Ismail Akwei is an international journalist, digital media specialist, media literacy advocate, media viability consultant, media trainer, product manager, editor, writer, and media manager with over a decade of experience working with multinational media companies worldwide.

Commerce firm started just five years ago has been acquired for $200m

16 Oct 2020  |  Face2Face Africa  |  English  |  Acquisition

US e-payments firm Stripe has acquired Nigerian startup Paystack, marking its entry into Africa’s e-commerce market. Paystack, based in Lagos, provides payment processing services in Nigeria and Ghana and serves 60,000 businesses. The acquisition, valued at over $200 million, aims to boost Africa's online GDP and expand Paystack's reach across the continent. Both companies are alumni of the Y Combinator accelerator program. Paystack will continue to operate independently while integrating into Stripe’s Global Payments and Treasury Network. Stripe's business lead in EMEA, Matt Henderson, and Paystack's CEO, Shola Akinlade, expressed optimism about the growth and development opportunities this deal presents.

Tags:

Y Combinator Lagos Internal Revenue Service

Informative

Factuality Scale

Yinka is a journalist and data analyst based in Lagos, Nigeria.

African Countries Poised to Become Most Populous Nations

20 Jun 2023  |  Intelpoint  |  English  |  Population Growth

The Central African Republic has launched Sango Coin, becoming the only African country with a national cryptocurrency. Nigeria's eNaira, a Central Bank Digital Currency, has seen limited adoption since its launch. African startups raised $174.77 million in July 2022, with Financial Services receiving the majority. Senegal, Egypt, and Nigeria were the top funding recipients. Nigeria's population is projected to reach 401 million by 2050, potentially becoming the third most populous nation. This growth will increase demand for basic needs and affect entrepreneurs' market strategies. African countries have higher population growth rates compared to other regions.

Tags:

Y Combinator Central African Republic Parliament AfricInvest Cathay Innovation Seedstars Catalyst Fund FSD Africa FrontEnd Ventures Zedcrest Capital Autochek Swvl Bloc National Population Commission

Informative

Factuality Scale

John BaRoss is a FinTech journalist based in New York, United States of America who writes about Financially Including the estimated 1.7B globally unbanked, as well as Financial Literacy that includes how to get the recently financially included to pivot to adoption and scaling usage to help ...

How artificial intelligence can improve payments fraud prevention

03 Aug 2024  |  Payments Dive  |  English  |  Digital Payments

The article discusses various developments in the payments industry, including the potential of generative AI to improve fraud prevention, PayPal's growth strategy under CEO Alex Chriss, and legal issues involving Visa and Mastercard. Affirm comments on CFPB's proposed BNPL rules, while Capital One prepares for credit card losses related to Walmart. Other topics include Revolut's fraud claims, Fiserv's AI plans, and Amex's benefits from young cardholders. The FTC demands pricing input from Mastercard, and the Fed fines Green Dot over prepaid cards. JPMorgan Chase invests in B2B payments startup Slope, and the CFPB's director discusses the convergence of payments and commerce.

Tags:

Y Combinator McKinsey Meta Milberg CFPB FTC Senate

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Ellen Chang, having pursued further studies in Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern and polished interpreting and translating skills at GITIS, NTNU, Taiwan, now works as an interpreter/ fixer/ translator/ copywriter in Taipei. Mom of three, loves jogging. 5+ years in digital media and 10+ ...

The Shape Of Jobs Will Change, Sam Altman Says at Harvard

01 May 2024  |  Harvard Business School  |  English  |  Government Policy

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, addressed the changing nature of jobs due to the rise of artificial intelligence at a Harvard University event. He emphasized the need for transparency about potential job losses and the benefits of AI tools. Altman highlighted the importance of government collaboration with industries to address workforce changes and necessary skill sets. He also stressed the need for societal debate on economic changes and the balance between capital and labor. Altman's insights are significant as AI continues to influence various sectors and the U.S. workforce.

Tags:

Y Combinator Harvard University Institute for Business in Global Society

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Center

Political View

Kate Clark has worked in Afghanistan on and off since 1999 when she was the BBC correspondent in Kabul. Kate was the only western journalist in Afghanistan during the last years of the Taleban regime and covered the 2001 war and its aftermath. She is currently the Country Director of the ...

Y Combinator’s Garry Tan Goes to the Mat

15 Sept 2023  |  The Information  |  English  |  Business Rivalry

Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator, was seen enjoying the startup accelerator's annual alumni event in San Francisco. However, a week earlier, Tan had publicly criticized Ali Partovi, leader of rival accelerator Neo, for allegedly slandering Y Combinator. The conflict arose after Partovi claimed Neo offers a better mentor-to-startup ratio than Y Combinator at an MIT hackathon. The aggressive response from Y Combinator's leaders, including partner Michael Seibel, raised questions about the accelerator's confidence in its dominant position in the startup ecosystem.

Tags:

Y Combinator Neo Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Andrea Davis is a journalist | fixer based in Kingston, Jamaica.

