Kerry Washington Invests in Cheersy, a New Wedding Coordination Marketplace
Actress and entrepreneur Kerry Washington has expanded her angel investment portfolio by leading a $550,000 pre-seed funding round for Cheersy, a digital marketplace that connects engaged couples with expert day-of wedding coordinators.
Carol’s Daughter Leaves L’Oréal USA
L’Oréal USA has announced the sale of pioneering haircare brand Carol’s Daughter to an independent beauty company. Lisa Price, the founder of the Carol’s Daughter will assume responsibilities as President and will retain an equity stake. The unnamed beauty partner (acquiring the textured hair brand) also owns Ambi, AcneFree, and Dermablend.
The 5th Annual Black Ambition Prize Competition is Officially Open
Part of the main reason why Pharrell Williams says he launched Black Ambition was to “close the opportunity and wealth gaps derived from limited access to capital and resources.” Now in its fifth year, the Black Ambition Prize competition is open to early-stage entrepreneurs and innovators from backgrounds that have historically been overlooked by venture capital funding, prioritizing Black and Latinx founders.
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: 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.
TikTok and Black Girl Ventures Launch SOAR Accelerator
TikTok Shop and Black Girl Ventures have joined forces to launch 2025 Soar Together, a 6-week business accelerator program designed to empower Black-owned businesses.
GGD Investor: Thirty Five Ventures
Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman launched Thirty Five Ventures in 2016, transforming it into a powerhouse that blends venture capital, sports, media, and entertainment.
GGD Startup: Calendly
To create Calendly, Tope Awotona emptied out his personal savings in 2013. The founder was determined to build a scheduling automation tool that was intuitive and simple to use.