Exciting things happening in rising tech hubs outside of Silicon Valley.
What the hell is up with AI agents and chatbots? If you ask the tech world, they say they are the future. But if you ask consumers and users, it is much more of a mixed bag. It has proven to be an effective tool in the business and startup space, but it is impossible … more
Disabled founders occupy an awkward position among historically marginalized groups. When they aren’t completely overlooked or locked out of funding, they’re often treated as charity cases — ones investors seemingly deem unworthy of backing. A 2022 report from Access2Funding, “Transforming Opportunities and Outcomes for Disabled Entrepreneurs,” reveals stark disparities: Disabled entrepreneurs are up to 400 … more
Spotlight: Wheel Health (Formally Enzyme Health) Website | LinkedIn | Pitchbook Unicorn Stats: Vision: We have a simple vision for the future: to put great healthcare in everyone’s reach. This vision is rooted in the belief that we can’t solve the problems of healthcare with the same infrastructure that created them. We believe healthcare will … more
Funding barriers for disabled founders are some of the worst in the venture capital (VC) industry. In a 2023 Access2Funding report, the UK disability think tank found this group could be up to 400% less likely to secure investment than their counterparts. But this grim statistic has also resulted in a number of groups looking … more
There are many hurdles to becoming a successful startup founder, but some – like the disabled – it can be harder to get your business off the ground. Luckily, numerous programs have emerged to help disabled founders lay the groundwork for their dream startups. From government initiatives and nonprofit funding to advocacy networks, these resources … more
Soon, Kimmy Paluch, co-founder and managing partner of Beta Boom, will board a plane from Utah, returning to Jamaica for one of her family’s rare reunions — a gathering that draws relatives from across the globe. The youngest of five daughters, Kimmy was born and raised in Jamaica, surrounded by a sprawling extended family. Her … more
Spotlight: Meet Lee-Anne Reuber, Founder and CEO of Sekond Skin Society “Breaking barriers for people with disabilities, supporting all bodies with all abilities, reducing stigmas, and creating a truly inclusive community motivates me each day!” – Collabs.io Mag Interview As a thought leader and advocate for accessibility, Lee-Anne Reuber, founder and CEO of Sekond Skin … more
While every founder has their trials and tribulations, those who are disabled face even more obstacles than their peers. But through sheer will – and maybe even a little spite – these entrepreneurs want you to know they’re here to change the world, no matter who tries to stand in their way. Here are 6 … more
Creativity can be a transformative force — one that shapes not just innovation, but survival itself. For Jerrica Kirkley, M.D., Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Plume it has been the cornerstone of her success. “It’s just such a big part of every facet of my life,” she says. “We as physicians, as healers, have patients in … more
Private equity (PE) in the U.S. has had a decades-long love affair with the roll-up strategy, a tactic involving mass acquisition and consolidation to achieve industry dominance. The lucrative market emerging around artificial intelligence and its new capabilities – such as generative AI and blockchain – is irresistible to PE acquirers. While this approach can … more
“Things are only impossible until they’re not.” – Captain Picard, Star Trek, The Next Generation. For Justin Ayars, founder and CEO of EqualityMD, this isn’t just a quote—it’s a way of life. “[Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry]’s dream was to see past the squabbles of humanity and show the world what a future could look … more
Unicorn Investor Club: Icertis Website | LinkedIn | Pitchbook Portfolio Summary Description Pitchbook: Developer of a contract intelligence platform designed to structure and connect every kind of contract. The company’s platform uses artificial intelligence to read, analyze documents, and third-party papers to provide authorized users with detailed risk reports and automatic obligations, as well as … more
Seattle’s rise wasn’t accidental—it combined geographic luck, big tech anchors, and a founder-friendly culture. Amazon’s choice catalyzed a golden age, but sustaining it requires solving new challenges. Seattle offers ex-Amazon talent with scaling experience and accessible local investors like Voyager Capital facing less competition than Silicon Valley. Its pragmatic culture avoids hype cycles, ideal for … more
Founders’ Co-op Website | LinkedIn | Pitchbook Motto: “Built by founders, funded by founders, and designed to put founders first.” Founded in 2008, Founders’ Co-op is a venture capital investment firm based in Seattle, Washington. The firm seeks to invest in the Pacific Northwest-based companies operating in the software sector. This firm is a Registered … more
Artificial intelligence solutions now play a vital role in launching and scaling startups, offering efficiency gains, improved decision-making and versatile applications. From automation to web search, these tools help businesses stay competitive. Selecting the right AI requires evaluating integration capabilities, scalability and alignment with business goals. The technology can enhance analytics, customer engagement and operations. … more
Launching a startup is a rollercoaster—exciting, fast-paced, and sometimes overwhelming. The right artificial intelligence (AI) tools can make all the difference, helping you stay organized, efficient, and ahead of the competition. Here’s a list of the best apps for startup founders. 1. Notion – The All-in-One Workspace Founded: 2016Founders: Ivan Zhao, Simon LastMain Use: Documentation, project management, knowledge … more
Kameale Terry, 35, grew up in South Central Los Angeles as the eldest of four children in a first-generation American family. Her parents immigrated from Belize, instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in their children. “I grew up just knowing that I could do anything, I could accomplish whatever I put my mind to,” she says. “We … more
The path from underrepresented founder to venture capitalist is rarely linear, but it’s one filled with invaluable lessons, resilience, and the power of rewriting the narrative. For many founders from marginalized backgrounds, breaking into the VC world isn’t just about securing capital—it’s about reshaping who gets to control it. The Founder’s Struggle is a Strength … more