A platform for the Black Community in the UK
The state of Black businesses in the North East of England
In this edition, we focus on highlighting the state of Black businesses in the North East of England. We have been made aware that the majority of our people are facing challenges in accessing the support that is required for their businesses to flourish. This needs addressing and we are calling on Black-owned businesses in the region to reach out to us, so we can take on this fight together.
- New on-campus business incubator
developed to support local businesses
Venture firm Black Seed raises £5M inaugural fund to invest in Black founders
British early-stage venture firm Black Seed has raised £5 million ($6.2 million) as part of its inaugural fund to solely support Black founders in the country. The round was led by asset manager M&G Investments, with additional support from Atomico and Molten Ventures. Black Seed was launched to address the lack of funding Black founders receive in the UK, according to its founders: Karl Lokko, Cyril Lutterodt and founding member Yvonne Nagawa. Black founders in the country received only 0.24% of all VC funds between 2009 and 2019, and only 10 Black British women were able even to raise at all, according to a report by Extend Ventures.
Digital hubs for Sunderland
Sunderland City Council is rolling out 22 community Digital Health Hubs to tackle digital challenges such as limited connectivity, lack of access to digital devices and skills, and the cost barriers associated with going online. The project has secured a £581,893 investment from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, part of the Government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Tribute to John Okafor
His death at the age of 62 has left family, friends and fans
of Nigeria's film industry Nollywood across Africa in
mourning. He burst onto the scene in 2004 with the movie
Mr Ibu, which tells the story of the eponymous single
father and his son as they journey through life, getting into
a series of tricky, and hilarious, predicaments. He will be sadly missed.
