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Tag: tech industry

  • Career Karma Acquired by Climb Credit

    In a move set to enhance opportunities within the tech sector, Career Karma, the platform known for guiding individuals into tech careers, has been acquired. Climb Credit, a student payment platform, is the new owner, with the acquisition aiming to streamline the journey for aspiring tech professionals and the educational institutions that serve them.

    Strengthening the Path to Tech Careers

    Founded in 2018 by CEO Ruben Harris and chief product officer Timur Meyster (with co-founder and CTO Artur Meyster having stepped down in 2024), Career Karma has already made a significant impact. The platform provides users with insights into roles that match their career goals, offers personalized coaching, and connects them with top bootcamps tailored to their financial needs and learning pace. Harris shared on LinkedIn that Career Karma has assisted millions of users and aims to reach a billion within the next decade.

    The acquisition by Climb Credit is intended to bolster discovery tools for students, personalize support during enrollment, and increase overall efficiency for both learners and schools. For educational institutions, this partnership promises improved “enrollment outcomes through 1:1 advising from Career Karma advisors” and access to more “qualified, better-matched prospective students with insights on their financial readiness.”

    Expanding Horizons with TripleTen Partnership

    Adding another layer to this development, TripleTen, an online coding bootcamp focused on career changers, will also join as a partner. This collaboration further strengthens the ecosystem designed to support individuals transitioning into new careers, particularly in tech.

    Casey Powers, CEO of Climb Credit, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating in a press release, “For over a decade, Climb has worked to remove financial, informational, and motivational barriers to career education. This acquisition isn’t just about scaling — it’s about impact. We’re building a platform that serves students across many different industries, from healthcare to the skilled trades, reflecting the diverse opportunities learners are pursuing today. Together, we’re helping learners not only finance their education but confidently choose the right path for their future.”

    Focus Shifts to OutRival

    Ruben Harris described the acquisition as a “milestone” and indicated that the founders’ focus will now shift entirely to OutRival. OutRival, also created by the Career Karma founders, is an AI-powered platform designed to replace traditional interactive voice response systems and business process outsourcing with conversational AI agents. This allows teams to concentrate on relationship-building rather than routine tasks. Harris noted that OutRival is already handling over a million calls monthly for respected universities across the country.

    What are your thoughts on this acquisition and its potential impact on the EdTech landscape? Share your insights in the comments below!

  • Tulsa Tech Week: Rebuilding Black Wall Street

    Tulsa, Oklahoma, is gearing up for its second annual Tulsa Tech Week, a citywide festival dedicated to fostering innovation and rebuilding the historic legacy of Black Wall Street. Founded by Tariqua “Tai” Nehisi, this six-day event, running from September 22-27, aims to bring together a diverse community of tech enthusiasts, founders, engineers, students, and investors, all free of charge.

    A Vision for Rebuilding Through Technology

    Nehisi, originally from New York, felt drawn to Tulsa by the city’s concerted efforts to support Black and brown-focused tech companies and rebuild the Black Wall Street community through a technological lens. After participating in a business accelerator, her vision began to take shape, leading to the creation of Tulsa Tech Week.

    The event promises over 50 partners hosting a variety of sessions, panels, and networking opportunities. Organizers describe it as an accessible platform designed to connect key players in the tech ecosystem, offering tailored programming through “attendee paths” for founders, hackers, STEAM scholars, and investors. This focus on specific career paths allows for deeper industry knowledge and targeted networking.

    Community Engagement and Inclusivity

    Community engagement is a cornerstone of Tulsa Tech Week. Events like the “Walk & Talk” networking session at Gathering Place Park, hosted by Startup Grind Tulsa, will not only facilitate connections but also provide visibility for local vendors at an open market. The Oklahoma Small Business Exchange will host a State of Technology Roundtable, bringing together local and national voices to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in the evolving tech landscape.

    The festival is intentionally framed as an inclusive space, designed to attract diverse communities and highlight underrepresented entrepreneurs. As Tulsa continues to grow as a hub for remote workers and startups, Tulsa Tech Week serves as a vibrant showcase of how technology and culture intersect in Oklahoma, aiming to expand and rebuild the city’s economic foundation.

