SXSW 2025
SXSW Event happening March 7-15 in Austin, Texas.
NextFab Ventures Accepting Applicants for RAPID Accelerator
NextFab Ventures is exclusively focused on helping hardware entrepreneurs. Their RAPID accelerator program provides early-stage startups with technical/business consulting, training, introductions to contract manufacturers, and access to funding networks.
Ahimsa Acquires Vegan Brand Blackbird Foods
Ahimsa Companies, a plant-based investment firm, has announced its acquisition of Blackbird Foods, a New York-based vegan brand known for its artisanal frozen pizzas and seitan products available at retailers like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Target.
The Honda-Nissan Merger Is Dead—Or Is It?
For months, rumors of a potential Honda-Nissan merger fueled speculation about a major shift in the Japanese auto industry. If successful, the deal would have created the third-largest carmaker in the world, helping both companies strengthen their positions in the rapidly evolving electric vehicle (EV) and autonomous driving industries.
GGD Startup: PopCom
PopCom turns traditional vending machines and kiosks into smart retail spaces. Using biotech integration, automated retail software and artificial intelligence, PopCom manufactures vending machines; able to sell everything from digital NFT artwork to beauty products. Founder Dawn Dickson, established the company after realizing many vending outlets or self-serving kiosks were not providing owners with critical consumer data (like sales or traffic analytics).
GGD Startup: Eventbrite
Eventbrite has definitely used technology to expand how independent creatives make a living. The event management and ticketing platform is one of few; a women-led (and founded) tech company, publicly listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
GGD Startup: Pavegen Pavements
Just by walking on a Pavegen block, you generate human kinetic energy which then gets converted into clean, off-grid electricity. The founder, Laurence Kemball-Cook came up with the idea after noticing the large number of commuters passing through Victoria Station in London.
GGD Startup: Fanbase
Unlike most social media apps, Fanbase is geared to make you money ASAP. The network serves as a platform for multiple types of content; video, podcasts, movies, and more.
GGD Startup: Zuri Health
Zuri Health is a telemedicine company disrupting traditional, analog healthcare. To better serve patients, the startup deploys mobile software like AI, apps and SMS messaging. A key aspect of Zuri’s mission is to “not just cure illnesses but prevent them.” Founded in Kenya, the healthtech startup has expanded to other countries in Africa. Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, and Zambia all have Zuri Health services.
Warner Music Group Fully Acquires Africori
Warner Music Group (WMG) has finalized its full acquisition of Africori, a leading African music distribution, rights management, and artist development company. This move underscores WMG’s commitment to amplifying African music on the global stage.