bowl LIX week. According to information shared with AFROTECH™, the competition was launched to provide local HBCU student entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch sports-related concepts for a chance to receive funding and connect with decision-makers in the industry. “When I initially launched Diverse Representation, I’ve always been very, very clear about what our mission is: to help Black professionals in the sports and entertainment industry,” Diverse Representation Founder Jaia Thomas told AFROTECH™. “Not minorities, not people of color—Black...

Feb 10, 2025

The First Black-Owned Shopping Plaza In Fayetteville, GA, Is Now Fully Leased Out

Fayetteville, GA, shoppers can support various businesses at a new Black-owned shopping plaza. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Kingdom Corners is the brainchild of married couple Felicia and Winchel Elibert. The duo had previously ventured into entrepreneurship, owning a range of businesses, including a Smoothie King franchise, multiple Winchell’s Barbershops, and a location of Felicia’s Cleansing Waters Wellness Center. “Right across from our Smoothie King and Cleansing Waters location in Fayetteville, there was a sign that said land for sale,” Felicia told 95.5 WSB. “We made a phone call to ask about the land, which was at a good price. We checked with our realtor and were encouraged that this was a really good investment.” The four-acre plaza took three to four years to complete. When it was completed, it made history in the city as the first Black-owned shopping plaza. “We have been getting phone calls, texts, and folks stopping by—just to say what an inspiration we are in the...

Feb 5, 2025

Entrepreneur Danielle Coke Balfour Expresses 'Disappointment' In Target's DEI Stance And Pulls Products From Shelves

Entrepreneur and graphic designer Danielle Coke Balfour is pulling her products from Target shelves. Oh Happy Dani, a social media brand and online store that uses art to encourage advocacy, grew from designs Balfour started creating in February 2020 for Black History Month, according to her website. By that summer the illustrated infographics had found a larger audience for its digestible advocacy ideas around racism and equity . Today the business features a lineup of products that includes journals, cups, a workbook, and stickers. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Danielle Coke Balfour (@ohhappydani) Over the years, Balfour has been able to land countless collaborations with brands such as Coach, Old Navy, Adobe, Home Depot, TOMS, and more. She had also scored a partnership with Target but has recently decided to take a step away from the major retailer after it pulled back from its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments. As CNBC notes, Target put an end to...

Jan 30, 2025

Op-Ed: Not All Tech CEOs Have Changed Their Mind About DEI Despite President Donald Trump's Actions

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. “Oligarchy” is the word that has been spread across the internet and used to describe what has been observed during Donald Trump’s inauguration. “Oligarchy” is defined as “a country, institution, or organization led by a small group of people.” Observers saw the leaders of the most powerful tech companies in the world not just in attendance but sitting where friends and family sit. They had better seats than Trump’s cabinet. It’s not uncommon for business leaders to convene in Washington D.C. to usher in the exchange of power, but the previous relationship that Trump had with these tech CEOs, and its change to what is seen now, is something to take note of. Mark Zuckerberg, founder and CEO of Meta; Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon; Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet; Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; and, of course Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, were all close to the president during his swearing in. Each one of...

Jan 29, 2025

CMO Jamie Gersch Reveals TikTok's Influence In Driving Customer Acquisition For Brands

TikTok is a home for brands to thrive. The platform, which is home to 170 million active users in the United States alone, is becoming a trusted destination. According to TikTok’s 2025 What’s Next report, 81% of users were exposed to new topics and trends that they were not aware were initially of interest to them. It’s for these reasons that the term “demure” took off in 2024. It was popularized by TikTok creator Jools Lebron through a series of witty videos and was named Dictionary.com’s 2024 Word of the Year. “It’s changed the way we shop. It’s changed the way we travel. It’s changed the way we search. It’s even changed the way we speak,” said Head of North America Business Marketing TikTok Rema Vasan during CES 2025. The Power Of Tuning Into The Comment Section Through TikTok, brands have the ability to strengthen their connection with consumers. In fact, users are primed to see their favorite brands on TikTok, with 68% affirming the importance of brands engaging in their...

Jan 23, 2025

Op-Ed: I Think Donald Trump's AI Policies Could Lead The AI Bubble To Burst

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Overhyped tech sectors of cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence have seen a recent resurgence in the past year. Most of AI’s rise can be attributed to the hype and fear that surrounds its use. If you ask OpenAI CEO Sam Altman his thoughts, he’ll tell you that AI is needed to bring us into the future, but to scientists like Dr. Joy Buolamwini who approaches the use of AI cautiously, its lack of regulation can prove harmful to people of color. Despite doubts about the use of AI technology, it’s become almost ubiquitous in culture. Students have used ChatGPT for essay assignments, workers are using ChatGPT to write emails , and others have suggested using AI to create something as simple as grocery lists and corresponding menus. But even as AI and cryptocurrency continue to experience unprecedented growth, experts predict that AI will reach its peak in 2025 and then burst. Still, a second Donald...