    Are you planning to attend Tulsa Tech Week? What are you most excited about? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

  • 10 Black Tech Titans Shaping the Future

    The United States tech industry faces a significant diversity challenge, with African Americans representing only 7-9% of the workforce and an even smaller percentage in leadership roles at major companies like Google, Microsoft, and Meta. Despite these obstacles, including limited funding, guidance, and connections, Black entrepreneurs are making remarkable strides, launching innovative tech companies that are pushing boundaries and making a substantial impact in the marketplace.

    1. Robert F. Smith: The Visionary Investor

    Robert F. Smith, a renowned investor, founded Vista Equity Partners in 2000. Based in Austin, Texas, the firm specializes in software companies and manages a portfolio of over 85 companies, employing 100,000 people. With over $100 billion in assets under management, Smith’s strategic investments have significantly shaped the software industry.

    2. David Steward: Global IT Services Leader

    David Steward established World Wide Technology in 1990. Today, the company is a major force in global systems integration and IT services, boasting a workforce of over 10,000 employees across 55 locations in the U.S. With a valuation of $11.4 billion and $20 billion in revenue as of 2024, Steward’s company is a testament to sustained growth and market leadership.

    3. Tope Awotona: Simplifying Meetings with Calendly

    Nigerian software entrepreneur Tope Awotona founded Calendly, a platform designed to streamline meeting scheduling. Launched in Atlanta in 2013, the company has experienced steady growth, now employing 653 people. Awotona’s success is reflected in his estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, with Calendly valued at $3 billion as of 2025.

    4. Dr. Iman Abuzeid: Revolutionizing Healthcare Staffing

    Dr. Iman Abuzeid, a physician turned entrepreneur, is the visionary behind Incredible Health. Since 2017, this platform has connected nurses with job opportunities, achieving unicorn status with a valuation exceeding $1 billion. Dr. Abuzeid’s estimated net worth of $350 million highlights her remarkable success as a female founder in the tech space.

    5. Freddie Figgers: Innovating in Telecommunications

    Freddie Figgers, a recognized inventor and entrepreneur, is the driving force behind Figgers Wireless, a telecommunications company established in 2008. Having secured its telecom license in 2011, the company is estimated to be worth around $62 million, showcasing Figgers’ innovative spirit in the tech world.

    6. Iddris Sandu: Bridging Physical and Digital Worlds

    Iddris Sandu is the entrepreneur behind Spatial Labs Inc., founded in 2021. Based in Los Angeles, the company focuses on blending the physical and digital realms, attracting investment from Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partnership and achieving a $10 million valuation. Sandu’s background in software engineering and advocacy for the metaverse fuels his exploration of technology’s possibilities.

    7. Tristan Walker: Transforming Health and Beauty Tech

    Tristan Walker founded Walker & Company Brands in 2013 with a mission to revolutionize health and beauty tech for people of color. The company, known for its Bevel shaving system, was acquired by Procter & Gamble in 2018 for tens of millions of dollars, marking a significant milestone in the industry.

    8. Jessica O. Matthews: Championing Renewable Energy

    Nigerian-American innovator Jessica O. Matthews founded Uncharted Power (originally SOCCKET) in 2011. The company specializes in building renewable energy technology for infrastructure, such as embedding smart energy systems in sidewalks and play equipment. Based in Harlem with a team of 30-50 employees, Uncharted Power has raised over $12.5 million.

    9. Chris Bennett: Empowering Early Childhood Education

    Chris Bennett launched Wonderschool in San Francisco in 2016. This company assists individuals in establishing and managing early childhood education programs, from childcare to preschool. With 200 employees, Wonderschool has secured over $50 million in investments, demonstrating its impact on the education sector.

    10. Kimberly Bryant: Championing Diversity in STEM

    Kimberly Bryant, an engineer dedicated to promoting diversity, founded Black Girls Code in Oakland, California, in 2011. This nonprofit organization equips girls from diverse backgrounds with coding and STEM skills. Bryant has since established the Black Innovation Lab to further empower marginalized tech founders in the Southern United States.

    These ten Black tech titans exemplify resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit, overcoming significant barriers to achieve extraordinary success. Their groundbreaking work not only drives technological advancement but also inspires future generations of Black innovators.

    Who are some other Black tech leaders you admire? Share their names and contributions in the comments below!