AFROTECH

Rick Ross has partnered with his dentist to open a clinic in Atlanta, GA. The rapper is teaming up with Dr. Mario Montoya, who launched his career path after earning a bachelor of dentistry autonomous degree from the University of Manizales in 1991. He later pursued postgraduate studies in oral rehabilitation at the Military University in 2005. Dr. Montoya co-founded Matizz Dental Clinic in 2008, and after a decade, he launched Smiles by Mario Montoya in Colombia. His initial clientele was Puerto Rican urban artists, but his reach expanded, adding Ross, Nicki Minaj, Tiny, Ari Fletcher, Moneybagg Yo, French Montana, and more to his roster. Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e2pDKvDV #AFROTECH

The Deion Sanders contract extension is officially signed, sealed, and worth a staggering $54 million. Deion Sanders has signed a five-year, $54 million contract extension with the University of Colorado, making him the fourth highest-paid college football coach. His salary will rise from $10 million annually in 2025 to $12 million in 2029. This significant increase reflects his transformative impact on Colorado’s football program, boosting the team's performance, media presence, and overall cultural relevance. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eXBygFTY #AFROTECH

Morgan DeBaun wants you to take control and become the CEO of your life. Morgan DeBaun, a trailblazing entrepreneur who secured $1 million in funding at 25, is the founder and CEO of Blavity Inc., a global media company serving Black Millennials and Gen Z. DeBaun, now the author of ‘Rewrite Your Rules’, aims to empower others by challenging the status quo and providing a framework for personal and professional growth, helping readers achieve fulfillment and unlock their full potential. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e2_RWyGv #AFROTECH

After spending significant dollars in DEI efforts, the University of Michigan has closed two offices tied to equity and inclusion. The University of Michigan has closed its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) and the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI) after spending nearly $250 million on DEI efforts in recent years. The decision follows federal executive orders from the Trump administration pressuring schools to dismantle DEI programs or risk losing funding. Read more ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ephaQaQC #AFROTECH

Join AfroTech Founder Circle TODAY and receive: *VC Office Hours with top venture capitalists actively investing. *Complimentary AfroTech Conference Premiere Ticket *Pitch Deck Feedback from Investors *Complimentary Blavity Fest GA Ticket Join here: https://lnkd.in/ebmUJgYW

HillmanTok University has made its way from TikTok to Capitol Hill. On March 11, 2025, the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) joined forces with TikTok to celebrate the digital community for Black educators using the social media platform to reshape education and inspire approximately 135.79 million U.S. users. Several HillmanTok educators, including Dr. Leah Barlow, Shyia Simmon, CPA Thurman Brooks, and Gyllian Carter, visited Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, for a special reception to celebrate educational innovation and meet with members of Congress, TikTok shared in a news release. Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/ejTm7-yE #AFROTECH

A movement that all starts here 🙌🏾 From connecting founders to VCs to building spaces for the next innovators to find their big idea 💡. Where access meets opportunity— are you ready? 👀 Secure your pass to the 2025 AFROTECH Conference today ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eTrYMh6p #AFROTECH

Leave it to Steph Curry and Michelle Obama to remind us that health and flavor don’t have to be enemies. The NBA legend and the forever First Lady have teamed up to launch PLEZi Hydration, a new sports drink aiming to do what health gurus allege Gatorade and Powerade never quite pulled off — offer hydration without compromising on health. Born out of Obama’s public benefit company, PLEZi Nutrition, the drink is marketed as a “healthier” option for individuals who want to stay active without consuming excessive sugar and sodium. Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d_87ADk4 #AFROTECH

The popular pop-the-balloon dating show concept will be making its way to Netflix. “Pop the Balloon or Find Love” is a hit dating show that started on YouTube. Hopeful romantics put their fate in the hands of potential matches. Contestants signal their interest, or lack thereof, by keeping their balloons intact, symbolizing a spark, or popping them to show disinterest. Brought to life by self-employed multimedia producer and musician Bolia Matundu (BM) and his wife, Arlette Amuli, a beauty and lifestyle creator, BM admits that versions of the concept started to pop up in the wake of COVID-19 in 2020. The unscripted series has released 48 episodes and has amassed more than 100 million views on YouTube alone. Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eiMcsANf #AFROTECH

There’s nothing like being in a space where you truly belong! AfroTech is more than a conference—it’s a movement, a community, and a place where Black technologists, entrepreneurs, and creatives thrive. Being surrounded by like-minded innovators drives confidence and unlocks new possibilities. Don’t miss out on this experience! Join us in Houston, Oct. 27-31, 2025. Secure your tickets now! https://lnkd.in/e6ui5SRZ #AFROTECH #ATC25