Jan 9, 2025

Reality TV Star Lesa Milan Credits Beyoncé For Catapulting Her Fashion Maternity Company To Overnight Success

Lesa Milan, star of “The Real Housewives of Dubai,” credits Beyoncé as an inspiration for her fashion business success. In 2016, Milan launched her fashion brand Mina Roe, catering to pregnant women because she felt there was a lack of trendy maternity items on the market, notes WWD. “I love that Rihanna was out there with her bump, being sexy and bold because that’s what Mina Roe has always been about — celebrating your pregnancy rather than hiding it,” she told the outlet in 2022 . “You can still add that fashion twist and your own personal style to your bump. I think that’s the hole that we filled with Mina Roe.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by MINA ROE (@minaroe) Milan had ambitious goals for her brand from the start, launching it with the support of just one female employee. In an interview with radio station Hot 97, she shared how she initially reached out to entrepreneurs and celebrities, hoping they would wear Mina Roe. Ultimately, her breakthrough came through...

Dec 16, 2024

Understand The Funding Timeline By Learning The Differences Between Series A, B, And C Funding

When a company begins to grow and expand, it often needs significant capital to support its operations and scale. This is where venture capital funding rounds like Series A, B, and C come into play. Most commonly something startups engage in, these rounds represent distinct stages in a company’s journey, each with its own objectives, investor types, and implications for the business. Why Startups Use Series Funding Series A, B, and C funding rounds are primarily associated with startups because these companies often have innovative ideas but lack the financial resources to scale independently. Startups typically rely on outside investments to accelerate growth, develop new products, and gain a foothold in competitive markets. Unlike established companies, startups usually cannot rely on steady revenue streams or traditional bank loans to fund their expansion. Venture capital funding, offered during these series rounds, fills this gap. In exchange for equity, startups secure the...

Dec 16, 2024

Issa Rae Serves Up 'Progressive American Dining Experience' With New LA-Based Restaurant

Issa Rae has opened a new restaurant in Los Angeles. The actress and serial entrepreneur , already renowned for the community-focused Hilltop Kitchen + Coffee, is expanding her presence. With the same spirit, she brings a new energy to Los Angeles through her latest venture, Somerville. “Always wanted a neighborhood lounge to complement the special community that is View Park-Windsor Hills. The genius GVO Gentlemen said, how about a restaurant? @somerville.slauson — an ode to the classic, artistic past of Black South Central L.A? And sure, the ambience will be fantastic, but the food and cocktails will keep you coming back,” Rae said in a post shared on Instagram. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Issa Rae (@issarae)   Customers can visit Somerville at Park-Windsor Hills, which GVO describes as a “progressive American dining experience.” According to the restaurant’s website, its extensive menu includes the Somerville burger, pan seared ora king salmon, and Mary’s organic...

Nov 26, 2024

This Couple Is Behind The First Black-Owned Shopping Plaza In Fayetteville, GA

Couple Felicia and Winchel Elibert are helping Black-owned businesses create wealth. According to 95.5 WSB, the pair are behind a four-acre Fayetteville, GA shopping plaza that will be home to several businesses. Winchel already owned multiple barbershops, while Felicia worked as a nurse and is the founder of several Cleansing Waters Wellness Center locations. WSB-TV Atlanta News mention that the Eliberts also owned a Smoothie King for several years. Entering new territory with the plaza was a “journey” that began with a sign located across from their Smoothie King. “Right across from our Smoothie King and Cleansing Waters location in Fayetteville, there was a sign that said land for sale,” Felicia told 95.5 WSB. “We made a phone call to ask about the land, which was at a good price. We checked with our realtor and were encourage that this was a really good investment.” For three to four years, the couple worked to develop the idea for the shopping center, which was ultimately named...

Nov 19, 2024

Actor Taye Diggs Says He's 'Still Learning When It Comes To Managing Money' But Has His Eyes On Investing Into Real Estate

Industry veteran Taye Diggs has come a long way in the entertainment industry. In an email interview with AFROTECH™, “The Best Man” actor reminisced on his early career, sharing how he spent his first paycheck as an actor. With three decades in the industry, his first role was “Carousel” in 1994, with his big break coming four years later in “How Stella Got Her Groove Back.” “I remember I bought a tailored suit from the then fashion icon, Barney’s. It took me a while to switch my mindset from so-called immediate needs and wants to having more of a ‘full picture’ perspective that takes the future into consideration,” he recalled. Portfolio He acknowledges that financial management is an ongoing learning journey. However, his strengthened understanding of long-term planning has paved the way for him to step confidently into investing. “I’ll be the first person to admit I’m still learning when it comes to managing money. I’m excited to extend my finances into the real estate space. It...

Nov 11, 2024

Head Of Instagram Adam Mosseri Shares What Could Be Impacting Your Instagram Content's Performance

Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri explains why some content on the platform is being suppressed. In response to a user who inquired if the quality of their Stories was being compressed over time since it appeared blurry in Instagram’s highlight feature, Mosseri reveals there is truth to that statement. He also adds that the quality of a video, Reel, or photo could also be impacted depending on a couple factors, including its performance. “In general, we want to show the highest-quality video we can when someone is watching a Story or a Reel or a photo. If something isn’t watched for a long time, ’cause the vast majority of views are in the beginning, we will move to a lower-quality video and then if it’s watched again a lot, then we will re-render the higher-quality video,” Mosseri explained in an Instagram video, according to The Verge. “We also, if we are serving a video to someone on a slow internet connection, we’ll serve a lower-quality video, so that it will load quickly as...

Oct 31, 2024

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