Tech innovator spotlight: Roger Lee

06 May 2016  |  www.benefitnews.com  |  English  |  Employee Benefits

Roger Lee, co-founder of Captain401, has been recognized with a Dig|Benefits Technology Innovator Award for his contributions to technology innovation in the employee benefits space. Captain401 simplifies the process of setting up 401(k) plans for small businesses by automating data entry and legal form filing. The platform has secured significant funding and gained traction among tech companies, including TinyCo, Buffer, Heap, Joyable, and Y Combinator. Lee emphasizes the importance of automation in reducing administrative burdens and expanding access to 401(k) benefits.

Tags:

Y Combinator Dig|Benefits TinyCo Buffer Heap Joyable

Informative

Factuality Scale

Recently relocated to London, Kit Gillet is a journalist with extensive experience covering Romania/Moldova, writing for The New York Times, Guardian, Economist and others. He's also a regular commentator for the BBC World Service, Monocle radio, Al Jazeera, France 24, Euronews and others.

11 predictions for eastern Europe tech in 2022

01 Jan 2022  |  sifted.eu  |  English  |  Investment

Eastern European tech is poised for significant growth in 2022, driven by increased validation and investment in the region. Key success stories like UiPath, Wise, and Bolt have shifted perceptions, encouraging more ambitious ventures. Local venture capital funds are growing, enabling more substantial funding rounds. Global VCs are increasingly active, and talent recruitment is both challenging and easier due to remote work trends. The region is expected to see a rise in biotech startups, deeptech, cleantech, and open banking adoption. Former employees of successful companies like UiPath are creating a network effect, and there is a trend towards developing global products. Challenges include talent shortages and the need for quality investment opportunities.

Tags:

Y Combinator LAUNCHub Credo OTB Speedinvest Startup Wise Guys Inovo Venture Partners Earlybird Venture Capital Lumus Investment Collective Seedblink a16z Insight Partners Sequoia Khosla Balderton Index Accel Gradient

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Peter Guest is a writer, editor, producer and photographer, based in Southeast Asia. His work has appeared in Nikkei Asian Review, the Atlantic, Newsweek, the Financial Times, Wired, the Guardian, the Wall Street Journal and others. He has reported from more than 40 countries across five continents,...

The technology sector in Ukraine resists amid the bloody war

30 Sept 2023  |  WIRED  |  Spanish  |  Startup Resilience

Despite the devastating Russian invasion, Ukraine's tech sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth. In 2022, IT exports increased by nearly 7%, even as the economy contracted by almost a third. The article profiles four Ukrainian startups—Djooky, Awesomic, Howly, and BetterMe—that have adapted and thrived amid the war. Djooky, a music platform, has continued to connect fans with artists. Awesomic, a design and development service, has expanded its operations and moved its headquarters to Silicon Valley. Howly, an online concierge service, has diversified its offerings and maintained operations despite infrastructure attacks. BetterMe, a health and wellness app, has increased its workforce and revenue by 20% in 2022 and has provided free mental health resources to Ukrainians. The tech sector's cooperation and solidarity have been pivotal in sustaining the economy and supporting the war effort.

Tags:

Y Combinator Google Spotify Universal Music World Health Organization

Dominic Kirui is a freelance journalist based in Nairobi, Kenya. He has been published at Thomson Reuters, News Deeply, Equal Times, The Epoch Times, WAF Magazine, Civic Ideas, ITWeb Africa, and African Arguments.

Contacts:

Cell:  ******

       :  ******

Email: ******

Twitter:  @Domie_Kirui

...

Nigeria’s Mono sets up in Kenya as part of East Africa expansion

08 Jul 2022  |  itweb.africa  |  English  |  Business Development

Nigerian Fintech startup Mono has established operations in Kenya to expand into East Africa, leveraging open banking for financial and identity data services. Kenya's advanced mobile money ecosystem and customer base present a significant opportunity for Mono. The company has conducted a pilot in Kenya and aims to provide infrastructure for businesses to join the internet economy. Mono, which has participated in Y Combinator and secured funding, sees Kenya as a strategic market for its Mono Connect API and other services.

Tags:

Y Combinator

Factual

Factuality Scale

Elizabeth MacBride is a Washington, D.C.-based journalist traveling in the Middle East, reporting on business and the economy, including new energy realities.

Don’t Go Into Personal Debt, And Other Tips For Small Business Owners Just Starting Out

30 Apr 2023  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Business Advice

The United States is experiencing a surge in small business formation, with 1.7 million new businesses filed in 2022. The article provides practical advice for new small business owners, emphasizing the importance of starting small, avoiding personal debt, seeking free information, and focusing on customer needs. It highlights the challenges of accessing capital and competing with large businesses but notes that it is cheaper to start a business today due to online platforms. The article also recommends various resources and organizations that can assist small business owners, including SCORE, the Association of Women’s Business Centers, and local Small Business Development Centers.

Tags:

Y Combinator Economic Innovation Group U.S. Census Bureau SCORE Association of Women’s Business Centers Small Business Development Center TechStars Camelback Ventures Ad Astra Ventures EforAll

Informative

Factuality Scale

George Mavridis is a freelance journalist and writer based in Greece. His work primarily covers tech, innovation, social media, digital communication, and politics. He graduated from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication. Also, he holds an MA in ...

How Protex AI Raised $18 Million in 18 Months: Tips from the Founders

05 Jul 2023  |  4imag  |  English  |  Entrepreneurship

The article discusses the challenges faced by start-ups in raising investment capital, highlighting the success of Protex AI, which raised $18 million. Founders Dan Hobbs and Ciarán O’Mara shared their experiences at the Dublin Tech Summit, emphasizing the importance of persistence, networking, and understanding investor interests. Protex AI, working with brands like Marks & Spencer, uses AI and computer vision technologies to improve workplace safety. The company secured funding from notable investors including Notion, Playfair, Firstminute, Elkstone, and Y Combinator. The article also touches on the low success rate of start-ups in securing funding and the importance of building trust with investors over time.

Tags:

Y Combinator Dublin Tech Summit Notion Playfair Firstminute Elkstone

Emmanuel Paul is a tech journalist, script writer, podcast host, and narrator for one of Africa's largest digital media publications. With 6 years experience in freelance writing and professional journalism, he has deep understanding of the business, political, and technology sector in Africa.

One of Nigerian tech's pioneers launches Collate Africa, a platform to improve election transparency

17 Mar 2023  |  Techpoint Africa  |  English  |  Nigerian Elections

Oo Nwoye, a prominent figure in Nigeria's tech industry, has launched Collate Africa, a platform aimed at improving election transparency. Partnering with Ozo Omosigho, Nwoye's initiative addresses the challenges of verifying election results in Nigeria, especially following the controversial 2023 Presidential elections. Collate Africa seeks to provide a centralized and transparent system for uploading and verifying election results, relying on registered voters from polling units across the country. The platform aims to complement existing solutions and promote accountability in the electoral process.

Tags:

Y Combinator INEC Stears Civic Hive

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Emily Spaven is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom. She has most recently worked as an editor, writer and subeditor for FinTech news site CoinDesk. 

She has also worked as a copywriter at Google and a writer/editor at two start-up companies. Emily's articles on all areas of personal ...

Bitcoin and Soylent meal replacement: new currency meets new nutrition

08 Aug 2013  |  www.coindesk.com  |  English  |  Nutrition

Soylent, created by Rob Rhinehart, is a meal replacement powder that gained popularity through a crowdfunding campaign. Developed during a Y Combinator program, Soylent offers a convenient and cost-effective alternative to traditional meals. Despite some skepticism about its long-term health effects, it has received significant pre-orders. Rhinehart supports Bitcoin payments for Soylent, aligning with his philosophy of decentralized currency. The article includes perspectives from the British Dietetic Association and Coinbase co-founder Fred Ehrsam, highlighting both the benefits and potential concerns of using Soylent.

Tags:

Y Combinator British Dietetic Association

Balanced

Factuality Scale

Zara Stone is a freelance multimedia journalist and producer. She has produced, shot and edited video for live TV and ABC affiliate stations and written stories for The Atlantic and OZY media.

The Best Burger You'll Ever Have Is Made From Plants

08 Aug 2018  |  Forbes  |  English  |  Food Innovation

The article explores the rise of plant-based burgers and alternative proteins, driven by investments from Silicon Valley venture capitalists, meat moguls, and notable figures like Bill Gates. Companies like Beyond Meat, Impossible Foods, and Good Catch Foods are leading the charge with innovative products that aim to replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat while offering environmental and health benefits. The market for plant-based foods is growing rapidly, with significant investments and increasing consumer demand. The article highlights various companies and their hero products, emphasizing the potential for these alternatives to transform the food industry and address global challenges such as greenhouse gas emissions and overfishing.

Tags:

Y Combinator UC Berkeley Alternative Meat Lab Good Food Institute

Interpretive

Factuality Scale

Claire Turrell is a journalist based in Singapore, Singapore. 
Bylines | BBC, Insider, Nat Geo, The Guardian, The Smithsonian.
Specialises in travel, business, environment.

Fixer for film crews.

I got into Y Combinator as a solo founder and left with a $4.5 million investment. Here's how I got in on my second try and what it was like.

01 Dec 2022  |  Business Insider  |  English  |  Entrepreneurship

The article details the journey of a solo founder who successfully got into Y Combinator (YC) on her second attempt and raised $4.5 million in investment. Initially lacking exposure to the tech world, she found YC to be a valuable network that provided the necessary resources and mentorship. The application process involved an online form, a short video, and a 10-minute Zoom interview. During the virtual YC program, she balanced running her business with attending online talks and connecting with mentors. The experience culminated in a Demo Day presentation, leading to significant fundraising. The founder emphasizes the importance of networking in the tech and startup world.

Tags:

Y Combinator

Balanced

Factuality Scale